Reminds me of a SF book I stumbled on some time ago.
Somewhere there is a network of groundside stargates. Big rig trucks are outfitted with life support and do the classic merchant hauling activity. A major plot line was the search for the fabled 'roadmap' that would show all the routes and maybe where they actually were in the universe.
"...other races used starships..."
IIRC the transit was near instantaneous. If the transit time was adjusted to the standard 150-175 hours, it would make a heck of an adventure to spring on some jaded players.
Hmmm, where's my TRAVELLER books...?