Is anybody really making enough profit?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Omega, Feb 29, 2008.

  1. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Fuel has not leveled out at $3. Its nearing $4 many places and still climbing like an F-15.
     
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  3. Mr Win Big

    Mr Win Big Light Load Member

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    I just had a question, what type of trailer and freight are you hauling to get 2.25 a mile? I have really been praying on what to do in this industry. I have a van trailer and with the soaring fuel prices and cheaper freight these days, im thinking of just cutting my losses and moving on to something else. But if i could consistintly find 2.25 freight, that might be worth it to me. Im out of Texas as well. Ive heard you would have to haul heavy equipment to get those kinds of rates and by reading your quote ( climbing down from my stepdeck ) i assume thats what you haul is heavy equipment but i just wanted to me sure.

    Is there any hope for a dry van to get over 2.00 per mile in this market?

    Thanks for any feedback,
    Gods Blessings
    Win Big
     
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Probably not consitantly. Van freight is easy, mind numbingly boring and pays cheap because its so easy that about any body can do it.

    Flat, step, and heavy haul take far more concentration and knowledge to be able to properly secure open deck freight, and correctly route plan, then order permits and then follow the permitted route on OD loads.
     
  5. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    I have an account I can haul for at $2 to $2.25 for 18k pounds. Unfortunatly I don't have my own authority to be able to haul it right now.
    It does require a plate van and some special supplies to secure.
     
  6. TX_Proud

    TX_Proud Light Load Member

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    Yes, we do some OD freight, and pull steps. As Brickman said, van is......well, what he said. But we have some of our own customers as well. Think of it this way: A shipper contracts with a broker to move their freight at $2.25/mile. The broker is going to skim around 25% off the top. That leaves $1.68 for a truck. Why not go to a customer and bid the same freight at $1.92/mile? The shipper is saving money, you've cut out the broker and if you can cover the freight for the shipper and do it consistently and well, it's all good. Now before everyone goes out and "cuts out the broker" I must state that I am in no way suggesting you back solicit your brokers. What I am saying, is go find your own customers, find out what they are shipping and make your own bid. Ask if they currently work with brokers and if you are familiar with the commodity and lanes, you already have an idea of what those moves are paying. Figure what the broker is getting and bid accordingly.

    But ask yourself this question first: "If I contract with a broker and he doesn't pay me, I can file on his bond. If I work directly with a shipper and they don't pay, then what?" Do your homework!
     
  7. twinturbotrans

    twinturbotrans Light Load Member

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    6000miles/ month sounds very suspicious...its either he sits for 3 days a week to find 2.50/mile freight or hes banging somebody else lol...he needs to at least double his mileage, my guys can knock out 6k under 2 weeks thats wich 2 days vacation already...then u need to get rid of ur FACTORING thats at 5% are u kidding me you manage one truck and trailer and u use factoring company and not just any factoring company where theres millions at 2%......u picked 5%??...my guys usually haul 1.70-2.00 mile but they bring home no less than 10k to their wives.
     
  8. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Go find you some one that will let you lease to them for next to nothing. For example I could lease to my neighbor for next to nothing. I would do every thing else, IFTA, etc.
     
  9. bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Yup, thats how we got our start too. Leased on for 6 mos, saved up to get the Authority on our own.

    There are people out there that aren't out to rip you off, but instead will help you get a leg up in the industry. You just have to look for them.

    And a good contract doesn't hurt....:yes2557:
     
  10. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    let me restate that. We have our own authority, it's just not active. All I need to do is get the insurance and I could have it reactivated. Which I have been thinking more and more about since it would allow me to pull the edical scanners too.
    If the landstar freight doesn't pick back up by the time my truck is ready to go I will probably do it. This old dogs still got a few tricks in him
     
  11. Matthews

    Matthews Medium Load Member

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    To just out right AWSER the topic question with out and pretty TEXT?

    NO!
    Its GETTING HARDER.....

    With the growing FEAR for our entire industry of a strike looming in the shadows, Nows not a good Profit time for any of us...."YET"! ;)


     
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