Question for EO Nation

Lawrence · Jun 16, 2009

This is for publication in our print magazine Expedite NOW

What 3 things have you done in 2009 to survive the Recession?

Please reply with this format:

Name:
Carrier:
Unit Size: Cargo/Sprinter, Straight Truck, Tractor

1.
2.
3.

THANKS!!!!

Falligator · Jun 16, 2009

Name: Shawn Fallis
Carrier: Panther Expedited Services INC. #12382
Unit Size: Cargo
1. Reduced deadheading
2. Kept in touch constantly with dispatch
3. Stayed available 100% of last year.

TeamCaffee · Jun 17, 2009

Name: Bob Linda Caffee
Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical
Unit Size: D Straight Truck
1. Be prepared before the recession with no debt
2. Watch your spending on luxury items
3. Check and recheck your numbers and figure out how low can you go per mile to stay profitable

ebsprintin · Jun 17, 2009

Name: eb
Carrier: Bolt Express
Unit Size: Sprinter

1. got extension on vehicle payments
2. stopped buying anything except food and what is directly related to making the vehicle run
3. always available with the exception of vehicle service or outside jobs that bring in more money than driving

ATeam · Jun 17, 2009

Name: Phil and Diane Madsen
Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical
CR-unit

1. Live within our means.
2. Live within our means.
3. Live within our means.

Lawrence · Jun 17, 2009

This are great answers! A few more would be awesome - Thanks!

ihamner · Jun 17, 2009

Name: Frank & India Hamner
Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical
Unit: D Unit

1. Refinance our home for lower interest rate and lower payments.

2. Fuel , when possible, at the truck stop where our company gets a good discount even if it means going a little farther between fueling.

3. Food savings - eating more in the truck or when we eat in a restaurant try to get meals that will be more than one meal to take with us and re-heat.

Dynamite 1 · Jun 17, 2009

name: tom + tina evans carrier: arrow critical supply solutions/team str. truck 1. cut our expenses on the business side as well as personal expenditures. 2. maximized our profit on our runs by reducing non payed miles, increasing fuel mileage, and working with our carrier to educate them on how just a few cents here and there effect the profitability of a run and can make us lose money. 3. staying out just a little longer between hometime than we have in the past to add a few weeks of earning potential to the year.

Turtle · Jun 17, 2009

Name: Turtle
Carrier: Panther
Unit Size: Cargo/Sprinter

1. Motels don't know if you stayed there last night or not. Free breakfast.
2. Wash van once a month instead of once a week.
3. Same with showers.

wellarmed · Jun 17, 2009

Turtle, You could combined the van wash and shower,I wouldn't think they would charge you extra,they might have fun with it.

LDB · Jun 17, 2009

Name: Leo
Carrier: FedEx / Panther
Unit Size: Straight Truck

1. Removed visor and switched to flow through mud flaps to gain ~ .4 mpg.
2. Buy fuel using TCH /Comdata card at T/A to take advantage of discounts ranging from good to HUGE.
3. Try to spend wisely which includes shopping where cost is lowest not in truckstops etc. and not buying toys/gadgets/etc. that aren't mandatory purchases.

nightcreacher · Jun 19, 2009

steve gilbert
fed ex custom critical
tractor trailer

cut down on useless spending
more selective with loads
cut down on the dead heading to home miles

geo · Jun 19, 2009

ceva sprinter van
watch route i take and take shortest and fastest way
if waitting for bridge opening or closing shut engine off
or stuck in traffic roll windows down and shut engine off
don't idle while waitting to load and unload
watch speed and use cruise where able
and use discounts
and use coupons when able to

Dakota · Jun 20, 2009

Name:Michael Theveny
Carrier:Ceva
Unit Size: 26' Hino straight truck non sleeper

1. Keep my speed down to increase M.P.G. as well as shutting engine down at stops.
2. Signed up for Corporate Lodging Card to save money on Motels
3. Fill up both tanks when I find cheaper Diesel
4. stopped buying sodas at convience stores(1.20 a pop) now keep water from home in the truck.

pelicn · Jun 20, 2009

Steve and Judy Avery
Panther
Straight Truck

1. We drive for a fleet owner, so the expenses to the truck are not "our dime". That said, we still do everything possible to lower those expenses. Slow down, to get better mileage, turn the truck off when loading, unloading, or sitting for any length of time. We limit our deadhead miles, and stay in service longer now.

2. We created a profit margin calculator spreadsheet using the cost amounts provided by our owner. We punch in the numbers for each load before accepting it. If the load pays enough to cover those numbers we take it, if not, we don't.

3. Any maintenance that can be done by us, for example, generator oil / filter changes can be done for a minimal amount, saving quite a bit of money.

FIS53 · Jun 20, 2009

Name: Rob
Co: DJA Logistics
Units: Sprinter & Flatdeck S/T

1: Cut useless travel, idling
2: cut lunch spending and other minor expenses
3: added the flatdeck to steal competitions business

Moot · Jun 21, 2009

Name: Moot
Carrier: Panther
Unit Size: None of your beeswax

1. Purchased a genuine Somali beaded seat cover. This allows me to spend more time behind the wheel. The seller insisted I sign a pledge stating I would not transport any alcohol or pork. This means no more "gasohol" thus increasing my fuel mileage and reducing my chances of contracting swine flu. It did however cost me a nice load out of Austin, MN.

2. I have become a convert to the Claude Akins "more miles, less pay" philosophy. Anything to keep those wheels rolling. Gotta keep em rollin'.

3. Studying ways to expand my chinchilla business. China appears to be an emerging market. Also North Korea.

4. I signed on as a grassroots volunteer and made a hefty contribution to the Ban The Van Movement.

Yesteryear · Jun 21, 2009

1. Keith & Sheila

2. Tri-State

3. Straight Truck

We eat in the truck.

We no longer take 'off' time. Stay in service,available, taking loads.

Purchase only necessary items.

Count pennies .

cheri1122 · Jun 21, 2009

Cheri Heppner
Bolt Express
D unit

1 Don't pay for what I can get free [ice, water, etc]
2 If I have to pay for it, check the Dollar stores first.
3 Slow down - it's not such a rush that speeding is required.

Dakota · Jun 22, 2009

Turtle said:
Name: Turtle
Carrier: Panther
Unit Size: Cargo/Sprinter

1. Motels don't know if you stayed there last night or not. Free breakfast.
2. Wash van once a month instead of once a week.
3. Same with showers.