Why is freight shipping so expensive right now?
Straight answers about freight costs from Gateway Distribution, backhaul logistics in Ohio, OH.
Your shipping costs doubled in the past year. You're not sure if this is permanent or temporary. Ohio businesses from Cleveland to Columbus are dealing with the same sticker shock on freight quotes.
Freight costs spiked because of three main factors hitting at once. Driver shortages mean fewer trucks available for your cargo. Fuel prices jumped and stayed high. Equipment like trailers and containers became harder to find after supply chain disruptions.
Most Ohio routes now cost 30-50% more than two years ago. The increase depends on your freight type and distance. Longer hauls along I-70 or I-75 see bigger jumps than local deliveries. Oversized cargo and specialty freight face even steeper rates because fewer carriers handle them.
Get quotes from multiple carriers this week. Ask about backhaul opportunities where your freight rides on trucks already making the trip. Gateway Distribution specializes in backhaul logistics, which cuts costs by sharing trailer space instead of paying for empty miles. Lock in rates for regular shipments to avoid monthly price swings.
Once you secure reliable carriers with fair pricing, your shipping budget becomes predictable again. You can plan inventory and customer deliveries without worrying about surprise rate increases eating into your margins.
Other things people in Ohio ask
freight shipping transit times
LTL typically takes 2-5 business days depending on distance. Full truckload is usually 1-3 days. Expedited can be next day. Weather, holidays, and freight class affect timing. Get a transit time estimate in writing before you book.
backhaul vs dedicated trucking
Backhaul works when you have flexibility on pickup times and want the lowest cost. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed capacity and schedules. If your shipments are time-sensitive or high-volume, dedicated is worth the extra cost.
own truck vs freight company
Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route 3+ times per week consistently. Factor in driver wages, insurance, maintenance, and downtime. Most businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments per month.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles backhaul logistics in Ohio and the area around it.