Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Cost breakdown for Wyoming businesses from Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke team.
Your shipping volume is picking up across Wyoming's I-80 and I-25 corridors. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less long-term.
Most Wyoming businesses face this decision when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Truck ownership means payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance costs. Freight companies charge per load but handle everything else.
Owning trucks typically costs $8,000-$12,000 per month per vehicle before you move a single box. Add driver wages ($50,000-$65,000 annually in Wyoming), fuel, repairs, and downtime. Most companies break even around 40+ consistent loads monthly.
Calculate your total shipping costs over 12 months, then compare truck ownership expenses. Include hidden costs like backup drivers and equipment repairs. Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke network often costs less than ownership until you reach higher volumes consistently.
The right choice keeps your cash flow steady and your deliveries reliable. You can always buy trucks later when the numbers clearly favor ownership over outsourcing.
Other things people in Wyoming 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 Wyoming and the area around it.