Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
Real cost comparison from Gateway Distribution, LTL shipping in Ohio, OH.
Your shipping costs are climbing, and you're wondering if buying your own truck makes sense. With Ohio's I-70, I-75, and I-71 connecting major markets, the math seems tempting. But hidden costs can turn truck ownership into a money pit fast.
Truck ownership looks cheaper on paper until you add driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, and downtime. A single breakdown can cost thousands and leave your customers waiting. Most Ohio businesses underestimate these hidden expenses by 40-60%.
Owning makes sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week consistently. Factor in $80,000-120,000 annual costs per truck including driver, insurance, fuel, and repairs. Most companies need 50+ shipments monthly to break even versus LTL rates.
Calculate your current monthly shipping spend and frequency first. If you ship sporadically or to different destinations, LTL saves money and headaches. Gateway Distribution handles Ohio LTL shipments with shared trailer space, so you pay only for what you use without truck ownership risks.
With LTL, your shipping costs stay predictable and scalable. No surprise repair bills, no driver management, no insurance headaches. You focus on your business while experienced carriers handle the logistics.
Other things people in Ohio ask
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
LTL shipping cost
LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.
emergency freight shipping
Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.
why is freight so expensive
Fuel costs, driver shortages, and equipment availability drive freight pricing. Rates fluctuate seasonally and with demand. Get quotes from multiple carriers and consider longer-term contracts for rate stability during volatile periods.
how to choose freight company
Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.
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Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Ohio and the area around it.