GET RICH!

Anecdotal "evidence".......

 

When you say profit do you mean gross income or net if its net i find it hard to believe specially in this economy.

 

So you want everyone to hold your hand? Just keep using your load board as a crutch.

 

Your friend is probably one of the many guys who thinks that everything they earn above and beyond fuel costs is profit.

 

I do go "direct"....but that being said....Most shippers want the "One phone call" to move their freight.....In case you haven't noticed....it's more cost effective for the shipper to go through a broker and negotiate one price than to go through a mass of O/O's who quote several prices....
It's up to you the O/O to know what you can run for....

 

Specialize. specialize, specialize.
See the post about market driven.
If the market you are in won't bear your price point (demand) it's time to get out.
I read a thread like this about 6 years ago when I went looking for answers and someone posted "On the bread company forums they are trying to figure out how to get the price of a loaf of bread higher so they can make a better profit".

 

What kills me is these newbies that "THINK" they gotit figured out. First off to mitch, you left out incidentals, i.e. tire repairs, maintenance etc. Let me give you an example, you can buy the cheap tires and run them fo 150K or you can buy the expensive tires and run them for up to 300k BUT only 40% of them will make it to the actual time of being worn out and not legal. I have 3 trucks on the road, purchased new rubber when I bought the trucks. I have over 100K on each of these trucks since new rubber and have replaced 6 tires already due to damage that is not repairable. I do not buy the cheap tires bcause the extra down time is costing me money due to shorter service life so, have you accounted for tire repairs? Now the average oil change intervals is somewhere between 15K and 20K per manufacture. I change my oil at 15K plus all filters. An average oil change is 300 and when my trucks are running hard that is about 5 to 6 weeks needing an oil change (My rigs also have apus). Now you also have to figure your truck washes. If you pullrefer, you need to get that thing washed out as often as necessary, such as ifI haul fresh chicken, it get s washed. If I haul bulk produce that is floor loaded, it gets washed. I will usually figure that into the job but there will e some docks that are so filthy that even though you are not hauling a load that makes a mess of your trailer, the sheer dirt and mud that they drag in as well as oil from old equipment, you will need a washout. Now lets talk about the outside, you gotta wash that too. Now if you get home every other week and find time to do it there, that helps but you still want to keep yor appearence neat and presentable. It is also a maintenance item with the new anti ice chemicals they are using. I have hd to go through every truck and trailer this winter due to chemical corrosion... washing the truck off helps to fight it vs/ leaving that stuff on your rig for the season. Now you havent mentioned your payroll taxes, so you figure your wages are going to run about 45 cpm for your house and all, well uncle sam is going to charge you for that too. Better figure and additional 8 to 10 cpm above that to satisfy him. Now if you really watch your funds and account for everything, you will see that your actual cost per mile will be easily 1.50 a mile or so. The freight is out there that pays that but it is not easy to come by. I think you will need to do alot more research to be prepared. As someone els has posted before you have to plan the work thoroughly and then youhave to work your plan.If you do not, you will loose or be left wondering why you are not making what ou thought you would..... Dont forget them tolls too......

 

Again....All of you who say we shouldn't haul for less than $2.50/m...where are these loads you speak of?.....None of TR's regulars are constantly getting that rate....