No experience but getting Authority

Right now im between jobs, trying to get something local.

 

I take it you don't have your own truck. If you do we can talk about running loads under my authority.

Hauling for ADM today and they are hiring. Should be steady through harvest.

 

No don't have my own truck but it's my goal!

 

Oh wow, what a bad first day running the new hopper. Made about $200 gross. Tomorrow should be better as today I was not positioned with a load to drop when they opened so I started a load and half behind. But still being in a better position for tomorrow I can't see this deal working at these rates. It takes 1 ½ hours to get MT. And when you are talking 80 miles R/T you are down a load a day. And they shutdown at 2 pm.
Well, gotta do it tomorrow as I committed already. Next week will be better as I will be hauling from the fields and a better rate and taking it to an elevator that should not take more than ½ to unload.

 

Where are you taking it to? The ethanol plant seems to have alot of corn going to it.

 

Today and tomorrow it is from a country elevator to ADM in Decatur. Next week it will be from several farms going to Gilman. Not sure of the facility. We are in a coop with one of the elevators that invested heavly in the Gibson ethonal plant and was thinking about talking to the coop manager to get an in. But he is kinda an SOB so think I will just stop by and see what I can learn. They also ship alot bulk out and with the 78" sides I can haul the fluffy stuff. This all came about fast so don't have all my ducks lined up.

 

Grats on the hopper Bill! Once you get the timing right you be making money and already in position when the harvest ramps up.

I've been away from the forum for a couple days keeping my nose down recovering from the setbacks we had last month and wrapping things up on my day job. Today is 3 months hauling paid freight for us. Tuesday we had the last blowout on the last axle of crappy tires left on our rig and those 4 got replaced. Like your getting ready for harvest, having fresh rubber on the ground has us staged a little better for running the southern routes we do, now that summer is cranking up.

 

Thought maybe you took a little vacation.

Here is to smooth sailing for a couple months.

 

RedForeman, I was just wondering where you were. Anybody following your posts should see why everyone harps about the unexpected. You planned well, executed well and have had more than your fair share of unexpected bumps and expenses. You're still standing and that speaks volumes on the importance of planning and resources.

BigBadBill, congrats on the new equipment. Your quick decision to move on to a more profitable situation for the hopper is what will keep you more profitable. I can't tell you how many times, with my first truck, I kept trying the same thing thinking it would get better.

There's plenty to be learned, by those of us wanting to run their own authority, from many on this forum. Few share as freely, both the good and bad, as you two do. Thanks and keep it coming.

 

Yeah, well, moved even quicker than planned. Showed up to get in line to deliver this morning at a little after 5 for a 6 opening. Over 100 trucks already in line. I did not get MT and leave till after 7. When I got to the elevator to get loaded I checked in on next weeks loads and he had something 50-miles from Decatur. I was able to make double and would be hauling beans (still to ADM) but you have 1 bean load coming in for every 40 corn loads. Called the ADM guy and said this was my last load.

Cost me being able to do another load today but I am loaded with beans and will be parking in the line TONIGHT so I can get out quicker.

Not to mention doing this bean load is pulling the other guys but out of the fire. And they are starting a fert to farm business after harvest and he will be coordinating trucks for that. Not sure how that will work but if it pays good money I will haul it.