Own truck vs freight company: which costs less?

You're shipping enough that freight costs are adding up fast. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck and handle deliveries yourself? The math isn't clear when you factor in everything that comes with owning a commercial vehicle in Texas.

Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week, every week. Most Texas businesses hit this break-even point around 50+ shipments per month. Below that volume, freight companies usually cost less when you add up the real numbers.

Buying a truck means driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime when it breaks. Texas commercial truck insurance runs $8,000 to $15,000 per year. Add driver wages at $50,000+ annually, plus maintenance that averages $15,000 per truck per year. Empty return trips cost you the same as loaded ones.

Start by tracking your current shipping costs for three months. Count every shipment, route, and dollar spent. If you're consistently shipping the same routes multiple times per week, then explore truck ownership. For most volume levels, backhaul logistics through Gateway Distribution costs less because you only pay for space on trucks already making the trip.

Once you find the right approach, your shipping costs become predictable. You'll know exactly what each delivery costs without surprise maintenance bills or driver issues. Your products move reliably while you focus on growing your business instead of managing trucks.

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