Why is freight shipping so expensive right now?
Backhaul logistics solutions for Rhode Island businesses facing rising freight costs.
Your freight costs have doubled in the past year, and you're not sure if this is the new normal. Rhode Island businesses are getting hit especially hard because most carriers need to deadhead back from New England deliveries. You need to know whether to lock in rates now or wait for prices to drop.
Three main factors drive today's freight costs: fuel prices, driver shortages, and equipment availability. Fuel surcharges alone can add 15-25% to your bill when diesel spikes. Driver shortages mean carriers can be picky about loads, especially for routes like I-95 through Rhode Island where return freight is limited. Empty trailers heading back south cost the same to operate as full ones.
Freight rates fluctuate seasonally and with demand cycles. Peak shipping seasons (back-to-school, holiday) can push rates 30-40% higher than off-peak periods. For Rhode Island shippers, the challenge is geography. Most freight moves north into New England but struggles to find southbound loads, making round trips expensive.
Get quotes from multiple carriers and ask specifically about backhaul opportunities. Gateway Distribution specializes in backhaul logistics, matching your freight with trucks already making return trips. This cuts costs because you're not paying for an empty trailer. Consider longer-term contracts during volatile periods to lock in stable rates.
Once you find the right backhaul partner, your shipping costs become predictable again. You'll pay for actual transportation instead of subsidizing empty miles, and your freight moves on established routes with reliable timing.
Other things people in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island and the area around it.