Muck Boots 'n' Slickers - Life of a Livestock Hauler

Don’t mind the mess…..that’s a girl outta Doc and Gypsy that’s almost 3. Had her family’s truck in the last couple days doing a transmission, tune up etc.

 

She has a certain look in her eye! Good looking dog!

 

Drove down from Cabool to Jonesboro on Monday, passed several spots that looked like this. Wondered about how you fared.

Feel bad for calling you on parts supplier recommendations this morning, dealing with my own little issues - now I seen what you were dealing with - thanks for answering. Somebody else had hipped me to the fact your boy got wiped out. I need to check in here more often.

Didn't know if I could be of any help - I'll catch up soon. I don't have a lot of spare stuff, just tried to think of general things in the mindset of "If you or your kind suddenly lost everything".

Glad you're all alive. Things did get rough as they do around here.

Ya know Russ - sometimes you just need to pick up the phone and call in resources everyone and then, instead of being so bloody proud, or forgetful - or whatever it is. You're a helpful guy, and it doesn't hurt to reach out when you need it.

 

I second this. Is drop everything to go help Russ if I had any clue what he needed from me. Can't find better people than him.

 

What Blair said in his last paragraph.....

 

So, quick question, not sure how free you fellas are to discuss rates, And I know a bunch of you haul cattle. I started hauling hogs on occasion for a local fella, kind of when he’s in a pinch. Nothing major far. However, pretty much every load so far, he screamed about the rate. And, I’ve been growling about them being too low. I realize I’m using his trailer, and he’s covering the washout, but just wondered if I could get some rounded figures from some of you on what you like to have for hogs? I’m not gonna keep doing it if I can’t make anything at it, and I’m getting the impression that’s what he wants me to do. I spoke with his boss, and she told me to feel free to check rates, and stated that they’re very happy that I’ve been helping them, to which, I replied, well, yeah, if I do it for what he wants me to, it helps your profit margin substantially. Any rule of thumb you guys have established?

 

Maybe the guy just likes to complain and if he does he'll always be unhappy with whatever you're doing. Lots of people are like that, especially in ag.
Learn to deal with it or bail out...your choice entirely.

 

TikTok - Make Your Day

 

Last hogs I hauled the rate was for $.35 per loaded mile in 1956, therefore I can't help you on rate. I can offer business advice.
You are moving them now at a rate. He complains. Rest assured; if there was one competitor available for less he would have been gone.
Whatever the use of his trailer and washout fees and your rate... Continue those until he cuts you loose or you realize it is costing you money.
When either occur, and it is over, be too busy to "help him thru a pinch". Helping is one thing, being ridden is another...

For me, in my day: Well; if I am too high, go down to Penske abd rent a tractor and hire you a driver...
Or: I am glad you brought that up; as I was looking at it last nite, and I am not going to be able to do this after this weekend. (Tell on a Thursday).
Mantra:
Do one thing.
Do it well.
Charge your price.
Collect your money.
(I know you do two things- Milk and truck. But consider each separate.)

 

$5.50 a loaded mile, 100 mile minimum is what it is here. But that's us running our own trucks, trailers and the nearest washout is 100 miles away! Also lots of oilfield competition here for trucks too.