Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
The math on owning trucks vs. using LTL freight services in Utah, UT.
You're shipping regularly and the freight bills are adding up. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck? The math seems murky when you factor in Utah's long hauls between Salt Lake City and rural areas. Here's how to decide what actually saves money.
The break-even point depends on frequency and consistency. Own trucks make financial sense when you ship the same routes at least three times per week, every week. Below that threshold, the fixed costs eat your savings.
Factor in driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime between loads. In Utah, with distances like Salt Lake City to St. George (300 miles), your truck sits empty on return trips unless you find backhaul freight. Most businesses hit the sweet spot around 50+ shipments per month before ownership pays off.
Calculate your current monthly freight spend and compare it to truck ownership costs. Include everything: payments, insurance, driver salary, fuel, repairs, and lost productivity when trucks break down. Gateway Distribution can quote your current routes to give you accurate comparison numbers.
With the right freight partner, you get capacity when you need it without the headaches of truck ownership. Your shipments move reliably while you focus on your core business instead of managing drivers and maintenance schedules.
Other things people in Utah 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 Utah and the area around it.