Finally got my own truck

Hispanic laborers around Atlanta and Dallas was $15/hr or $150/day that was 10 years ago...just general labor, nothing specialized. Those guys will work like no other though...

 

Even in your scenario it allows for running 25 to 30 cents cheaper per mile. Hell thats the difference between broke and not broke for a lot of operators.

 

No doubt. Which is why outlandish claims don't help. Legitimate problems in the industry get drowned out with all the ridiculous stuff. It would be great to get all those 1099 companies to be forced to carry the same labor related costs as legit companies but it won't happen with the noise created by all the made up junk.

 

Im not sure what the regular semi skilled day labor goes for. Those guys are going to small job sites lugging shingles and helping roofers or helping masons lay block. I would assume quite a bit more than what Im paying a guy or two to dig fence post holes or clear the weeds and vines out of the ditch and fence lines.

But life you said, they are not afraid of hard work. I learned a long time ago that I can get twice as much done with one guy that doesn't speak a lick of English than 3 born and raised Americans. Just keep them away from any power tools. Give them a brand new gas powered pole saw and it's junk in 10 minutes before the first tree is trimmed, but hand them one that works by elbow grease and my 500 yard driveway is cleared before lunchtime.

 

Around here the Mexican ranch hands make about $2,400 per month, plus housing.

You can get Americans for that, but not working ones......

 

IMHO,

Rates will likely remain about the same until election time. Then, if Republicans win, they will remain the same or go up a bit because businesses will see a strong economy continuing. If Democrats win, the rates will crash as companies try to reduce inventories to shelter themselves from incoming tax increases.

 

You would be crazy to think that some drivers out here aren't paid that... If a guy coming from another country with no money has a company lined up that will get him here, trained to drive and provide him a truck to work and live in for say a 6month or year contract... Then he gets a raise or has money saved to be on his own feet. I'd bet scenarios like this happen way more than you think....

Certainly not long turn for the drivers but to get started when arriving in the USA for some absolutely.

 

If You look around enough, You can find Drives, for less than $3000, installed. Chinese, but still new tires.Look around, T/A and Petros, sometimes run specials. Depends on Location. Petro in Dodge city Al. Currently has a decent Deal for Chinese Drives. All depends on Sales goals, etc. $600-800 more, maybe some Dayton’s or Coopers. You want . Re caps? $200 a piece, when You get home. Leslie tire in Mt Clemens. They’re good in house re caps. Like the Hot Sauce, sometimes the best things are right near home. I’ve been finding that out, Lately. Mechanics, Parts, other resources. All right here. I’m running mostly old steers, right now. Very carefully,especially in the snow. It’s against my liking, but it’s what it is, for now.Not the first time. New Drives next fall. I doubt if any 1 person has much affect on rates. Hundreds of thousands Trucks on the roads. Lots of new Independant Brokers, new Huge Brokerages. You either keep running, in the current environment, or hang it up. Soon the pendulum will swing back, Probably so slowly, We’ll hardly notice. It’s a tough balancing act, sometimes, always looking ahead, while trying to focus on the Task at hand, and having a sense of control, in an unpredictable environment. But that’s what makes it exciting. The rollercoaster ride. You’ve done very well, considering You bought a brand new Truck, and so far have managed to survive. A lot don’t. They give up too easy. Easy come easy go. It takes commitment, patience, and humility. Hang in there. Stay busy. Best defense against the Blues.

 

5K for the set of new drives? Must be Love's, Petro or TA selling them. Good drive tires such as Yokohama, GoodYears, Generals are about $400 - 420 each in Chicago tire shops, install and disposal included (sale tax exempt with with a MC#). Try Cassidy Tire & Service, they had nice prices back in December 2019, I bought a set of Generals for the trailer for $2288 (they were on sale). Their phone# (224) 484-8475.