How to get into cattle hauling

20% is a normal tip. I was at Bovina feeders in Temple Grandins new curved chute design and someone let a 1200 lb steer up. It knocked me over the top and out of the chute but I landed on mmy feet. Another fat steer fell off a top deck and over me but missed when I was pulling a ramp. Faulty latch that time. My best friend got kicked in the knee by a 230 lb calf and he's crippled for life.

 

why is the cpm so much higher for livestock haulers?

 

Because you are hauling live animals that don't want to move. Trailers are top heavy, and no way you can keep the DOT and PITA happy at the same time. We have 22 hours from the time they walk on to get them off regardless of destination. You will run places that don't even have roads, wash out nasty trailers cause no one else wants to. All while having enough sense to keep your animals safe and alive in all weathers. That's just the beginning of what it takes to pull a pott trailer. And none of what it means to those of us that do.

 

What kind of cpm just out of curiosity?

 

I don't pay my drivers cpm. I pay 30 percent of the gross of what the truck makes. Still not enough for what they do

 

I was getting 27%..

Keep in mind cow rates are a good bit higher than general freight rates..

 

Tip a cow? Well as kids we used to wait until about 1:00 or 2:00am... sneak into their corral, creep up to them... and push them firmly by the front shoulder. Typically they tip right over. (Disclaimer: Again, not for the timid or meek... as the COW is NOT happy when it gets up)

 

Can this niche of trucking get you 6 figures as a company driver?

 

As with anything when working with and for the right people. However the right people won't tolerate any mishaps and the good times are over

 

Don't forget that job we do and did is something most can't handle. I don't need their respect for something they call stupid because they don't have the guts for it. There is a reason why guys would call me from Florida to Texas and up to the Dakotas to haul their cattle. They knew I would have them on the ground in a timely manner no matter what and I can say I never failed to keep my promise to them.