I Just don't get it

[davekc]

I think there is two really valid points. The ones that come in with absolutely no or little money, and the ones that get in and become too complacent or have unreal expectations.
Both are set for eventual failure.....it is usually just a matter of time between the two.








Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[highway star]

Letsrock, while I do see and even agree with the point you make, I think you're wrong about the rampant egomania. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but I find it to be the exception. Most who post regularly here do so because they want to help, not keep deep, dark secrets in their back pockets. Is the key to success in the archives? No, but there's info there that could help someone make an informed decision.

Having a couple of bucks behind you is a good idea. However, bad decision making can easily wipe that out. In my 8 years in the biz I've seen many things that just made me shake my head. A guy gets a $50 advance, all the money he has in the world, and goes to a casino because he needed to turn it into more money. That same guy worked for a company that paid twice monthly. His first check was $2400. He thought that was a ton of money and was so happy that he took 4 days off, instead of staying in the groove and getting his bills caught up and getting a little bit ahead. A guy that was so broke that his meal for the day was 3 hot dogs.

All the prudent advice in the world probably wouldn't help people like them. While it may come across as preaching to some, pointing out the pitfalls will help some people make a good decision.

 

[babs3361]

Highway Star that was the complete reason I started this thread. Hopefully it will help others. We too have bought a meal for people that have had 20 cents to there name and 4 days before they got paid. They drove someone elses truck. This is not an easy profession and I think way to many ex factory workers who's jobs have left the country think this is a quick fix to there financial problems. You see the adds all the time. We will get you your CDL and you can make 50,000 dollars a year. They forget to tell them that you have 2 life styles to support the one on the road and the one at home, and they don't tell you that the first few years since you have no experience that you won't come close to 50,000 maybe 30,000. And lets not forget that you have to stay away from home for 6 months at a time. Then they sucker you into being a O/O with a lease agreement. I have seen over the years the rate going down. Not increasing even though cost of operation continues to go up. Lets not forget the cost of household is going up also. Like I said before I'm thankful that we drive team with all money going into 1 household.

 

[ABEJR2004]

I will always be one of those to say to another driver asking questions "This #%&$ ain't easy. And you have to maintain a highly motivated attitude. This is my 2nd go-round and I started with a little saved up to get going, had my house in order and was completly dedicated to do this, but sad to say when your sitting and sitting and sitting. It all catches up to you real fast. And I am one of those that all of sudden have financial problems. But I am not going to give it up, instead strive to make improvements with myself in being more PROACTIVE....Let's all say that together...PROACTIVE. I swicthed carrier's, I stay ready, truck stays ready, tweek the budjet And strive to make good run decession. If you have a good 2weeks money wise than push on to the 3rd week (If you are in a good running cycle stay with it don't break it, if you do not have too) And I only purchase what I need and put $ only in the bank ( Not a slot machne)So I hope all the Newbies are really going thru these post and I hope the posters will continue to be upfront about what's going on in our expedite world

One more thing choose your CARRIER Wisely!!!!!!


AbeJr
TranStewart #6680 And Loving It
Stand Tall & Be Proud

 

[lanier1]

I was going to throw a penalty flag for piling on until letsrock posted. He said what I have been feeling all along. There is no doubt that starting out in this business with a good reserve is the way to go. The reality for many is they have been laid off, fired, downsized or find themselves backed into a corner for one reason or another. They have researched and tried to find a way to make a living and stumbled, somehow, into this area of the trucking business and decided to try to make a go of this. They start with what they can and if all goes well maybe they make it maybe they don't. I'm just tired of the "Holier than Thou's" criticizing every driver they think doesn't have ten grand or more sitting in a bank "just in case". This does not, however, have anything to do with the examples that are going into casinos with their last fifty. They are just idiots and will weed themselves out in short order and are the exception not the rule in my opinion.

