Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?

Your shipping volume is growing across North Dakota's rural routes. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less in the long run.

The decision comes down to total cost of ownership versus freight rates. Owning trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance costs. Most businesses underestimate these hidden expenses by 30-40%.

Break-even typically happens around 40+ loads per month consistently. Below that volume, outsourcing usually costs less. Above that threshold, owned trucks can save money if you have steady freight and can handle the administrative burden. Factor in North Dakota's harsh winters, which increase maintenance and insurance costs.

Calculate your true monthly shipping volume over the past 12 months. Include seasonal fluctuations common in agricultural areas. If you're shipping 40+ loads monthly with predictable routes along I-94 or I-29, buying might work. For smaller or irregular volumes, Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke network can reduce your per-shipment costs without the overhead.

Once you choose the right approach, you'll have predictable shipping costs and can focus on growing your business instead of managing trucks and drivers.

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