Yearly Profit After Expenses...

I read every contract very carefully before signing. There have been a few times where I simply refused to sign their agreement. If they won't change it to make it equitable, then I don't sign. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one willing to do that. Some people don't think twice about signing a contract. I have seen some who don't even read what they sign. Not reading and fully understanding a contract is bad business and could come back and bite you at some point.

 

Well I find it way to easy to just say no. If I am going to spend money it sure as hell wont be spending money to work. As far as Sarah she actually seems to enjoy it, she likes riding and has her kindle, computer and internet access to keep her busy. She also helps me out with hooking, unhooking, paperwork, backing up into tricky spots, and alot of other things.

For an update that 600 mile load turned into a 900 mile load so that 1600 went to 1800, I figured I would give them a small break because it was my fault I didnt run the actual destinations and just assumed that the extra stop would be along the route. Still making 2.00/mile loaded and about 1.90 total milage. With an operating cost of 1.71 after all expenses it still leaves a little room for profit. My cost will probably be slightly lower because the total weight was only around 10k lbs. Bad news is I was lucky enough to notice that there are a couple of small cracks in 3 of my trailer brake shoes and a minor leak in one of my trailer wheel seals (filled it up and it stayed full for the 350 mile run to AR) that shows a little fluid on the inside of the wheel . Total cost to get those fixed is going to be around 650 parts and labor, going to get four new sets of brake shoes and the new seal. At least I caught it before DOT did though because I don't want to get shutdown on my second load lol. After I get those done and replace the $3 plug in my rear differential (has minor leak) that will be all the problems I can find with the truck so far as far as mechanics go. I thought I had a small leak in my power steering somewhere but I filled it up when I first bought the truck and have not noticed any fluid loss so I guess they fixed it and just didnt clean the old fluid up.

 

Well total cost for the brakes and a full service pm and flushing both rear differentials and transmission was 1200 the brakes are old inboard style so they were more expensive. I had a load booked for after the oil/brake chanted but ended up with a coolant leak. Cost to fix is around 200 and was gonna cancel but before I did the broker called me to reschedule pickup. I "accidently" forgot to tell him I had to sit overnight anyway and upper the price for making me wait. So I will be getting 500 for a 160 mile load 200 miles after deadhead. While in the shop I listened to a guy tell me how there isn't any money in the biz anymore and then explain to me the best way to get loads. Saying that he is getting around 1.70 for his flatbded loads, and telling me sometimes he has to take the 1.10 to 1.20 mile loads. Considering my truck has yet to move for less than 1.95 a mile and almost everything has been over 2.05 I think I will ignore his advice lol. He also took the time to explain that I am overestimating my cpm especially with my equipment paid off that it should be closer to around .95 to 1.15 per mile. I think I see now why people go out of buisness.

 

I have to say what I like most about flatbed is that MOST will not move for anything under $2/mile and many are above that. So rates don't take that big a hit.

Now, we don't know what he is willing to do or what type of equipment. I met a guy who has a 40' (I think I am right on the size) and has trouble getting loads above $1.50. But can't get enought income to get a better trailer.

 

I spoke with an owner operator last week who told me that he was making a little over $1.30/mile with fsc running a dedicated account. He liked it because he knew how much he was going to make each week and when he would be home. I didn't say anything.

 

I might be moving to flats after I get some time under me if not I will be bugging red about them there trailers that stay cold all by themselves . I don't know exactly what trailer he had but he did have a newer looking w900 so I have a feeling he had a little bit of a payment. As for that guy you talked to gman I can see how knowing your weekly pay and being home all the time could have a little value but only after you are making a profit it is never worth losing money. Still sitting here at this shop at exit 201 off i75 in GA. Will probably be here for another couple hours ###### thing is the service department doesn't have chairs so I have been asleep on the floor most of the day.

 

I have a 4-hour policy. If the shop can't get me fixed and running in 4-hours I grab a hotel room. Only issue is ones that don't have someone around with CDL to park my truck.

 

That's pretty smart my problem is we have a cat so and there is no way I would leave him in the truck in this Georgia weather without it running. Yesterday the work was on the trailer so we could leave the truck running (have 2 keys on me). Other than that they told me that the hose is really easy to get to so it wouldn't take long but they still havnt recieved the part yet.

 

You should be in Jackson, GA. The only garage that I can remember at that exit is the TA.

It doesn't make any sense to run a truck for what this guy is running. I didn't tell him the rates that I have been getting the last several months. I didn't see any need to make him feel bad. I rarely discuss my rates. They guy could have netted as much as a company driver and probably been home just as much without the responsibility of running a truck.

 

Jackson is right come to think of it. It is the TA shop that I am at. As far as discussing my rates o really don't mind I kind of hope I will inform someone that it is possible to get decent rates and that will be one less driver hauling cheap freight. If I can average about 2 a mile fresh starting out then anyone can. From what I can tell it is all about being able to say no and sticking to your guns.