What technology can help your business that doesn't exist?

I agree with sawmill, but want to take it a step further.

AND my apologises to Sawmill for using the word backhaul.

One of the issues with backhauls and other types of freight like it is that this is usually stuff that doesn't have to be moved right now or can be split up to be moved. Brokers, like shippers have to look for economics to make money, either through capturing that margin or keeping within the budget.

What you seemed to be missing is that this industry is huge, a lot bigger than what any one person can envision, it covers a lot of different things that move 'things' from point a to point b. NOT all of the freight needs to be moved right now and we've had some that sat on a dock for three weeks before they called our company.

As much as you see a problem reality for us is that it isn't a problem or at least those who are managing their truck (fleet) properly. There are always marginal operators out there who see backhauls as a means for primary revenue but that 30% or what ever a truck (fleet) sees is absorbed to make more money if there isn't a means to get moved with covered costs.

We, my drivers get offered backhaul and ltl freight all the time, but they make the decision of where to go so they may take a load that gets them $2 a mile to move closer to another making $3. It is always a case by case (or offer by offer) evaluation. However I have a few trucks that take true backhauls at a largely reduce rate that is contractual, they haul for a primary customer outbound to a shipper, go right next door to another customer to get loaded to take a small load to their subsidiary to get processed which brings them within 9 miles of the primary customer. This is a win win for both of us, they get small stuff moved and we get the fuel and other costs covered. Others hate that we do it but our bottom line is improved with that one extra step. So it is complicated overall.

 

I like your approach Curious-Programmer. You are indeed correct, there seems to be much more software available to help shippers save money than software to help carriers (O/O's) earn more money. As several O/O's have pointed out, sitting empty is only part of the problem, the rates are the other. I want an app that tells me when demand for trucks is high so I can charge the shippers "surge rates" just like uber and hotel chains do. Keep up the good work. You're on to something.

 

It takes time...you have to be lucky enough to stumble upon someone who has consistent freight and is willing to pay well. By providing top notch service you can become their preferred provider....make a mistake and someone else will come in and save the day for them. And you will always be in competition with other carriers who want the same work. I guess it's kinda like playing chutes and ladders. And about the time you have it all figured out the factory will close, the shipping manager will retire, or something else will change and you start all over again.