whats diesel got to hit to stall or stop trucking.

I was thiking about buying my own dumptruck, until the diesel prices got stupid. Not a very good idea anymore. Ive heard people say "the gas/diesel prices will go down when we get some new politicians in office after the 08 election." Ya right !

 

Buying your own dumptruck can still make a lot of sense in spite of high fuel prices- which despite opinions to the contrary are likely to go substantially higher. The key is having a well managed operation, low repair costs, and reliable accounts.
For example I have an '03 T-800 with a C-12 Cat and a 16' Ox semi-eliptical body. I've had it since it was new and I've only run the thing enough to basically make the payments and depreciate it, for the last year with a part time driver who earns $18/hour with (blush) no benefits. Even though I've had to raise the hourly rate to $90/hour the thing still stays as busy as I need it to be.

My OTR tractor on the other hand ceased making much financial sense considering the rates and diminishing fuel surcharge in relation to the actual cost of fuel. I had been earning just a little less each month for about six months so I got out.
rx

 

Colorado- some ag., mostly dirt for contractors. Just raised it at the first of the year; I've been at 75 for 2 years, I started in 03-04 at $65 with a 2 hour minimum, time starts at your job.

I know of some scabby asphalt haulers who are only getting $45 although they're mostly running junk and it wouldn't surprise me to find that they were uninsured.
rx

 

I wasn't gonna come right out and say it but as you know we have a TREMENDOUS problem with illegal truckers here in the Rocky Mountain West. However, quite a few of them are legitimate- they just look "wrong".
Of course, you already know that as you share the roads here with this junk as well.
rx