Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Hub-and-spoke distribution advice for Texas businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing across Texas. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive. But paying freight companies every month adds up too. You need to know which option costs less long-term for your business.
Most Texas companies face this decision when shipping volume hits 15-20 loads per month. Buying trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance costs. Hiring trucking companies means higher per-shipment rates but no fixed overhead or regulatory headaches.
Total cost of ownership for one truck runs $8,000-$12,000 monthly in Texas. That includes payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and driver salary. Most companies need consistent volume of 40+ loads per month to break even on ownership. Below that threshold, outsourcing typically costs less.
Calculate your actual shipping volume over the past six months. Include seasonal peaks and valleys. If you ship fewer than 40 loads monthly, hub-and-spoke distribution through Gateway Distribution often saves money. You pay per shipment with no fixed costs or compliance requirements.
Once you know your true shipping pattern, you can make the right choice. Companies that own trucks control timing but carry fixed costs. Companies that outsource pay variable rates but avoid overhead and focus on their core business.
Other things people in Texas 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 Texas and the area around it.