 

[x06col]

LETZROCK kinda summed it up with the ambition part, but, left out an important part of the answer. DRIVE. Many whom have had that supervisor kicking them in the a$$ to get to the 60% level, no longer have that encouragement, so, their percentage slips a bit it seems. I don't feel there is anything misleading typed on this site that has not been given out at Workshops, Truck Shows, or, your everyday driver BS meetings at the coffee shop. If the making a million in this business post bothers some of you, then I will submit that there are (or should be) many readers/typers on this site that, in fact, have made a million, or more, in this business. It however, depends on how that million was managed whether they can go cruising in the winter, or, continue doing the windshield time, or, setting on the bus bench wondering what happened. As stated before, many don't get to fly my flags, because they reak with failure as soon as they darken the door.

 

[jeffman164]

1. Recruiters need to be WAY more upfront about the REAL world of expediting to newbies. I for one admit that I was very disillusioned when I started. But then again, I didn't know about this site and many others probobly don't either. I admit that I am way to trusting of other people and have been burned in the past. That's where experience wisdom comes into play. Don't make the same mistakes again. Learn from them. 2. In the real world - there are winners, losers and the ones that say what the h**l happened. You ever think that maybee - just maybee - the winners were fortunate to have been born SMARTER than the losers and the what the h**l happened people. In the real world -some people are born smarter - that's the cold hard truth. So ,if you are doing well - then maybee you are the chosen few that were the LUCKY ones to be born smarter. Just the luck of the draw I guess and I for one don't take it for granted !!

 

[jeffman164]

I guess I should also add that rich or poor - as long as people are triing and I meen seriously triing - then they are winners in my book!! Cause I for one have made mistakes and have been down many times but keep picking myself back up and try - try again .

 

[marvinkwagner]

I agree babs having monie to fall back on.

How ever you know very well if you got a Team thats out busten their but and maken the monie and makiing the right decisions and are saving Monies on the comdata card lets say $4000 don't tell me that the OOP won't reach in to that accout and rip the monie from it just because he has a thirsty tooth. Or to pay for other trucks on the fleet that are or are not doing what they need to be doing. (Taking Looser RUNS = No monie for fuel Decisions made, and I won't forget to mention repairs.

That type of thing goes on all the time. Each owner OOP Ive talked to has the same answer (Reach in and Take it)

Know what I think seriously (If your an Owner Operator and You take it you best bout be putting it into an acount thats an emergency fund or in my book your a plain fool. Reason Trucks are machines and Machines brake. Boy what kind of big shot ya going to be if that truck goes down and the Driver calls and says hey need some monie trucks broke. Well Do ya got that monie??? or Dont YA.

Boy we all know that Freight shake (Certain Ones don't take Credit Cards over the Phone or if they do ,not more than 1000 bongo bucks. Get the Pic. (Turbos, Cluthes, Engies,Transmissions ect expensive) Agree!!!!

If the OOP has a fleet of Trucks each truck should be self suffecient,
OOPS Thats Right dont forget somthing if you have a fleet of Trucks for every 5 trucks and Trailers that are paid off you can afford to go buy one Truck and Trailer and make payments. Now I dont know how true that is but a OOP Told that is what he goes by. For every 5 paid off you can Buy one New One.
The LD Driver or OOP should have the sense enough to run the Truck as Profeciently as possible. In other Words If the loads not paying for the DH or put U in a bad area then simply dont take it. I see alot of this.

The OOP also goes out and hires so called CO Drivers that is all they did is drive, they are like robots they are told where to fuel, where to take the truck by the company they drive for. But hey that guy drove for 10 years ya. A company driver knows it all, but when it comes down to brass tax dont realy know, and for sure don't care about expenses on the Truck ect. Nor do they give a care about the truck its self unless its broke. Then they Complaine.

Ya I agree. Now my question to you OOP out there if you had some one that could turn that kind of money and keep the card built for emergencys would you have that thristy tooth and have to reach in and grab it or would you let it be just in case somthng bad happened. Dont give no lies either. Tell the Truth.

