Slow?
- Thread starter Sarkus
- Start date
Glen...keep that crystal ball shinned up with windex. Last year this time we were runnin our fool heads off.
I Will list the best to the worst months of revenue.This is only our truck I am talking about.Figures are averages over a five year period.
1.Aug
2.Oct
3.Sep
4.Jun
5.Mar
6.Nov
7.Apr
8.Jan
9.May
10.Jul
11.Feb
12.Dec
I Will list the best to the worst months of revenue.This is only our truck I am talking about.Figures are averages over a five year period.
1.Aug
2.Oct
3.Sep
4.Jun
5.Mar
6.Nov
7.Apr
8.Jan
9.May
10.Jul
11.Feb
12.Dec
Slow? How about so slow in April, that it makes more sense to stay at home, and then take regional runs only. I will not sit out in a truck stop for 3 days over a weekend right now. If fuel prices stay this high or higher much longer, most expediters will have trouble making payments. Consumer confidence way down, stock market in a freefall, GM heading to junk bond rating, etc.I think even big truck traffic is down now. This looks like a stagflation 70's coming real soon.
Best months: May- mid.Jan. Feb- mid April is normally very slow- but in five years of expediting I have seen nothing like this. Revenue is down at least 30%.
Best months: May- mid.Jan. Feb- mid April is normally very slow- but in five years of expediting I have seen nothing like this. Revenue is down at least 30%.
dieseldoctor1
Expert Expediter
Slow? Not us. We have been very busy so far this year. Actually ahead of last year our best year out of seven. Don't want to go into detail of why we stay busy but will say this. Now this may not apply to you so don't take it personally but I see alot of people on here telling how they analyse every load before deciding to take it and then in another thread they are complaining about being slow. Now in 1956 when I was 14, I was doing some custom farmwork, plowing ,discing ,cutting and putting up hay etc for farmers in the community. One day I was complaining to Dad (I was using his equipment then)about not having enough to do. He says, didn't I hear you turning down some people wanting gardens plowed. I said, yes but Dad they are small gardens and I would have to drive the tractor(14 yrs old no drivers license, max tractor speed 10MPH) for an hour each way so I wouldn't make any money. Now Dad had had his own electrical contracting business for years and although he wired houses and businesses he also would go to a house and replace one light fixture if a customer asked him to. He looked me in the eye and said: Son, a man who takes all the work he can get,gets all the work he can take. Think about it!
Dieseldoctor
Dieseldoctor
kempers_gramp
Expert Expediter
Son, a man who takes all the work he can
>get,gets all the work he can take. Think about it!
>
>
>Dieseldoctor
True so True!
Not only do you continue your cash flow, but, you also keep your mind busy to a point, and it may just be enough to keep it off of that particular "slow" period.
I do understand that we are not in this business to help promote Americas cash flow, but rather to make bi-zillions of deneros, lots of jing, or bling or what ever you want to call it, but ONCE IN A WHILE you have to take that .65 cent per mile trip, just to put you in a better place. The key is to keep your mind occupied and be patient, don't spend more than you are making, stay away from the cherry master rip-off machines, don't idle your truck just to stay comfy, crack your windows open and let mother nature in, or cover up with an extra blanket to stay warm.
Remember: An idle mind is the devils workshop.
Don't think about how slow it is, think about what you've been meaning to do, and do it! Even if it is calling the recruiter from a different company.
Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth
"I'm not much, but I'm all they've got."
Kemp!
>get,gets all the work he can take. Think about it!
>
>
>Dieseldoctor
True so True!
Not only do you continue your cash flow, but, you also keep your mind busy to a point, and it may just be enough to keep it off of that particular "slow" period.
I do understand that we are not in this business to help promote Americas cash flow, but rather to make bi-zillions of deneros, lots of jing, or bling or what ever you want to call it, but ONCE IN A WHILE you have to take that .65 cent per mile trip, just to put you in a better place. The key is to keep your mind occupied and be patient, don't spend more than you are making, stay away from the cherry master rip-off machines, don't idle your truck just to stay comfy, crack your windows open and let mother nature in, or cover up with an extra blanket to stay warm.
Remember: An idle mind is the devils workshop.
Don't think about how slow it is, think about what you've been meaning to do, and do it! Even if it is calling the recruiter from a different company.
Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth
"I'm not much, but I'm all they've got."
