So how bad was 2019?

Not bad for us. Could be because were located in a very good area for freight. Most of what we do is out n back same day. Most of the time coming back empty. 2 truck 2 trailer dry box operation. Were looking to get 2 more wagons cus were missing out on some work not having an extra wagon or 2

 

Much worse than last year for me for sure. Brokers lowered rates all across nation. Right now truck broke down and I'm sittimg at rest area waiting for part to show up

 

The rates went down for us but our outbound, 6k in the wagon 330mi (one way not the round) pays 1250, was 1500 before. We come back empty 75% of the time to hustle back and grab another light load.

Our jersey city run pays 750 on 175mi. We usually grab a load back and drop it in Scranton the same day on the way back. Or load glass in avenell nj bound for Elmira next morning

Only work with 2-3 brokers and they call us for loads we haven't used dat in a while. Good rates still to be had just gotta get in the right brokerages. Usually the smaller ones

 

Mine was bad, but it was for mechanical issues. I lost the ecm and lived the dictum "you'd better have some money saved up"!

 

Mine was above $2 a mile pulling flat last year. I switched to refer and doing 1.75 all miles now lol. Grossed 200k this year in total

 

Lost between 400 and 500 on some lanes I was running. Staying out longer on runs and deadhead increased. Still made money but could have drove for someone and made almost the same minus the headaches.

 

I decided not to play a game I couldn't win and stayed home all year.

I severely underestimate the effects ELD would have on my operation.

What you sacrifice to be an OTR o/o, to me, is worth at a minimum 100k after all deductions. Quickly realized that this is no longer a possibility so I pulled the cord. With this eld I need to see rates, to the truck, of about 2.20-2.50 and I just cant wait for the rates to rebound; if they ever do at all. Im selling the truck, going company, and retiring at the end of next year.

Coming back early this year and seeing the hundreds of newly purchased trucks was eye opening. Im out of that famous Chicago suburb, and if you guys could see the amount of new trucks added just over a couple of months, you'd start to question whether you have a future in this business too. I honestly cant and wont compete with the revolving door of uneducated masses looking for a middle class job. I'd like to make it clear that Im not blaming any one in particular . Im just not good enough to provide a service to differentiate myself from everyone else and that squarely falls on me.

Maybe you should specialize? Well, Ill leave you with this gem.

 

Down about $10,000 from last year. Worked harder for worse freight. Personal life was a wreck. 2019 wasn’t my favorite.