How bad it's really is?
#11
08-23-2008, 03:06 AM
Things have been something of a roller coaster for me this year. I had to go pick up one of my trucks that a driver abandoned in California and hurt my leg on the trip. That slowed me down a bit. I have had a very good summer until the last couple of weeks. I have had to take the past two weeks off due to my wife having surgery, so I can't be sure what I could have done had I been able to run. I have some seasonal freight that will kick in in about 2-3 weeks that pays pretty well. It should keep me busy through the middle to late November. Everyone I talk with is off right now. Part of it is the usually business cycle slow down we see this time of year. The other side is the general slow down we are seeing across the country. We should start to see some improvement after labor day.
One reason I have been able to do as well as I have is because I am willing to go pretty much anywhere the rates are good. At times it has helped that I have had a step deck. There is no way that I would go to the West Coast for $2/mile right now. Rates coming out will likely be quite a bit lower and you may need to sit in order to even get the cheap rate. It doesn't make good business sense to me. There are those who go, but I see no reason to run West for $2/mile knowing you will likely not get as good a rate coming back. I can make more money on the East Coast. 
#12
08-23-2008, 11:31 AM
Originally Posted by Maniac
Here in chemical land we are busy, it is a good sign of the economy because it means that manufacturing is doing good. Chemicals usually slow down first.
Maybe its just who I work for? I don't know Where is the manufactured goods going? I don't know, BUT they ARE going somewhere. I delivered to a mattress manufacturer today in Jersey, they are running 3 shifts Midnite sunday to midnite friday. My numbers for this yeafr are the highest they have ever been for this time of year, yet I know they are artificial, because of the fuel surcharges, but on the other hand my actual fuel cost AFTER the surcharge is UNDER a buck a gallon. From now till the end of the the year Dana has ALL the build spots at Brenner tank, he can't get them built and delivered to the customers who want to lease them fast enough. Me personally, I have a "little girl" with 1 year of college left, and then a few years left on the mortgage, but not really spending like I used too.
#13
08-23-2008, 03:04 PM
Originally Posted by Maniac
My numbers for this yeafr are the highest they have ever been for this time of year, yet I know they are artificial, because of the fuel surcharges, but on the other hand my actual fuel cost AFTER the surcharge is UNDER a buck a gallon.
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#14
08-24-2008, 11:16 PM
Originally Posted by NotSteve
There is a ton of BS said in this forum for sure when it comes to money and tons of info left out.
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#15
08-25-2008, 12:22 AM
Re: How bad it's really is?
[quote="devildice"]
Originally Posted by Orangetxguy
Originally Posted by solo379
If fuel were say....47 cents, like the truckstop sign in "Smokey and the Bandit" showed last night...
LOL...I remember when you could get diesel at the 66 station in Dillon MT for 23 cents a gallon....1974. And ranchers thought that was expensive fuel!!!
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#16
08-25-2008, 12:29 AM
Originally Posted by solo379
Originally Posted by Maniac
My numbers for this yeafr are the highest they have ever been for this time of year, yet I know they are artificial, because of the fuel surcharges, but on the other hand my actual fuel cost AFTER the surcharge is UNDER a buck a gallon. In general, I haven't made close to the money I feel I should be making...but my bills are paid...so I will stick it out where I am...unless a better offer shows. A couple look good...but man...taking the chance is tough, when you need to allow for a 3 week lag in changing decals and plates before working, and getting that first check.
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#17
08-25-2008, 12:37 AM
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Dancing with the bright Pixies at University of Edinburgh
Posts: 2,575
Re: How bad it's really is?
Originally Posted by solo379
Economy is down! Housing market crash! Outsourcing! Trucking companies going bankrupt!.....
Yet, by reading all this forums, almost everybody, doing great, and making tons of money! Any reasonable explanation? Or i smell fish? :roll: The whole world needs more fash! More fash, more fash fairms and therefore, more trucks to carry fash to factories for processing. Wot may joke around but Wot is no frigging fool mate. Did you know, the Chinese consume 33million tonnes of fash per year? Take Wots advice and get yourself hauling fash. My last year on heavy haulage I made £30,000 This year hauling fash I am on target to make £35,000 And get this...I`m getting a new truck which is only a rigid 26tonner! Smaller truck, less hassle, job security etc etc etc...and increase of salary???? Haul fash! (Downside highly unsociable hours, but hey, you`re a trucker!)
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#18
08-25-2008, 01:56 AM
Re: How bad it's really is?
Originally Posted by wot i life
Fash! Thats where money is lad! http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8224
The whole world needs more fash! More fash, more fash fairms and therefore, more trucks to carry fash to factories for processing. Wot may joke around but Wot is no frigging fool mate. Did you know, the Chinese consume 33million tonnes of fash per year? Take Wots advice and get yourself hauling fash. My last year on heavy haulage I made £30,000 This year hauling fash I am on target to make £35,000 And get this...I`m getting a new truck which is only a rigid 26tonner! Smaller truck, less hassle, job security etc etc etc...and increase of salary???? Haul fash! (Downside highly unsociable hours, but hey, you`re a trucker!) See...Now that goes to show, that WOT does not watch "Deadliest Catch" !!! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: You just went and upset any "Fasherman" on this side of the pond, that reads this forum there WOT !!! Over on this portion of the big ponds...plenty of "Fashfarms" :lol: :lol: ...in fact to many!! And....the fash are processed at sea...frozen out there...and put on the trucks at the dock..ready for the market. For fresh "fash" they horse the bins on into the dock..and on to the airport.."flying fash" to market...so to speak!!!
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#19
08-25-2008, 02:36 AM
The company I am with, has many steady customers with long term contracts that pay fuel surcharge. My company pays a good surcharge, and pays it on empty miles as well.
That being said, all miles, I'm probably around a buck a mile after fuel. Considering I have few other costs, my profit is very good. Last year it was 77 cents for all miles, this year it will be higher. Having the truck paid off helps. My company is also hiring, I'm thinking of putting a driver on within a couple weeks. Wish me luck. |
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