Kemp!
That is true!! Take whatever loads they give you-- they may put you in a better area for work!!
Ive been doing this since January and I already learned that. I reccently got a call from work (at the end of a dead week) for a load that was only 30 miles away! At first I was insulted by it but i still said ill do it. Then halfway to that 30 mile load i got a 162 mile load (thats a little better). On the way with my 162 mile load I got a 478 mile load (better) and after that one was done-- the same place I just dropped off at gave me a load 2 hours later which was a 556 mile load!!
So this is an example that just because its right down the block take it anyways-- it might lead into better prospects. But of coarse if a person doing this for only four months realizes this already-- the other guys know it too right?? ;-)
Ive been doing this since January and I already learned that. I reccently got a call from work (at the end of a dead week) for a load that was only 30 miles away! At first I was insulted by it but i still said ill do it. Then halfway to that 30 mile load i got a 162 mile load (thats a little better). On the way with my 162 mile load I got a 478 mile load (better) and after that one was done-- the same place I just dropped off at gave me a load 2 hours later which was a 556 mile load!!
So this is an example that just because its right down the block take it anyways-- it might lead into better prospects. But of coarse if a person doing this for only four months realizes this already-- the other guys know it too right?? ;-)
A few years ago I ended up being buried deep in the rotation in Detroit on a Friday morning. I told headquarters I was just going to go home(Alpena,Mi). He said they had a Windsor to Lansing that had been turned down by two people allready and he was sure no one else in line would want it. So I said I would and when I emptied I got a double from Grand Rapids to Oshawa. These primadonnas that think they shouldn't do anything but the ten miles of deadhead for seven hundred loaded just don't get it.
iheartfaye
Expert Expediter
DD,
I could not agree more. I have only been expediting since November but have been very successful. Everytime I meet other drivers with my company I hear them complain about the lack of miles followed by:
1)"I don't go to Canada"
2)"I don't move where the system suggests I move to. I know the freight lanes."
I take every load I am offered and move where the system tells me unless I am very close to home.
Brian
Panther Cargo Van
#2635
Since 11/04
>Slow? Not us. We have been very busy so far this year.
>Actually ahead of last year our best year out of seven.
>Don't want to go into detail of why we stay busy but will
>say this. Now this may not apply to you so don't take it
>personally but I see alot of people on here telling how they
>analyse every load before deciding to take it and then in
>another thread they are complaining about being slow. Now in
>1956 when I was 14, I was doing some custom farmwork,
>plowing ,discing ,cutting and putting up hay etc for farmers
>in the community. One day I was complaining to Dad (I was
>using his equipment then)about not having enough to do. He
>says, didn't I hear you turning down some people wanting
>gardens plowed. I said, yes but Dad they are small gardens
>and I would have to drive the tractor(14 yrs old no drivers
>license, max tractor speed 10MPH) for an hour each way so I
>wouldn't make any money. Now Dad had had his own electrical
>contracting business for years and although he wired houses
>and businesses he also would go to a house and replace one
>light fixture if a customer asked him to. He looked me in
>the eye and said: Son, a man who takes all the work he can
>get,gets all the work he can take. Think about it!
>
>
>Dieseldoctor
I could not agree more. I have only been expediting since November but have been very successful. Everytime I meet other drivers with my company I hear them complain about the lack of miles followed by:
1)"I don't go to Canada"
2)"I don't move where the system suggests I move to. I know the freight lanes."
I take every load I am offered and move where the system tells me unless I am very close to home.
Brian
Panther Cargo Van
#2635
Since 11/04
>Slow? Not us. We have been very busy so far this year.
>Actually ahead of last year our best year out of seven.
>Don't want to go into detail of why we stay busy but will
>say this. Now this may not apply to you so don't take it
>personally but I see alot of people on here telling how they
>analyse every load before deciding to take it and then in
>another thread they are complaining about being slow. Now in
>1956 when I was 14, I was doing some custom farmwork,
>plowing ,discing ,cutting and putting up hay etc for farmers
>in the community. One day I was complaining to Dad (I was
>using his equipment then)about not having enough to do. He
>says, didn't I hear you turning down some people wanting
>gardens plowed. I said, yes but Dad they are small gardens
>and I would have to drive the tractor(14 yrs old no drivers
>license, max tractor speed 10MPH) for an hour each way so I
>wouldn't make any money. Now Dad had had his own electrical
>contracting business for years and although he wired houses
>and businesses he also would go to a house and replace one
>light fixture if a customer asked him to. He looked me in
>the eye and said: Son, a man who takes all the work he can
>get,gets all the work he can take. Think about it!
