For the 1st Time in my Trucking Career, I'm admit I'm scared a bit.

I've always been a bigtime numbers guy. I use to teach Math in High School before trucking and I have a Math Degree. The Degree has helped me be a very successful O/O and have a comfortable life. One of the things I go by is the Difference when Substracting Spot Rates from Fuel Rates.. My maintenance and insurance are always consistent, because I have a top line purchase plan/maintenance plan that keeps my maintence rates under 18,000 dollars per year EVERY year, so for me, it's all about
Fuel Rates-Spot Rates
When the number is 2 or less. I make lots of money. For example, if Diesel is 3.50 per gallon and Spot Rates are 1.50 per gallon, I go ok, put about 70 grand in my pocket after taxes are paid every year if the difference is 2. If the difference is 1, the money I put in my pocket double to about 140 grand, for example, Fuel Rates and 3:50 and Spot Rates at 2.50 which leaves 1.

If the difference goes above 3, I worry. For example, Fuel Rates at 6 per gallon and Spot Rates at 3. That's an awesome Spot rate for dry van and if we had rates at 3 bucks per mile regularily, we would take it, but.....not with diesel at 6 per gallon. That difference is 3. 6 per gallon- 3 dollar spot rate =3. That's not good. I'm still able to do ok because the dry van rates are 3, and 100,000 miles x 3 =300,000 before I start paying expensed, so it's still doable. Here's the worry though. Spot rates appear to be slightly falling. I'm hopeful it was jus the February thing and come April, they pick up like they do on most years, but I'm telling ya guys, it's bad news if Diesel starts averaging 6:50 and Spot Rates drop to 2.50. If that happens, many O/O's are going out of business I will still be ok, but probably only bring home 40,000 after taxes for the year.