Hopper, Dump O/O's & Drivers

Well it could be worse wheathauler. Back in the 80's and early ninetys their was an old guy that worked for Union Equity Elevator when they were in buisness here and he hired all the trucks. He also owned the fuel stop across the street from his office, if you bought your fuel from him you got to work and the better loads, if you didn't well you were last to work. Then their was the guy that would give you the better loads if you sponsored his race car at the local dirt track but that didn't last long because some guys got tired of that crap and turned him in to the company.

 

That statement made by your grain hauler buddy is a statement thats made by alot of guys pulling a bucket also. I know things have changed alot since I quit doing it, but some of the rates I've heard aren't no better than pulling a flat or even worse. I did talk to a guy the other week who was out of AL who runs back and forth to Ohio, the Co he's working for had some good rates. They was alot better than steel rates, wish I didn't have to get off the exit or I'd got the name of his CO off of him...

 

OD loads do pay good when things are good but everything sucks right now. They're a lot of O/O'S trying to hang on and a lot giving up and walking away. I have been in bad times before this maybe the worst but you just learn to survive, maybe you downsize, cut your expenses, sell some things, send the kids to grandmas. I plan on being here when this economy turns around and I think there will be a lot of money to be made.

I hate to see an O/O go out or a small company but sometimes it is best to get rid of the excess fat. I think wheathauler is right you may see a lot of hoppers for sale this winter and maybe some cheap, this will make things better for the ones that are still in it when things start to get better. I have talked to several hopper outfits and brokers and they all are telling me (except for two that are pretty good size) that they are not adding anymore trucks they just want to keep their guys busy. I think everyone will agree their is a whole lot of hoppers out their.

It is sad that there are guys out their hauling for less then what it cost to operate per mile and they don't even know it. I guarantee you could walk up to ten O/O's tomorrow and seven wouldn't even be able to tell you.

 

Its true. Blew a drive tire today. Can't afford it. I think I might be the "fat" you are referring to, and I'm making peace with that possibility.

 

Why are the elevators full when there is no work? Some one must be holding out on someone...thoughts?

 

If they're storing it then they don't need it moved anywhere until more comes in. Would fall harvest bring the work? Gotta put it somewhere.

 

I wasn't referring to you M, I am sure you know your buisness and your not out cutting the rates. If you were any where around my area I would bring you a tire, thats how guys worked together years ago.

 

They like to collect those storage fee's as long as they can.