If Economy Completely Tanks

Rising fuel prices shouldn't be an issue in this industry, they should be passed on to the customer just like any business expense. Why does this not happen?

I am surprised that any o/o wouldn't do everything within his power to increase the efficiency of his rig. A lot of trucks have the aerodynamic profile of a barn door. Take it slow or pay through the nose. Or maybe give it up and get yourself a riding vacuum cleaner. Who cares what people think? Let the super truckers laugh you down, it won't sting that bad when you're getting 7+ MPG and sitting on a heap of profit.

Idling can chew up $40 a day or more...work out what that costs you in a year (never mind the cost of tickets in no-idle zones). Maybe that pricey APU makes sense after all?

The one thing that independent o/o's just can't compete with is the big boys' ability to hedge their fuel prices by purchasing futures. You can get a pretty good price when you commit to buying a few million gallons at a time. I wonder if there isn't a way for indies to form some sort of coalition that could leverage that kind of buying power.

I'm sitting here thinking about going into trucking with an eye to becoming an o/o later. It's exciting and terrifying...there's a lot of risk involved, but there are so many opportunities available for smart, hard-working businessmen. It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.

 

I know plenty who were smart and hardworking. They got out. Maybe they didn't have the business savy. Maybe they didn't know the right people so they could have access to those opportunities. In trucking, it takes more than just the right work ethic if you're going to make really good. If it were that easy, a lot fewer jobs would be available, and a lot fewer opportunities, if those even exist for the marginalized, he-doesn't-know-anyone average Joe driver.

If I were sitting at a computer right now trying to decide on whether or not to get into trucking, I'd look around at other options first. Right now isn't the best time to be leaping if you have no connections.

 

Pope Brickman, you're preaching to Pope Tip here. I mentioned this point in previous posts. We're right. The market will force these changes.

But little nit-picky laws are herding the market in the desired direction. The new HOS laws that favor teams, the no-idling laws that are springing up, lack of truckstop construction, boosh's "less gas used" campaign, that sort of thing. It all points to fewer trucks on the road. The avalanche has been started by government actions, and now the industry will take it to the finish. At the finish line you'll be saying "Hello, teammate!"

 

I saw the writing on the wall years ago in regard to teaming. I finally convinced my spouse to take the plunge last year and now we are in the catbirds seat in regard to miles and loads available. A solo just cannot compete on an even footing with a team regardless of how tough that solo may think he is.

O/O's that have paid for their trucks already and are in a niche market getting 2 bucks a mile or more may be able to ride this recession out. I have the independant spirit and desire to "run my own show" but I am far too pratical (and too anal apparently) to give up the safety net of a company backed benefits program, load procurement, and steady income without having a prayer of duplicating same in an o/o capacity. The cards are stacked against o/o's and I do sympathize. Best to get out while you still have a shirt on your back.

For the newbies I wish you luck. You have chosen a very difficult time to enter this industry but with hard work and determination (as well as some luck) you may be able to make the transition.

I hope others read this thread and at the very least avoid the scam that is lease purchase.

 

Consumers still have to eat, they still have to replace worn out shoes, replace tires, wash their clothes, and all those other things. The bad economy hurts large purchases like homes, autos, appliances, vacations, but the average, everyday stuff still happens. And that means trucks to move it from raw material to factory to warehouse to distributor to stores.

With regards to being a newbie. . . I am leaving a job where I bring home about $260/week to get my CDL. I can't earn more than $260 a week driving a truck for a company? I have no intentions on being an O/O.

 

A newbie will usually start out at .25 to .30 cpm after the driver has been trained. It depends on the company and where they operate of course. As far as potential mileage per week figure on 2000 miles per week to start. So figure on a gross paycheck of 500.00 to 600.00 per week to start. Then remember you will be spending money each day for your meals while your away. It usually takes time to learn to "save" money while out on the road.

Remember this is to start. As you get experience you will make more money each week. As you prove yourself to be reliable and dependable you will also be given more miles per week. Usually a newbie will earn 35 to 40 grand in his first year as a driver. It really depends on how many miles you are able to turn each week.

 

The only Market I see would be the Russian...and only 2002 and newer are alloed to import there... our Harbours are full of them Orange ,Dark blue and Tan US-Trucks.
They are for their domestic freight only.

In Europe it´s impossible to have a US conventional truck unless you have only 20" trailer plus change almost "everything" on it.
Them 3rd world countries..well they buy Old Europeans as well, For Example Africa is almost extinct with US trucks for some reason?

 

If you go to Swift, and a few others. You WILL make less than $250 a week while in training, after taxes. Can you pay your bills with $100 a week? Remember you have to eat, shower, etc while on road.

Choose your company carefully. Don't buy the BS that recruiters spout. Come here, check ALL the reviews.

Many times, a driver will come in a spill his guts about how bad a company is. And you never hear from that driver again. It doesn't mean that drivers post is not valid. Nor does it mean, it's gospel.

If 10 people in this forum tell you DON'T DO IT. And one tells you they don't know what they are talking about, cause they make $1000 a week. What does that mean to you?

Here's an example for you.

Between Jan 01 to Mar. 14 of this year. I've made $12K + to date. Home. almost every weekend.

Have I lied to you? No. But, I haven't given you the breakdown either.

$2400 of that was "stop pay". In other words, if you're that type that NEEDS miles, and doesn't want to load/unload. You would have made about 20% less than me.

There are 2 other things to consider here. If you chase miles. You most likely would have made the same as me, because we have miles. But only If you were at the same rate of pay. Which you will not be.

Always ask questions. Lots of questions.

 

as for the payscale and vetern drivers - I think you will see a push to lighten regulations so that more immigrant drivers may be utilized at reduced rates.