Why are we so concerned with fuel prices?

jim bob says not only will he do this load without a fuel surcharge, he will also do it $0.25 a mile cheaper because he really needs the load…..

 

I'm trying to have a little optimism, but it's tough to have much given everything going on now. What it's all going to boil down to is the rpm. I was around in 08 and 09, and it was tough. You couldn't buy a load to haul or one that would pay enough anyway. The situation we are facing today isn't the same as it was then, but the end result will be the same. I don't scare very easy, but the current situation scares the #### out of me because all we get is flimsy excuses from flimsy politicians. And for what it's worth, I strongly dislike politicians of any party. How long will the rates stay up is anybody's guess, but I will almost bet my last dime not long. Vans and reefers will probably do better than us open deck guys overall, and I know you are specialized so it may not be as hard on you. My equipment is all paid for so I don't have that monkey on my back, but still, I have to eat. How long the rates stay up to offset fuel costs is the big question in my mind.

 

Nooooo so what the price goes up?? the minimum wagie has to spend the first hour of his 8 hour day just paying for the gas to get there. Uncle Joe says everything is fine there’s no labor shortage. Good luck getting lumpers now

 

When I swapped into new trucks, the cost model I used showed a break-even with fuel at $3.75/gal. That is, at that point the lease payment is offset in full by a reduction in fuel cost versus continuing to operate the old trucks. So far, that's proven out perfectly. No offense, but I hope it goes even higher. The surplus is paying down credit lines and funding proactive repairs.

Re rates, they always sag at the end of winter. So far this season has not been much of a drop, although I'd chalk much of that up to inflation in general. And quit with the fat shaming. I haul food, and big eaters keep me in business. You should be planning barbecues not hand wringing over fuel prices!

 

Wait till you need some sensor or such things ….

 

That risk is hardly unique to new trucks.

 

My biggest gripe is the powerless feeling of paying whatever fuel goes up to. I'm not big on getting bent over at the pump due to some foreign problems or leadership incompetence on the home front.

I'm more than happy to park for as long as needed to wait until I'm happy to go to work again. There's plenty of other things a person can do to put food on the table, no sense in being unhappy all day while increasing the profits of those who aim to profit off our misery.

If you don't like it, don't buy it.

 

I run long term contract freight and the fuel surcharge generally keeps up with most of my increased fuel costs. Some loads I make more money the higher fuel is and some I loose a little as my surcharge is based on the number of units I haul per load per mile which varies slightly.
$5 and higher long term fuel does cause me to think the economy will slow, but I personally don’t think it will go into a long term recession as this economy is strong. If I am wrong my debt free equipment and I will take an unscheduled break. I have planned and saved for a Rainy Day because we all knew it would rain, we just didn’t know when or for how long.

 

How do I downvote this instead of thank it lol.

 

Hope you get over it and back out on the road fast.