Cheap Freight

Thats right you can get $10 dollars a mile but if its only 25 miles and takes 8 hours to do its not worth it because the rate will not cover your fixed costs.

 

Part of being a good businessman is knowing what it costs to run your business. If those who are hauling these cheap loads knew anything about their operating costs they would pass on those loads. I refuse to put anything on my trucks that will not show a profit for me. I would rather sit or deadhead than take a load that would only cover fuel costs. If I want to give to charity, I will give to my church or to someone who really needs help. With every load of freight, those involved expect to make a profit. They don't ship some products to a few areas for cost. They make a profit off of every product. The shipper makes a profit. The consignee makes a profit. The broker makes a profit. I don't understand why the truck is not expected to also make a profit.

You can't blame the broker or shipper. They want to ship their products as cheaply as possible so that they can maximize their profit margins. Truckers need to raise their expectations and value their service. Without the truck NOONE makes money!! Let me say that again. WITHOUT THE TRUCK NOONE MAKES MONEY!!!

 

When I was truck shopping in Chicago area I talked with a guy that was buying 10 older Colombias. He does a lease purchase type thing with his drivers so he doesn't have to pay some of the taxes. And then he pays the guys $.20 per mile but he let's them live in the truck. What a guy.

And I am sure that he has some BS insurance that meets requirerments but won't pay out on a claim.

These guys along with the desperate O/O that jumps at a cheap load out and needs anything back that will pay for fuel getting back.

I want to scream when I hear "it pays for the fuel". But what pays for the maintance, plates, insurance,etc. How do these people get into business if they don't understand overhead is more than fuel.