Simple your Driver has 4000 on the card Calling what would you do?

Now ask your self this if ya reached in was that good bussiness? Why?

If you left it Was it good Business? Why?


Which one would you pick that is the question.

Remember this You got a Fleet and Each truck should be able to hold its own. Right Hey you hired the Drivers or should I say Expediters Professionals, are they making monie are they saving or are they makiing bad decisions and taking the runs that are putting ya in the red.

Hey Im just asking.



Have a Safe One
and God Bless
Kevin

 

[lanier1]

Huh ??

Dude, you're smokin out of a different bag than me...

 

[x06col]

Maybe, lanier, you got the bad batch. dunno.

 

[Mudflap]

Well now, if there are any expediters out there who have a million dollars or more in the bank, please raise your hands If you want to talk about BS, that is one thread that took the cake, and if any new O/O has that sort of expectation, they better hope future freight rates go up- WAY up! I have indeed grossed close to 3 million dollars as an owner operator. Now if only it were in the bank LOL! Scenarios about the teams in $250k new expedite trucks relaxing on a paid vacation putting $5k a month in to retirement savings to be millionaires in 20 years are not what should be construed as normalcy in this business. However with good management skills and still being able to maintain somewhat of a life outside of the truck when needed, one can still make a comfortable living at this business.

And it is also important to note that when failures in this business occur, they are not always the fault of drivers not working hard enough or spending money foolishly. I've seen many go under due to no honest fault of their own and have to move on to other things.
One of the saddest incidents I recall is a fellow who ran for a company and worked with 100% dedication and made great money at this. The only problem was that in order to get that money the company often pushed him very hard, sometimes to the point of having to stay awake 25-30 hours in a row multiple times a week. This obviously took a toll on his health, forcing him to call it quits to the business. Mudflap

 

[davekc]

Good point.
Alot times someone has to leave the business because of health reasons. That is why I and many others recommend have sufficient funds always behind you. It doesn't mean you HAVE to.
But I think it is a good idea to minimize any of the risks you take.
An earlier post questioned the need to have $10,000 when starting.
I don't think that is needed driving for someone or a van purchase, but having it or access to it it advisable if say you are buying a used straight or tractor.
Any number of circumstances will eat up that 10K in a very short period of time.
Sure you can start on just pennies, nothing will ever happen, and you will of course enjoy those millions.
I don't see were it is a bad thing to be alittle proactive with ones finances. Under capitalization is one of the biggest reasons people fail in this business.











Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[Mudflap]

I just got another one last week. New couple to expediting buys a very nice looking and running 2000 model D unit with a big sleeper from a "reputable" dealer with 450,000 miles on the odometer for $39,000, every penny they could scrape together. No warranties, but it was "always" serviced at "their" dealer. 2000 miles down the road the head gasket on the truck's Cummins engine blows out, no big deal the new owners are thinking. Once in the shop the engine had to be rebuilt at a cost of $6500.00, a large chunk of money they did not have. Situations like that can not only make initial cash flow problems a whole lot worse, they can spoil a dream in an instant. This is why people with experience are called experts. They are not being discouraging, they are being HONEST and telling the truth, not just the things one wants to hear. It's the best advice in the long run. Mudflap

 

[Looney2]

