Are yall making it???

Fuel has gone up right at $1/gal in 6 months. Rates and the FSC are barely up. I was doing great until fuel went through the roof. Seriously thinking of selling out and getting a local job. Do not buy a truck at this time. Just my opinion!

 

It's tough... I don't get a separate FSC on all my loads but the pay is good... it's a horse a piece. I guess.


Some freight pays over $4.00 per mile w/fsc... some $1.50.

I'd go to work for a small carrier and keep my eyes open for a good opportunity... buy a cheap truck, find a regional gig and keep your head low...

 

I had to leave my small carrier, get rid of my reefer and go over to schneider to run their choice lease. I had to stabalize my fuel expense and that was the best way to do it. My expenses are down about $1500/mo overall compared to my small carrier and the rates are about the same or better. Just shorter runs comared to the 1500mi + runs I was doing

I did like 8 months with landstar a few months ago. Almost lost my house. I'd not do that again. their van rates were horrible. the flat rates were ok

 

im pulling a dry van, i been sitting and deadheading alot. Rates have been all over the board. Don't know if the storm down south had something to do with it.

 

the guys I know at L/S are having their best year since 05'

 

I don't do contracts so I don't worry about a fuel surcharge. Raising the rate in relation to the price of fuel is easy, everyone sees the price of fuel/gas. Raising the rate on hidden costs is much harder, shippers, brokers, etal don't care that about hidden costs because they don't see them like my IRP going up almost 27% over last year.

The simple solution to shippers/brokers that won't agree to a fsc or rate hike is don't do business with them, it works wonders for me.

 

First off, Thank you, thank you, thank you for serving our country. Please let everyone over there know this trucker is proud of all of you.


I'm doing great but mostly running OH, IL, IN, MI with some dedicated down to GA once a month or so. I get my best rates out of OH and IN. But have been surprised by the solid rates out of GA and the couple loads from NC that I have done. Expexted to have to sit and wait on rate but not so.

Best rates are out of OH and IN right now for me.

I pulling a van and raising my rates with fuel. Flats are getting busy and I have been grabbing the scraps that can fit into a van at $3+/mile on 500+ mile loads.

 

Admiral,
Are leased onto someone? Why are you not seeing a bump in FSC. Most O/O that get FSC have told me that they are making better money.

And do you stay in the region? Because for me OH is on fire in terms of rates right now. I kick myself when ever I chase money on longer loads out of the area and look at what I could have made bumping around OH, IN, IL, MI, etc.

 

Actually steel slowed down a bit about 2/3 weeks ago. Its now starting to come back.