Truck Load Rates Halt 8 Week Slide 2.0

I never know whether I should click the "Like" button on news like this. I parked my truck on the 10th. Took almost 2 weeks before I would even venture out. I was able to string several intrastate loads together in the last week. Nothing to write home about for sure. Who knows May might be a complete disaster for me. LOL

 

Today I bid on a Convoy load. They were offering $300 for a 150 mile overnight load. I bid $900. Needless to say, my bid didn't work out LOL

 

From OOIDA today:




On behalf of everyone at OOIDA, thank you for everything that you do. We realize this is a very challenging time. We are doing the best we can to be helpful and address as many issues as possible.

We are aware that freight rates are at historic lows. Trucking has often suffered from chronic overcapacity - too many trucks and trailers and not enough freight. The resulting market conditions (i.e. low rates) are magnified right now. While there is no quick or easy solution, hauling cheap freight is not a viable or sustainable approach and we strongly advise against it - just as we always have.


We also realize some brokers and shippers are exploiting the ongoing crisis. While federal regulations require brokers to be transparent about certain rate information, there are far too many loopholes that effectively undermine those regulations. We continue to work with FMCSA and Congress to require additional transparency and close as many loopholes as possible. Unfortunately, this will not provide any immediate relief.


You should also be mindful of hauling for brokers that you are not familiar with. Especially during times like this, some unscrupulous brokers have no intention of ever paying carriers and drivers for the services they provide. When someone files a claim against the bond, the result is usually a payment of pennies on the dollar or maybe nothing at all. We refer to this issue as "Broker Bond" and have been trying to get FMCSA and Congress to remedy it for nearly a decade.


Finally, if you have an issue with a broker, we would strongly encourage you to file a complaint with FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB). While the NCCDB is far from perfect, we need complaints to be filed because it helps us show just how broken it is and might hopefully lead to meaningful changes. You can file a complaint by clicking on the following link: https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/nccdb/home.aspx. If you do file a complaint, you should also forward a copy to your lawmakers and OOIDA via questions@ooida.com.


Again, thank you for everything you do. As always, we appreciate your support and are happy to answer any questions you might have.


Sincerely,


Lewie Pugh


OOIDA Executive Vice President

 

Message from TA/PETRO beginning to reopen Restaurants:

As the country begins to reopen, we begin to reopen our full service restaurants for dine-in.

For the safety of all our customers and employees, we will be implementing new protocols at our restaurants.

• Buffets, soup bars and salad bar offerings will be closed at our full service restaurants.
• We will use disposable or limited-use menus, and there will be a reduced selection of food items
• We will practice social distancing. Customers will be asked to keep a six-foot distance as they wait.
• You may not see ketchup, mustard, salt or pepper on the table. They may be served in single-use containers or available upon request.
• Restaurant capacity may be limited.
• We will continue the increased cleaning frequency of commonly touched surfaces including tables, counters, seats, booths and door handles.

Currently, six Georgia restaurant dining rooms are open and ready to serve you:

• Fuddruckers in Commerce, Georgia
• Fuddruckers in Savannah, Georgia
• IHOP in Jackson, Georgia

• Country Pride in Cartersville, Georgia
• Iron Skillet in Atlanta, Georgia
• Iron Skillet in Carnesville, Georgia

While 15 more restaurants are being prepared for dine-in service:

• Country Pride in Council Bluffs, IA
• Country Pride in Concordia, MO
• Country Pride in Foristell, MO
• Iron Skillet in Kingdom City, MO
• TA Café in Laurel, MT
• Country Pride in Missoula, MT
• Country Pride in Ogalla, NE
• Iron Skillet in York, NE

• Country Pride in Antioch, TN
• Country Pride in Denmark, TN
• Country Pride in Franklin, TN
• Iron Skillet in Kingston Springs, TN
• Iron Skillet in Knoxville, TN
• Black Bear Diner in Beaumont, TX
• Iron Skillet in Amarillo, TX

We plan to continue to reopen our seated dining areas as quickly as states and local authorities allow and look forward to serving you again! For the most up-to-date information on reopenings, visit the TruckSmart app or our location update page.