Wow...Seems that I must have not done enough reading before I got into the business. I own and run a cargo van, which I know is the hardest vehicle to get loads for these days, or so I hear. I hope to upgrade to a nice straight truck in about a month, but am having a hard time in the cargo van. Truck gets about 20/mpg. Doesnt seem like the 50% advance on the Data card barely covers the gas to the delivery point. I only get paid deadhead after the first 100 miles and its only $.10 . Most of the runs only pay $.70 because I have to haul over 2,000 lbs to get .80 and Iam sure the extra weight will eat up that extra $.10 in diesel fuel. I didnt have alot of start up money, but shouldnt I be making enough money off the runs to survive, and make the truck payment and insurance bills? I really want to get into the straight truck because I hope that I will get better runs, but Iam scared to get one because the payment will be 4x what my cargo van payment already is. Iam sure that the straight trucks get alot less gas miliage and Iam not sure about the insurance. I dont have a house payment and yet I still wonder how everyone pays their bills??? Iam not impressed as of yet with expediting. My recruiter made no tall tails to me when we talked. He said that I would probally make about $800-1,000./week and so far thats what I have been making. However he didnt mention that was before taxes and all the truck expenses. I just assumed, which was my mistake that payscale was going to be what I would clear minus expenses for truck payment and of course good ole uncle sams part. What Iam now wondering is it better to get paid by the mile or say like 60 percent of the load? Is it better to just drive someone elses truck and take 40% and not pay tolls or gas?? My father is a truckload semi driver and makes very good money doing it. He makes almost as much as I did as a licensed master plumber. Should I goto truck driving school and try that route?? What is the advantage of expediting??? Iam feeling kinda lost and could use some solid advice and not ridicule..Thanks

 

[highway star]

You say you have no house payment. That would suggest that your general cost of living low. Yet, fuel and personal expenses for a cargo van are a problem. That being the case, moving up to a bigger truck may not be a good idea.

Also, you chose a terrible time of year to get into the biz. If you had started a month or so later, you may be doing better.

 

[greg334]

Looney,
I won’t ridicule you but I am going to be very honest, if you are having such a problem with the van at a ¼ of the estimated payments and a third of the operating cost, you will definitely have a problem with a straight truck.

Ok I looked at your info and puzzled.

First thing is that your truck gets 20 MPG and say that 50% is not enough for the fuel? Driving my Van which averages 17 MPG, I always had money left over from filling my tank and I got 40% of the load offer.

Second thing is the DH, $.10 a mile seems normal, I didn’t have a problem with that when I was with my first company but with FedEx, I did a lot of my own driving without the $.10 a mile or anything for that matter.

Third thing is I did make over $1500 a week gross on a good week but made at least $1000 a gross on an average week. I suffered in March of last year and October of 2005 to the point I drained all my savings which I have yet to replenish like I should have.

I would look at the way you are managing things. I mean that if you take every dime and spend it without using some business practices, then you may fail.

The other thing is to look at the insurance; maybe going to the OOIDA for workman’s comp (or what ever it is called) may help which is my next move soon.

One last thing is look at the where you are sitting after you drop, it may be taking their suggestion is not allowing you to leverage the freight lanes properly. There may be more but I hope this helps.

 

[Looney2]

Greg334- Thanks for the advice. I will try to find out exactly whats going on when I take my next run. Van is in the shop right now from some kind of high pressure oil flow thru problem. Maybe thats why my gas wasnt going that far?? The 20/mpg was just a guess. Thats what the truck was supposed to get according to the dealer. It has a 6.0 powerstroke diesel. I do live in a remote area of Michigan and expect to deadhead when Iam at home at least 100 miles at my own expense to get a load outa here. I still am not sure where my companys major freight lanes are. All my trucker buddies tell me to stay in the tri-state area, or regional as they call it. I would rather do some long runs than a lot of little ones. I haven't turned down a load from my company yet, only because Iam not sure if my destination is a good freight zone. I realize there is alot of cargo vans out there right now. Iam only driving the van because I already owned it from my plumbing company. I would think that driving the van should be more profittable than a straight truck only because I can drive for extended periods of time with no logs to fill out. Since I get paid by the mile and not a percent of the linehaul I would think the extra .30 or .40 cents a mile paid for the straight trucks would just about cover the extra gas and maybe expense of the straight truck since Iam sure they get way less gas mileage. If I was getting paid by a pecentage of the linehaul say 50% Iam sure I would make out alot better in a straight truck because I can haul extra skids..Am I way off here or what?? Never thaught I would be an apprentice again..lol