Own truck or hire a freight company?
The real costs and when each makes sense — South Dakota, SD.
You're shipping regularly across South Dakota and wondering if buying your own truck would save money. The math gets complicated fast when you factor in driver costs, insurance, and downtime. Most businesses think they'll save money with their own truck but end up spending more.
The break-even point for owning a truck is shipping the same route three or more times per week consistently. Less frequent shipping almost always costs more with your own truck. You're paying for the truck whether it's moving or sitting empty.
Owning a truck means driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and permits. In South Dakota, a commercial driver costs $50,000-70,000 per year including benefits. Add truck payments, insurance, and repairs, and you're looking at $150,000+ annually before moving any freight.
Most businesses save money using LTL freight until they hit 50+ shipments per month. Gateway Distribution handles the driver, insurance, and maintenance while you pay only for space used. Track your current shipping frequency and costs for three months before deciding.
With the right freight partner, you get reliable delivery without the headaches of truck ownership. Your freight moves when you need it, and you can focus on running your business instead of managing drivers and equipment.
Other things people in South Dakota ask
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
LTL shipping cost
LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.
emergency freight shipping
Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.
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.
how to choose freight company
Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.
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Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in South Dakota and the area around it.