Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Calculate the real costs before you decide — South Carolina hub-and-spoke distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing across South Carolina's I-85, I-26, and I-95 corridors. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less long-term.
Most companies underestimate the true cost of owning trucks. Beyond the truck payment, you pay for commercial insurance, maintenance, DOT compliance, driver wages, and fuel. Driver turnover adds recruiting and training costs. Empty miles between deliveries eat into profits.
The breakeven point typically hits around 40 consistent loads per month. Below that volume, trucking companies usually cost less because they spread fixed costs across multiple customers. Above 40 loads, your own fleet might make sense if you can keep trucks busy.
Calculate your total monthly shipping costs over the past six months. Include everything: freight bills, expedited charges, and any detention fees. Compare that to truck payments, insurance, driver wages, and maintenance for the fleet size you need. Gateway Distribution can run those numbers with you and show exactly where the breakeven point sits for your South Carolina routes.
Once you know the real math, the decision becomes clear. You either save money outsourcing or justify the investment in your own trucks with solid numbers backing the choice.
Other things people in South Carolina 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.
how long does hub and spoke shipping take
Hub and spoke adds 1-2 days compared to direct shipping but costs significantly less. Your freight gets consolidated at the hub then moves on optimized routes. Good for non-urgent shipments where cost matters more than speed.
when to book freight shipping
Book LTL 1-2 days ahead for standard service. Full truckload needs 2-5 days notice depending on season. Peak seasons (harvest, back-to-school, holidays) require more lead time. Expedited services can often pick up same day.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles hub-and-spoke distribution in South Carolina and the area around it.