Why you can not compete with big carriers

@wis bang
“Oh yeah, don't buy any equipment until you have found a way to get that nitch business you found.....”

very good advice, if you are struggling, take heed!

When I decided to go on my own, I already knew what market I was going to specialize and had a “in” with a customer. Only lasted about half a year, but it was important to be instep going in rather than “hoping for the best.”

 

Exactly. Low fixed per mile pay, coupled with BS discounts to be able to run so cheap. The Company bean counters got it all figured out for the O/O. What a joke. Consumers are trained to focus on “savings”, while in reality it’s a cost. Keeps the O/O focused on Pennie’s, while they’re literally being nickeled and dimed.

 

Not always the case but I do agree with you on most of it. I see Landstar pick CHR loads for cheap a lot. I have often lost loads to them and I know this since I have a very good relationship with my broker rep. But overall I do agree with your statement.

 

Thats the “Cascadia way”….. but that’s another thread

 

It goes like this, we’re a little slow, need any help moving loads today? The other way is booking the load for their own Truck, then flipping it unbeknownst to the original Broker. Double Brokering. Unscrupulous Landstar Agents are some of the worst. It’s rampant. Corporate turns a blind eye. The truth is the Megas can’t compete with an O/O. Crazy low rates right now. Plenty of freight available. Volume is down a bit, still plenty, especially for this time of year. I guess there’s still plenty of Capacity. That’s what we’re supposed to believe anyway. I sure have been getting a lot of calls lately. It doesn’t add up. Somethings about to change. If it doesn’t, my Trucks going up for sale. A lot of stuff might be going up for sale, including my house. Might be time to back out, and downsize. Simply my life. Let others play this game. Too many Sharks, and too many desperate Trucks. Including myself.

 

Is that where I can learn how to make the big money? Get 8 mpg, brag how my Trucks only been on the hook 3 times in 5 yrs. Only had to change the one box twice. Post vague settlements to prove my success? Pay a shop to fix every simple little thing. Then complain about it? Apparently the real key to used Cascadia success is buying the extended warranty. As soon as it expires, just buy another used Cascadia. Just be sure to get a “Select “ Cascadia from Freightliners inventory, they’re special hand picked, inspected and qualify for the extended warranty, you’ll pay for and probably never use. Only requirement is being able to check oil occasionally if a shop techs not available. Otherwise just put it in D, point it in the right direction and go.

 

Wait until Kag gets their hands on that account……. Party over….

P.S. they’ve already tried to buy their way into that account

 

NO, you don't compete with everyone, you compete with those owners and small fleets.

Megas don't get desperate for trucks, they have too many of them to worry about a few loads.

 

Ever book a load at like 5pm on a Friday?! Sweet lord there’s some money to be made if you are patient.

 

True, but Sergei and Ivan may be buying it under the table for a discounted price.