Should I buy my own truck or hire a freight company?
Cost breakdown for Washington businesses weighing LTL freight vs. owning trucks.
You're shipping regularly across Washington and the costs are adding up. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck instead of paying freight companies? The math isn't as simple as it looks, especially with Seattle traffic and mountain passes affecting delivery times.
Most businesses think owning a truck saves money once shipping costs hit a certain level. But trucks come with hidden expenses that freight companies absorb for you. Driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime all add up fast. In Washington, winter weather and I-90 mountain passes can sideline your truck for days.
Owning makes financial sense if you ship the same routes at least three times per week, every week. Factor in $80,000-120,000 for a decent used truck, plus $60,000-80,000 annually for a driver, $15,000-25,000 for insurance, and ongoing maintenance. Most Washington businesses hit break-even around 50+ shipments monthly on consistent routes.
Track your current shipping patterns for three months before deciding. Count routes, frequencies, and seasonal changes. If your volumes are inconsistent or you ship different destinations each time, LTL freight stays cheaper. Gateway Distribution can analyze your shipping data and show you real numbers for both options.
With the right choice, you'll have predictable shipping costs and reliable delivery times. Your cash flow stays steady, and you can focus on growing your business instead of managing trucks and drivers.
Other things people in Washington 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 Washington and the area around it.