Is it really that slow out there?

TJ959 · Jun 5, 2004

I'm a single "D" truck and I'm averaging $1500 or less per week gross. I really like the guys I'm running for but it's hard to justify the expense of owning a truck on this kind of volume. I could really use some feedback on what I should expect. I don't turn down legal loads and I'm always available. What gives ????x(

Glen Rice · Jun 5, 2004

Sounds like it is time to go shopping for a new carrier! Interview them the way they would you. Ask what the average truck revenue is..etc. One other thing are you staying available?? I know drivers who are available during the day and then take themselves out of service at 8:00 pm to go to bed! You know the drill, you got to be ready to go when the freight is! Good luck with your search, and please keep us posted!

TJ959 · Jun 5, 2004

Thanks Glen, that was really fast. I'm always available and I take the bad loads with the good loads. It seems I don't run as much now that I quit taking loads that could'nt be run legally though.

oldtimer · Jun 5, 2004

please read the story about ghost riders allot of single d do it!

ATeam · Jun 5, 2004

There are carriers out there that do not accept illegal loads themselves and do not expect their drivers to carry them. It sounds to me that you are taking risks you do not need to take. Legitimate money is easily found in this industry.

Lawrence · Jun 5, 2004

Oldtimer,

Seems to me that your playing with fire. One of two things will happen to someone who runs a ghost-driver:

1. They will get caught, lose their contract and have a bad record in DAC. (kiss your driving career goodbye)

2. They will get in a wreck and cause injury to themselves or to the public.

Now how can that be a good situation for anyone? Is it really worth the extra few dollars?

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com

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davekc · Jun 5, 2004

Are we really back to this ghost rider thing? This has got to be one of the most ignorant ideas going. Why would someone take that many risks to themselves, their career, and everyone around them. You are certainly not the one I want following me down the freeway after you have driven way beyond a safe amount of hours.
If your carrier is not giving you the miles, you have to shop for another carrier. Were we are at the singles are getting roughly 2 to 3000 a week and the teams 4 to 5000. Of course you may have a week well below, or one that is higher. If you have been slow over the past three months, you will be even slower through the summer. Don't forget to look at what you are really netting. How much deadhead are you doing to make 1500.00 If you are not careful, I have seen some drivers run 3000 miles to make only $1500.00 You are a sinking ship with those numbers.

TJ959 · Jun 5, 2004

I'm with you guys. I'm no lawyer but it seems to me that this ghost driver thing is a good way to invite felony charges. I took a few long runs but dispatch was a little less than honest about it. There's no way I would make a habit of taking illeagal runs. All I want to do is run hard but legal. Oh; and yes Dave the deadhead is way out of line too. I'm looking at Landstar, Panther and Express-1 but the recruiters always paint a bright picture. I'm tired of moving around. It would be nice to stay somewhere.

terryandrene · Jun 5, 2004

TJ: I'm surprised Lawrenece didn't take the oportunity to encourage you to get to the EXPO in august where you can talk to several drivers and their respective recruiters in a relaxed environment. You live close enough to the Detroiter to put this important expediter tool on your calendar.

davekc · Jun 5, 2004

Expo show is a great idea. You will talk to alot of expedite companies, but more inportantly the drivers. You can size up the recruiter comments, and see if the drivers match. Don't get discouraged though, there are some companies out there that do deliver.

coldstart · Jun 5, 2004

Hey, man if you're only doing $1500/wk you need to wake up NOW and make a move because you're already broke. If you've got the ability my money would be on Landstar, if not I would try FedEx for true 48 state capability. I don't know where you are and it doesn't really matter i guess but either your company hasn't got the business or possibly you have upset the wrong dispatcher - it happens. Make a move - NOW - but do it smart, take a week or two off and have face-to-face meetings with the companies and get the real numbers. If you get even one single bad vibe then go to another meeting. I personally would look long and hard at both Fed Ex and Landstar if you're good at what you do. Hope it Helps, and always remember what my dad always told me: if you're going to go broke do it sitting on your rear, not working your rear off!

TJ959 · Jun 5, 2004

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the feedback. I'd already more or less decided to move on and Landstar is running first in my preferences at the moment. It's just kind of hard to move on again. Thanks again !!

davekc · Jun 5, 2004

my personal preference would be Panther,Fedex or Landstar. Just remember, talk to as many drivers as you can before you jump. Alot of companies are struggling to find drivers and you may encounter some giving you unrealistic expectations. Drivers at times may stretch the facts as well, but there are more of them to base a decision. You will run into a bunch at Woodhaven in August. You might want to consider as well the fact of going to a broker based company. While you can be very successful in this set up, it does take time to develop relationships with those brokers. Make sure you have enough cash reserves to see you through that period.

Lawrence · Jun 5, 2004

TJ959,

As Terry and DaveKC mentioned - the Expo is the only time that you will have EVERY MAJOR expedited carrier under one roof (Ok, Big Tent) at once. Yup, we even beat out Mid-America on this one.

Plan to spend both days - talk to each one. Have a list of goals for your business, miles & revenue - ask each recruiter if they think that you could meet your goals with their program.

best wishes...

Register here:

http://www.expediteexpo.com

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com

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CB · Jun 7, 2004

If you are doing $1500 a week where you are don't make the mistake of moving to landstar. If you're lucky you might average that here. There have been alot of changes here at landstar so it's not what it's cracked up to be. I've been here about 9 months and they've changed they're contract 3 times without notice. You can no longer find a load off their load board, ranger,inway,freight etc, without them taking most of the money. When i started we got 67% to 73% of the posted gross. Now it's down to 58%. They have at least 4 trucks for every load and are still leasing trucks on. The average,company wide,according to support, is 2 loads per week per truck. So do what you want but i'm looking for a place to go.

poopookitty · Jun 8, 2004

Hi,

My husband and I are pretty new to the expo game ourselves (9 mths). We drive for a fleet-owner. They pay pretty fair, but fuel prices which we are responsible for are putting a wrench in our overall income. I am currently looking at the whole thing very scrupulously. It seems to me that it would be difficult to do this kind of work as a solo driver i.e. limited mile loads. My advise is find someone you can team with or go with a regular freight company. We've talked to too many solos that simply cannot make it at expo alone.

Another piece of advise: Don't take the loads you cannot make a fair profit off of unless it is taking you somewhere that has better runs. You can run yourself crazy with crappy loads and not make a dime after expenses. I personally am not out here to do dispatchers unreciprocated favors or to sight-see and only make enough money to cover the cost of fuel. Remember that if you waste you time with a low-pay short load you won't be available for the good loads.

Have A Poopy Day!:+

ps. Hi all, this is my first post. Have been enjoying your message board for a couple of weeks now. I know I can learn a lot from your experience/wisdom. Hopefully my perceptions with be a valid contribution to your group.