Should I buy my own truck or hire a freight company?
Clear math on when each option makes sense in Rhode Island, RI.
You're shipping regularly from Rhode Island and the freight bills are adding up. Maybe you're thinking about buying a truck and handling deliveries yourself. The math gets complicated when you factor in all the hidden costs.
Buying your own truck seems cheaper until you add up the real costs. Driver wages in Rhode Island run $55,000-$70,000 annually. Then there's commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime when the truck breaks. Most businesses underestimate these by 30-40%.
Own trucks make financial sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week consistently. You need at least 50 shipments monthly to justify the fixed costs. Freight companies work better for irregular schedules or mixed destinations along I-95 and Route 6.
Calculate your total monthly shipping costs including wages, insurance, and maintenance before deciding. If you ship less than three times weekly to the same locations, backhaul logistics saves money. Gateway Distribution offers shared truckloads that split costs between multiple shippers on the same route.
With the right freight partner, you get predictable costs without the headaches of truck ownership. No surprise repair bills or finding backup drivers when someone calls in sick.
Other things people in Rhode Island ask
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.
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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles backhaul logistics in Rhode Island and the area around it.