>
>
>Dieseldoctor
raceman
Veteran Expediter
It is just killing me not to really go into this subject and how short runs are actually better than long runs but I will just be beat to a pulp by those who think it is slow. It has just about been covered by those above me.
I will say this. As a driver I turn down nothing. And now I will say this. I had a driver in one of my trucks that lasted about a month and two weeks of that was through Christmas and New Years. I got nothing but complaining everytime I talked to them. Runs are not being offered. Runs are too short. I finally fired the person because they were sitting at home. When I looked into this with dispatch the driver had turned down loads and gone home three times and stopped to see me once for me to put on new permits and was home for Christmas and New Years. Now do the math on all that in a one month period and by the way do not forget three days of orientation.
Now that you did the math it should be pretty clear. THEY DID NOTHING AND THEN BLAIMED IT ON THE COMPANY AND DISPATCHERS. HMMmmmmmmmm? Slow? You bet it was slow. Gezzzz! It is Rocket...... No Brain Surgery. I forgot
Raceman
OTR O/O
I will say this. As a driver I turn down nothing. And now I will say this. I had a driver in one of my trucks that lasted about a month and two weeks of that was through Christmas and New Years. I got nothing but complaining everytime I talked to them. Runs are not being offered. Runs are too short. I finally fired the person because they were sitting at home. When I looked into this with dispatch the driver had turned down loads and gone home three times and stopped to see me once for me to put on new permits and was home for Christmas and New Years. Now do the math on all that in a one month period and by the way do not forget three days of orientation.
Now that you did the math it should be pretty clear. THEY DID NOTHING AND THEN BLAIMED IT ON THE COMPANY AND DISPATCHERS. HMMmmmmmmmm? Slow? You bet it was slow. Gezzzz! It is Rocket...... No Brain Surgery. I forgot
Raceman
OTR O/O
Any run can be profitable as long as you know what it costs to run your truck. I can't say enough for knowing the freight lanes your company is running and keeping empty miles as low as possible.
If for example your company can't produce loads from the west coast, don't go there unless you can broker your own freight.
I have noticed that the carriers with a diverse freight base, are staying busy. The ones with strict ties to automotive have slowed considerably.
Davekc
owner
20 years
If for example your company can't produce loads from the west coast, don't go there unless you can broker your own freight.
I have noticed that the carriers with a diverse freight base, are staying busy. The ones with strict ties to automotive have slowed considerably.
Davekc
owner
20 years
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
In my now 6 months of Expediting, I have turned down two loads. One would have actually cost me $ from my first carrier, and the second would have taken me from NC to a hotter area OH. As it turned out it was a great decision, 12 hours later a load to Chicago no discounts, doesnt get any hotter than Wrigley field.
I agree Diesel Doctor with you. In my last business every customer was treated the same weather it was a one two hour a week account, or the country club that was 7 days a week five hours a night. Actually made more per hour with the smaller ones.
I agree Diesel Doctor with you. In my last business every customer was treated the same weather it was a one two hour a week account, or the country club that was 7 days a week five hours a night. Actually made more per hour with the smaller ones.
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
One more comment, once I can get the truck rolling with freight it just seems to continue to feed itself. I love being busy short or long if there is freight back there, tires are turning so is the $ in the checking account.
Now I am in a different situation than some when it comes to pay, so it does not matter where it goes I do not have to be picky just use some smarts once in awhile.
Now I am in a different situation than some when it comes to pay, so it does not matter where it goes I do not have to be picky just use some smarts once in awhile.
It is slow right now, compared to last year.
I average about one less load per week these days, and that hurts.
A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to work for another company out of the same city, but so far, they have not come up with a single load, no matter if I am in town, at home or somewhere else.
If I had to rely on them only, I would be bankrupt by now.
Good thing is that I have leased my vehicle from a third party, the lease is up soon, and I am wondering if its worth to invest in my own vehicle. But if it is not picking up pretty soon, I might as well don't.
I talked to alot of drivers in the last few weeks, they all complain, my business partner even averages less than 500 loaded miles right now.
