In Progress TRUCK STRIKE, GA

Well, it looks like most movements so far have been to the state capitals around parks. It has been getting press, so I consider it working. So I would am for the capital. Just keep it proffessional, and tip of the local media.

 

Latley I Have Noticed Drivers Are Slowing Down. Slowing Down To Save .5 Miles Per Gallon. I Have Actually Been Able To Pass Bull Haulers. That Is Not The Answer People. We Need To Ban Together stop On April 1st!! We Can Make A Differance When 1 Million Trucks Pull To The Shoulder For 24 Hrs. They Will Notice. Stop Criing On The Cb And Help Us Make A Change! without Trucks America Stops! Stop Your Truck For A Better Future! Take A Break And Make A Differance.

 

As small businesses we are all facing a tough situation. I have made some changes to my business years ago keep my head above water.

First, I do a cost per mile evaluation every week by calculating my fixed cost (insurance, licenses, and so on) and my variable cost (fuel, maintenance, etc).

I have a fuel surcharge in place with my direct customers that does cover increases in fuel. I also do a cost of living increase each year with these shippers by negotiating a percentage increase on my linehaul rates.

The problem I run into is when I am away from home and am looking for a return load through one of the thousands of brokers that are trying to sell freight at below my operating cost.

I try to deal with reputable brokers but we all know that they are far and few between. When I leave out on a run I contact the ones that I deal with regularly and let them know that I will be delivering in there area. They know that I won't haul for less than my established dollar amount so they put me on the bottom of their list. Freight pays better when they get desperate and I have learned to play the waiting game.

Loads that are booked a day ahead or the morning of pay less than those booked after 12:00 noon. It is surprising how much a broker can pay when in a pinch. The problem is that too many truckers will jump on loads early just to keep moving.

I also have chosen to do business with small shippers that aren't on the large companies radar. I haul hazmat loads also because these shippers have difficulty finding hazmat drivers. I don't have a problem going to the east coast either because my profit per mile far exceeds loads going south. I never haul long loads out of the east coast because they don't pay enough. I will add an extra day by doing two short hauls to keep my rpm in check.

I don't expect the government to help out much with fuel cost so I try to stay adaptable in my business environment. I have slowed down to increase mpg and I keep my idle time to a minimum. I do all my own maintenance unless it is something I'm not equipped to do.

This is my business plan and it works for me. It is only possible if you have your own operating authority and I understand that those under lease contract are subject to the control of the company they are leased to.

Good luck to my fellow truckers during this time of high operating cost and a downturn of available freight. Just keep in mind that hauling below cost is only digging the hole deeper and that if we all refuse to roll for nothing the freight will pay better in the long run.

That in itself is a trucker shutdown or slowdown.

 

The in-fighting and name calling has to stop...The public will nfollow you, but not if they think you are all hot heads...

 

I agree..And those that do that should go to the Sesame Street Forum and play there...

 

This is one of the best posts I have seen here regarding this laughable subject. If the majority of O/O's do what ProudTrucker does, fuel, rates, and fsc would not be an issue. But most are incapable of doing that, and they and their families are paying a heavy price, and hoping for gubbermint charity.

 

You just do not understand that no one is looking for hoping for gubbermint charity like you make that out to be...Homeowners are taking a hit as well with heating oil..Oil comapny's have become greeedy and that is the bottom line here...

 

3 million trucks? Where are they suppose to pull over at? You ever go to a truck stop when a few thousand have parked for the night???

 

home owners do have a choice with airpumps or what they´re called and then you can use earths own heat.... you drill a 200ft hole in the ground and circulate water there and thru inversion or something you get heat in the house or cooling...
You can heat houses up to 80% this way....
Now what can we do..E95 only probably.