Someone PLEASE call me ignorant....
- Thread starter MPG
- Start date
ClassicOne
Expert Expediter
I love the quote from a restaurant consultant I used in the past...."who is running your business?" All of life changes, work included. Think of the Dow companies...even they fall on hard times unless they innovate...RETOOL.
Excuses can be found at anytime to explain ups and downs of your business, but only YOU can run YOUR business and therefore if you are willing to adapt, innovate and take the punches when your decisions hit you in the face should you invest in YOUR business. Think the guys at Gateway thought that Dell would beat them at their niche?
Excuses can be found at anytime to explain ups and downs of your business, but only YOU can run YOUR business and therefore if you are willing to adapt, innovate and take the punches when your decisions hit you in the face should you invest in YOUR business. Think the guys at Gateway thought that Dell would beat them at their niche?
Well you guys I think you forget about the Canadian factor somewhat...More and more of YOUR companies are calling us to find out if we have a unit in the area and subcontracting the load out at 1/2 to 2/3's what you'd carry it for..ifs it's going back into Canada. And Don't get in my way as I back around you to pick it up! I'll take it back for 4-500 bucks in a heartbeat as a way to get home paid! And that is a sound business decision. As expedite loads for us are hard to get in some areas for a Canadian company. More and more Can. Co.'s are taking your Canada bound loads for less!
Also if your company does too much auto-parts they better change thier strategy very soon. DX changed 3 yrs ago and Gents there is plenty other kinds of business out there! I have to give points to DX..they might be frugal BUT they gave up on the NLM board long time ago Thats just too cheap even for them!
Like I said if you don't take that 500$ load into Canada look outta they way I'll be backin in past ya!
PS and I am quite sure there is some of that going on in the reverse so you can get out of Canada. So I'll get out of your way...*lol*
I think it's called competition???
Also if your company does too much auto-parts they better change thier strategy very soon. DX changed 3 yrs ago and Gents there is plenty other kinds of business out there! I have to give points to DX..they might be frugal BUT they gave up on the NLM board long time ago Thats just too cheap even for them!
Like I said if you don't take that 500$ load into Canada look outta they way I'll be backin in past ya!
PS and I am quite sure there is some of that going on in the reverse so you can get out of Canada. So I'll get out of your way...*lol*
I think it's called competition???
StayStrong1125
Expert Expediter
>I think it's called competition???
Fine line between 'competition' and the 'rate cutting' that is starving the OTR dry freight market.
Wise man once say, "He who drives truck in white pants...soon drives truck in dirty white pants."
Fine line between 'competition' and the 'rate cutting' that is starving the OTR dry freight market.
Wise man once say, "He who drives truck in white pants...soon drives truck in dirty white pants."
TryHoursRcrtr
Expert Expediter
I can honestly tell you that the rates at Try Hours for cargo vans aren't .70 a mile. They are .80 a mile. Not sure who you talked to, but guess I will have to start talking to the cargo van drivers to insure they are understanding the program. Thank you for the heads up.
StayStrong,
I bet the top of teacel's skull just hit the ceiling....Not to mention his smoke alarms are going off from the smoke coming out of his ears......
See what I'm saying. Dog eat dog. With NO regard for what's going to happen to him in time. I'll copy paste his text into a word file in case he deletes it, once he sees what he's done. Then I'll repost it.
I'll let teacel (or just about anyone else who cares about their livelyhood) tear this guy apart.
Waiting for the fireworks.....
I bet the top of teacel's skull just hit the ceiling....Not to mention his smoke alarms are going off from the smoke coming out of his ears......
See what I'm saying. Dog eat dog. With NO regard for what's going to happen to him in time. I'll copy paste his text into a word file in case he deletes it, once he sees what he's done. Then I'll repost it.
I'll let teacel (or just about anyone else who cares about their livelyhood) tear this guy apart.
Waiting for the fireworks.....
NoProblem
Expert Expediter
JEFF! From one toolie to another, good luck keeping your current job my friend. (Although I am now officially an ex-toolie, it'll probably be in my blood till I die)
I started in the tool design biz back in 1979 at Morry's Design shop on 9 mile and Dequindre - by 1991, I had worked at 25 different shops before I hit my eutopia at Stellar Eng. - that stint netted me 10 years of $ix figure profit with plenty of fringes....aahhh, life was good!
What you say about the tooling biz (I still want to call it drafting) is true - and shows all the signs of only getting worse.
There are a few differences between the tooling biz and trucking, the most important being that EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING goes by truck - there will ALWAYS be work as a driver - - if this industry ever takes the same route that drafting did then all I can say is this country is doomed.
