Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
The real costs behind each option — Gateway Distribution serves Vermont, VT.
Your shipping volume is climbing in Vermont. Buying trucks and hiring drivers looks expensive upfront. But paying freight companies every month adds up too. You need to know which option actually costs less over time.
Most Vermont businesses face this decision when they hit 10-15 shipments per month. Truck ownership means payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT requirements. Hiring trucking companies means per-shipment fees but no fixed costs or headaches.
Owning trucks typically costs $8,000-12,000 per month per truck including everything. That breaks even around 40+ consistent loads monthly. Below that volume, outsourcing usually wins. Vermont's rural routes and seasonal fluctuations make the math even trickier since your volume probably varies.
Calculate your total monthly shipping spend first. Include current freight costs, potential truck payments, insurance, fuel, driver wages, and maintenance. Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke system often costs less than either option by consolidating Vermont shipments through our regional hubs. This cuts empty miles and reduces your per-shipment cost.
Once you know the real numbers, the choice gets clearer. Most Vermont companies save money outsourcing until they consistently ship 40+ loads monthly. Below that threshold, trucking partnerships typically win on both cost and simplicity.
Other things people in Vermont 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 Vermont and the area around it.