Staying Small Or Growing

On occasion in the past I done so. This is one of those projects you want to take slow.

Set your standards high, offer a good deal,be fair, and you will get good O/O's. Money talks.

 

Main thing is to set high standards. You obviously have a regular customer and that service you provide will be expected when you bring on other trucks. Pay them well and they will be happy and take care of your customer. I have found with my customers they are happy paying you more money than another carrier as long as they are being taken care of. I know this is a sore subject but personal hygiene, manners, and respect for their own equipment is a must. I have found if those items are not followed, your customers care will be the least of their priority and one bad driver out of ten can cost an account in a hurry. Just because a driver may have 20 years experience, that doesn't mean it was good experience.

 

I think a lot of drivers would rather be with a small co than a big one. I liked the couple small operations I was with. wish they were still in business like they once were. a lot sell out to the bigger outfits.

 

Lest we all forget bull-#### walks.

(Somewhat ironic that my 1,000'th post is about walkin`. huehuehue)

 

I believe O/O are tired of the same old merry go round of the big boys and would be very enthusiastic to join a like minded ambitious small company that has growth potential. Especially that you're dealing with direct shippers.
Guys are looking for a good deal, and perhaps a situation where they're not nickel and dimed. To share in the wealth and growth of what I would describe as a co-op. It keeps the enthusiasm up and let's face it, adds to the motivation of driving, and developing your own business, within a larger structure.
we all like to think we are wanted and can enjoy the fruits of our labors. And that we are not regarded as a number in some big fleet.
Staying small can maintain being efficient and maintain profit. In the end that satisfies both the customers and the shippers.

 

Although things are up right now, things do tend to be not as they seem. I would tread very carefully in expansion because it would only take one thing to make the market bottom out again and that wouldn't be pretty.

 

I'll say this I was in the same situation before I lost a few accounts by brokering loads out drivers showing up late or not at all to this day I've never met a owner operator with the ethics like I have. I do work with a few O/O that are single truck guys that live close by, just remember it takes years to get your foot in the door of customers and their trust but only takes one mess up to lose that customer!!

 

Bad apples will ruin your safety scores which is no small deal so select from your prospects very carefully. I would avoid any operators who seemed short on cash and couldn't afford their own base plate. The last thing you need is operators looking to you as if you're a bank.

 

Having Drivers and O/O's is like being a foster parent. Sure, you make some money but all their problems become yours.