Why do you lease to a carrier?

While there are MANY differences between now and 2008 I wouldn't be too concerned about the huge rate cuts. Capacity is likely going to be an issue this year even with reduced supply,

If we see a turn, we are looking at going from a weak 4-year bull market to a bear market vs. a recession.

Inventory levels where 3-4x higher in 2008 as they are right now. Just that alone took a while to adjust to the new normal.

Then you have the credit situation. Even if you had a company that was bullish on positioning to expand they couldn't get the money they needed.

Look at unemployment, consumer confidence, housing starts, ...

While history can tell us a lot, selectively looking at history to help justify a general pessimistic attitude will set you up to fail (but that is what many people are looking for). Look at history with an optimistic attitude and you are likely to find the pitfalls to avoid and the opportunities to exploit.

 

I don't envy anyone wanting to start out as an o/o these days.

rates aren't there, freight is slow, excess trucks no longer working the oil fields. Makes the competition fierce.

 

And the worst part of it all - insurance - people can do pretty well at current fuel prices and high insurance. But when fuel starts to increase that insurance rate isn't going to decrease.

Until last year I haven't been one to say "run miles" because it may not have been profitable. But now, you can grab a good mile load and make money on both ends. Maybe not the best or what you would like, but you can beat company driver rates.