Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
The math on owning trucks versus using freight services in South Carolina, SC.
Your shipping costs keep climbing and you're wondering if buying your own truck makes sense. Maybe you're running loads between Charleston and Columbia regularly, or shipping from your South Carolina facility to customers up I-85. The numbers feel murky and you need a clear answer.
Most businesses think owning trucks saves money because they skip the freight company markup. But truck ownership means driver wages, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime costs. Your truck sits empty between loads while a freight company fills that space with other cargo.
Owning makes financial sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week consistently. Factor in $80,000 for a decent used truck, $60,000+ annual driver wages, $15,000+ insurance, plus maintenance and fuel. Most businesses break even around 50+ shipments monthly on steady routes.
For irregular shipping or mixed destinations across South Carolina, backhaul logistics offers a middle path. Your freight rides on trucks already making the trip, so you pay only for space used, not empty miles. Gateway Distribution specializes in matching your cargo with existing routes, cutting costs without truck ownership headaches.
With the right freight partner, you get reliable shipping at predictable costs. No surprise repairs, no driver shortages, no truck payments. You focus on your business while experienced carriers handle the logistics across South Carolina's highway network.
Other things people in South Carolina 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 South Carolina and the area around it.