Running off of Load Boards vs 75%

Just a thought ...

Have you thought about finding a place where you can pick your own loads?

 

So what does your typical week look like? Break it down with numbers

 

There’s a lot of variables in this, and missing information. Picking your own loads is nice, but the extra stress can take its toll. A lot of this depends on what area you run in, what your desired schedule is and what you want to haul.

 

It’s probably not much if any better simply because the Brokers are probably making 25% also. A lot of the best pay is from some of the Carriers Broker division as they have the Contract to fulfill.. A lot of the Brokers are all bidding on same Freight. In many cases everyone’s doing the same stuff . Big Carriers will be loading same place through same Broker. It’s not hard to stay busy plenty of freight out there. Not always the best either that’s why it’s getting brokered out by the Carrier.or has a dozen Brokers with acess to it. Have to ask questions and not seem too eager.Sometimes hit the Jackpot but rates are such that it always averages out about same no matter what lanes are chosen.There is decent freight also that’s steady but not on a specific schedule it pops up at last minute cause someone made a deal. Everyone complains about Brokers but IMO they play a critical part for myself as I only run 1 truck and can’t be everywhere. But leasing on is kind of like just working for 1 broker. Sometimes it works out real good. Sometimes it holds you back. I try to stick with the Brokers that are easy to work with and get most loads before they ever get posted usually via email or a phone call. Makes it easier for both of us.The old one in the hand vs two in the bush

 

As many said before, in other similar threads here, it all depends on of what gross your 75% is. If your company books your loads entirely off of load-boards then they charge you too much IMO. Generally, right now in Midwest, rates dropped. They're still slightly better than this time last year (vans at least) but nothing be excited about. I try to find a reload a day or two ahead. Otherwise, I'd rather not wait and if there is nothing in sight on the very delivery day, I deadhead where I can get something sensible.

 

What are you averaging in rate for mile on ALL miles over the last 100k miles roughly?

Percentage of "cut" people are taking doesn't mean as much as your business income and expenses. That's the rubber that his the road...Anything under $2/mi on all miles income, you can do better.

Don't get wrapped up in the complaining about who's taking whatever "cut" ..... The ONLY thing Important is what your business is actually making.

Doing everything yourself is a whole new world coming from being a lease OP..., trust me it's not easy .. BUT , if you have the desire to pursue it and be willing to do all the hard work and learn, you will do far far better.

I know it's not for everyone but the potential for your business is huge with your own MC.

Good luck Shotgun !

 

You need to get rid of this thinking, you are not giving up anything.

It is their customer, it is their access to that load and their money they settle with you and you have no worry about any chance of a loss if they can't collect.

the other fees, well can you mitigate them with outside services, like say getting your own trailer and paying your own insurance?

Can you leverage IFTA a bit to get a surplus from the taxes you pay?

See i have a lot of trucks leased to other companies, some are 20% others are less than 10% but I look at it this way, I don't have to hunt for work, I don't have to chase money and I don't have to worry about the back office stuff or having a "staff" that takes my profits away. If I had one or two truck operation, I would look for a company where I could pick some of my own loads, have less fees and deal with no BS.

 

1)

The percentage you pay. Add up what that covers. Ifta, HVUT, insurance, office... It might not be as expensive as you think.

1) I prefer getting my own loads. I go where and when I want. I try to book ahead a couple days.

2)Depends where you are. Most times I can have a decent paying load within a day if not hours.

1 truck if you do your paperwork every day and consolidate every time home.
Paperwork and filing reports are a breeze.

If you don't already have these items, get a printer and scanner in your truck. Bluetooth connect to your phone or laptop.

Good luck.

 

HVUT IRP (IFTA KYU quarterly avg pymts) $3400 yr . .03 cpm