Being an O/O under a Carrier's Authority

Low fuel cost is the one good thing about the difficult times we are in. Better enjoy it while we can because it surely won't be cheap like that forever.

 

Okay I"m sorry, but I'm curious. Do you pay your plates? Insurance? Tolls? NY hut? at $1.35 a mile average, plus FSC, if you pay all those things, thats TERRIBLE!

 

I understand everyone has a diffrent bottom line, but hauling freight at a gross of 2.10ish a mile just screws everyone. Sorry to say but you're adding to the problem nowadays. But of course, nobody can stick together since deregulation. When you call a plumber and he commands $70 an hour, and all he carries is a tool pouch and some simple tools, ask yourself if averaging $30 an hour after investing $100,000 in a truck compares. We as owners of a single truck are raped and defiled every day! And its because of, I'm sorry, operators just like you.

 

And there is the first problem......everyone thinks its based on what the market calls for. Who sets the market? The carriers. And the more carriers that haul cheap or put up with unpaid detention, the more it becomes the norm. In the USA maybe its fine to haul for $2/mile. Where I'm from, that'll put you out of business real quick. $1.35? You may as well stick to being a company guy. If you're doing just fine, then do us all a favor and sell your truck, drive a company truck and leave being a true owner operator to those who can. I didn't buy my own riggin to look like a company guy and at the end of the month take home $500 more than a company guy. I'm sure next you'll say Elogs are great! This industry is becoming more and more about the megga carriers hauling on a low profit margin in volume compared to stand up owner op's providing good service at a fair but profitable rate! And I'm sorry, but profitting 30 cents a mile is not fair!

 

Good thinking.... But I can answer your statement wisely as i digress.
Sure..Plumbers,Electricians,Carpenters,hvac guys etc etc charge $70 to $100 per hourBecause The Market commands those hourly rates..KEEP IN MIND, They dont work 70 hours a week STEADY like you as an independent trucker CAN If you choose to.. Do i agree averaging $30 per hour operating a truck is too low..YES.

As a 1 truck operator myself I realistically try to average around $65-70 per hour, (My weeks generally doesn't go over 60 hours)

Sure your fixed costs can easily top over $1000 per week,.Add in variable costs-Fuel-tolls-meals-etc) and you better be making some money.

Sad thing is.. Too Many People(I wont mention ethnicity) Are running around with their 1 truck pony Eating PB&J in their trucks Working for $1.35 a mile average HOPING nothing goes wrong.. Best Part? They are a Freight Brokers wet dream..And Its Killing guys that understand economics and the Vision required to profit and live the american dream.

 

I agree %100, but explain to me this......how can a guy who buys an excavator or a septic truck, or even a dump truck charge $220,$150 or $90 an hour, no matter if it's working or sitting at the customer? While we sit at a shipper or receiver for free? You know why? 'Cause nobody will stick together. PERIOD

 

Well yes, Thats part of it,,,,,,,,

See....Deregulation ALLOWED less knowledge into the industry,Therefore driving rates down....

Now, Any Tom,Dick or Harry can Write a check for $300 to the FMCSA, Buy a Truck n trailer and POOF!! The American dream!

Unfortunately, Hauling freight is the 'worst' thing you can do in transportation, It doesn't take much skill or personality to call a freight broker and make them smile.

Guys that get into Dump work, Logging, Pneumatic,Chemical ,etc..Aren't in the habit of playing cat-n-mouse in the world of 'freight'

The way it is

 

Hate to tell you, but working in the bush hauling wood where I'm from is absolutely terrible pay. Way more cut throat than hwy work. But I will agree with you, deregulation did more harm than good