I have been driving about 2 years now OverTheRoad in a big truck with a 53' trailer in tow and grossed just over $50k my first year driving for a fleet owner. I was never legal with the log book and once got caught in Ca. for a $600 ticket for "incomplete log book" - my only ticket - so far.
I decided to take summer off and try some local driving jobs. Theres not many of those around here (two hours north of Detroit) and the ones that are available pay $10 to $13/hr. If you can get more, it will not be that much more unless you can possibly get into a union company, then you should be able to get $15 or $16/hr to start and $20 to $22ish/hr after X years. Good luck.
So I decided to try Expiditing to see what gives. I am just starting mind you and I drive for a guy that has a few trucks. So far so good.
My first week I got 1800 miles @ .39/mi driving a "D" unit and I was only gone two nights.
From what I gather, I am not getting paid as well as other guys who drive for owners - I only get 30% whereas I hear other drivers get 40% as the rule - but for the time being, I am willing to see what this particular division of the trucking industry has to offer before I quit for more money - eventually getting my own truck if things pan out.
My advice to you is this: You see whats happening in the drafting biz, take the steps NOW to have SOMETHING to fall back on when (not if) your current job vanishes. I have met MANY drivers who were once in positions of authority in tech oriented jobs - from airline pilots to computer administrators to engineers - I think they would ALL tell you what I just told you - Do SOMETHING NOW.
If this industry is not thee MOST secure industry there is, it must be in the top two or three and I personally feel that your worries, while justified, do not apply to this industry - at least for the stretch of forseeable future.
Best to you!
Steve
I started in the tool design biz back in 1979 at Morry's Design shop on 9 mile and Dequindre - by 1991, I had worked at 25 different shops before I hit my eutopia at Stellar Eng. - that stint netted me 10 years of $ix figure profit with plenty of fringes....aahhh, life was good!
What you say about the tooling biz (I still want to call it drafting) is true - and shows all the signs of only getting worse.
There are a few differences between the tooling biz and trucking, the most important being that EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING goes by truck - there will ALWAYS be work as a driver - - if this industry ever takes the same route that drafting did then all I can say is this country is doomed.
I have been driving about 2 years now OverTheRoad in a big truck with a 53' trailer in tow and grossed just over $50k my first year driving for a fleet owner. I was never legal with the log book and once got caught in Ca. for a $600 ticket for "incomplete log book" - my only ticket - so far.
I decided to take summer off and try some local driving jobs. Theres not many of those around here (two hours north of Detroit) and the ones that are available pay $10 to $13/hr. If you can get more, it will not be that much more unless you can possibly get into a union company, then you should be able to get $15 or $16/hr to start and $20 to $22ish/hr after X years. Good luck.
So I decided to try Expiditing to see what gives. I am just starting mind you and I drive for a guy that has a few trucks. So far so good.
My first week I got 1800 miles @ .39/mi driving a "D" unit and I was only gone two nights.
From what I gather, I am not getting paid as well as other guys who drive for owners - I only get 30% whereas I hear other drivers get 40% as the rule - but for the time being, I am willing to see what this particular division of the trucking industry has to offer before I quit for more money - eventually getting my own truck if things pan out.
My advice to you is this: You see whats happening in the drafting biz, take the steps NOW to have SOMETHING to fall back on when (not if) your current job vanishes. I have met MANY drivers who were once in positions of authority in tech oriented jobs - from airline pilots to computer administrators to engineers - I think they would ALL tell you what I just told you - Do SOMETHING NOW.
If this industry is not thee MOST secure industry there is, it must be in the top two or three and I personally feel that your worries, while justified, do not apply to this industry - at least for the stretch of forseeable future.
Best to you!
Steve
I agree that trucking will always be there. The question eventually will be as to whether it will be American truckers moving it or foreign labor. As mentioned earlier, look closely at what is going on in Canada. Or looking closer to home, look carefully at the US farming industry. Even with government subsidies, the majority of labor is now foreign migrant workers. I thnk trucking is safe for the next 5 or so years but I see alot of simular situations between trucking and the agriculture business. Where the cheap labor is, the companies will follow. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Davekc
Davekc
NoProblem
Expert Expediter
The thing is, whether or not we will have to compete with foreign drivers - at that point will be a mute point.
The reason being that at least there will be a driving job - in the drafting industry, the jobs are non-existant anymore. Theres no way to even lower your salary to compete when they ship the jobs overseas.
I agree that it is a vialble concern but, after seeing my original livelyhood vanish as though overnight, I would be willing -if I had to - to take a cut in order to keep my income, but only if I had to.
