Should I use backhaul shipping or dedicated trucks?

You have regular freight shipments across South Dakota but you're torn between backhaul service and dedicated trucks. Backhaul costs less because you share space on trucks already making the trip. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed pickup times and full trailer capacity.

Backhaul shipping means your freight rides on trucks already heading to your destination. Instead of paying for an empty return trip, you split the cost with other shippers. This works well for non-urgent shipments where you can be flexible on pickup dates. Dedicated trucks give you the entire trailer and fixed schedules, but you pay the full cost whether the truck is full or not.

Backhaul typically costs 15-30% less than dedicated trucking. Your savings depend on available truck routes and how flexible you can be with timing. Dedicated trucks cost more but guarantee capacity during peak seasons like harvest time in South Dakota. If you ship large volumes or have tight deadlines, the extra cost often pays for itself in reliability.

Choose backhaul if you can wait 2-3 days for pickup and want the lowest cost per mile. Choose dedicated if you need guaranteed pickup dates or ship time-sensitive goods. Gateway Distribution can help you find the right mix for your South Dakota routes. Most shippers use backhaul for routine shipments and dedicated trucks for urgent loads.

With the right shipping strategy, you get reliable service at a price that makes sense for your business. Your freight moves when you need it to, without paying for capacity you don't use.

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