I checked out a few other companies. But I am not sure if they don't tell me bull about their workloads right now and backlods especially.
I am not sure if its worth to switch to another company and then be stuck with arrangements I don't like. I am not the type that wants to stay out 24/7/365. That doesn't mean that I am lazy and am turning down loads, I just want to be home once a week, at least for a day.
I realize, one can't have all the cake and eat it at the same time, but one has to make the best out of every load offered.
I am hanging on to it right now since everything deserves a chance, but I can not go on like this for the rest of the year.
I love what I am doing, but if it doesn't pick up, I might look into local deliveries, and be home every night, at least for a while.
I average about one less load per week these days, and that hurts.
A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to work for another company out of the same city, but so far, they have not come up with a single load, no matter if I am in town, at home or somewhere else.
If I had to rely on them only, I would be bankrupt by now.
Good thing is that I have leased my vehicle from a third party, the lease is up soon, and I am wondering if its worth to invest in my own vehicle. But if it is not picking up pretty soon, I might as well don't.
I talked to alot of drivers in the last few weeks, they all complain, my business partner even averages less than 500 loaded miles right now.
I checked out a few other companies. But I am not sure if they don't tell me bull about their workloads right now and backlods especially.
I am not sure if its worth to switch to another company and then be stuck with arrangements I don't like. I am not the type that wants to stay out 24/7/365. That doesn't mean that I am lazy and am turning down loads, I just want to be home once a week, at least for a day.
I realize, one can't have all the cake and eat it at the same time, but one has to make the best out of every load offered.
I am hanging on to it right now since everything deserves a chance, but I can not go on like this for the rest of the year.
I love what I am doing, but if it doesn't pick up, I might look into local deliveries, and be home every night, at least for a while.
RE: Slow?one more thing...
Since it is slow, my dispatch hangs on my rear end and wants to talk me into buying a straight truck or cube van, because there is more money involved. I am so used to my beloved cargo van, and I can not imagine driving a straight truck out of a sudden, and doing logs and such. (again) I am not real sure if I could even afford to purchase a straight truck, and then my company might not keep me busy enough, not to mention the higher cost of fuel and maintenance.
Since it is slow, my dispatch hangs on my rear end and wants to talk me into buying a straight truck or cube van, because there is more money involved. I am so used to my beloved cargo van, and I can not imagine driving a straight truck out of a sudden, and doing logs and such. (again) I am not real sure if I could even afford to purchase a straight truck, and then my company might not keep me busy enough, not to mention the higher cost of fuel and maintenance.
RE: Slow?one more thing...
Miko wrote
I just want to be home once a week, at least for a day.
I hate to be discouraging but it seems based on your post, you may want to consider air freight or local P&D.
Going to a larger truck with the same company and your criteria, will only make you go broke faster.
Davekc
Miko wrote
I just want to be home once a week, at least for a day.
I hate to be discouraging but it seems based on your post, you may want to consider air freight or local P&D.
Going to a larger truck with the same company and your criteria, will only make you go broke faster.
Davekc
DannyD
Veteran Expediter
I've been running pretty good these past few weeks. This is my 2nd time around in expediting (I did it from 94-99) & as I recall it, things got going in April or so.
I'm wondering where you're based out of. If you're in Michigan/Ohio or areas like that I'd think ya'd have already been running by now. If you're in say Florida, I'm not sure if there's ever a good time, though someone who lives down there would know more than I would.
If you're in a good area & stay slow, make sure you're doing what ya need to do to be available. If ya feel you're doing everything required & that they ask of ya, ya may want to look into another company. No sense starving waiting things out.
Your concerns are natural. I had em a few months ago when we were slow & strongly considered getting a weekend job to have some cash flow for when things were tough. If we get slow again I might still get that weekend job.
I'm wondering where you're based out of. If you're in Michigan/Ohio or areas like that I'd think ya'd have already been running by now. If you're in say Florida, I'm not sure if there's ever a good time, though someone who lives down there would know more than I would.
If you're in a good area & stay slow, make sure you're doing what ya need to do to be available. If ya feel you're doing everything required & that they ask of ya, ya may want to look into another company. No sense starving waiting things out.
Your concerns are natural. I had em a few months ago when we were slow & strongly considered getting a weekend job to have some cash flow for when things were tough. If we get slow again I might still get that weekend job.