If and when it happens, what else can we be expected to do?
The reason being that at least there will be a driving job - in the drafting industry, the jobs are non-existant anymore. Theres no way to even lower your salary to compete when they ship the jobs overseas.
I agree that it is a vialble concern but, after seeing my original livelyhood vanish as though overnight, I would be willing -if I had to - to take a cut in order to keep my income, but only if I had to.
If and when it happens, what else can we be expected to do?
Correct. It will become, how low is one willing to go before they move onto something else. As earlier posted, agriculture jobs were not sent overseas but many were over ran by cheap labor. One can't compete with a $100,000 combine and a &100,000 tractor, ect and a competitor is paying a family of 5, 50.00 a day plus room and board.
That is why there are so many bankruptcies in the farming community.
The other factors are foreign price subsidies,government regulations high fuel and operating costs. Many parallels to the trucking industry.
Davekc
That is why there are so many bankruptcies in the farming community.
The other factors are foreign price subsidies,government regulations high fuel and operating costs. Many parallels to the trucking industry.
Davekc
No Problem,
A fellow TOOLIE. EXCELLENT. It's amazing how fast it VANISHED isn't it...??? I would have thought the gravy train was going to last forever.....NOPE. GONE. Who would have thought some "foreigner" was as smart as you and VERY capable of doing your job. (That's sarcasm for those of you keeping score).
Let me clear up what Dave is saying. You could equate Mexican immigrants (or Canadians now APPEARENTLY)as being the equivalant of sending your tooling job overseas. The job will still be there true BUT it will pay HALF as much. Now remember we're starting with your driver salary not your tooling salary. So would you do your job for $25,000 a year or will you start over...??? If I had the choice of doing my toolie job for HALF would I do it...???? Absolutely, It's just NOT an option. That's what these guys who are saying "innovate" don't understand. IT'S GONE. A Mexican is doing it. You can't "innovate" NOTHING.
He's saying farmers have to hire immigrants to stay alive because they can't get "Americans" to do the work for as cheap as they have to do it TO SURVIVE. Those are jobs "Americans" don't want.
Putting all my crazy "theoretical" (sarcasm again, that's two in one post, I'm getting good at this) thoughts aside. Analyze the American farm worker scenario. That's as real as it gets. How could he "innovate"..???
Not to mention the drunken college student looking for a summer job landscaping industry.....Sorry, I couldn't resist
Sounds like the current driver shortage points to a career "Americans" don't want.
Someone points out that the "American" trucking companies would "decimate" the Mexican trucking industry and run all the Mexican companies out of business. DUH. How does that help me Mr. Owner Operator if that opens the flood gates to Mexican drivers dying to live and work in America. It just makes the trucking company owners richer. The only opportunity that creates is runs into Mexico, and you think New York stinks.....
I think if trucking had a better image and people realized you can make a good living doing it. There would be no driver shortage. I think if you asked the average person how much a "trucker" makes they would tell you $25,000. Not very lucrative. That's what I would have said before looking into it.
Now if you make it even worse by undercutting your fellow "trucker" this just speeds the process up.
I'm not trying to bum anyone out. Just pick your brains. I will be an expeditor soon, but, I'll be going into it with my eyes WIDE open.
No Problem, we'll have to do a NOONER sometime.....My treat.
A fellow TOOLIE. EXCELLENT. It's amazing how fast it VANISHED isn't it...??? I would have thought the gravy train was going to last forever.....NOPE. GONE. Who would have thought some "foreigner" was as smart as you and VERY capable of doing your job. (That's sarcasm for those of you keeping score).
Let me clear up what Dave is saying. You could equate Mexican immigrants (or Canadians now APPEARENTLY)as being the equivalant of sending your tooling job overseas. The job will still be there true BUT it will pay HALF as much. Now remember we're starting with your driver salary not your tooling salary. So would you do your job for $25,000 a year or will you start over...??? If I had the choice of doing my toolie job for HALF would I do it...???? Absolutely, It's just NOT an option. That's what these guys who are saying "innovate" don't understand. IT'S GONE. A Mexican is doing it. You can't "innovate" NOTHING.
He's saying farmers have to hire immigrants to stay alive because they can't get "Americans" to do the work for as cheap as they have to do it TO SURVIVE. Those are jobs "Americans" don't want.
Putting all my crazy "theoretical" (sarcasm again, that's two in one post, I'm getting good at this) thoughts aside. Analyze the American farm worker scenario. That's as real as it gets. How could he "innovate"..???
Not to mention the drunken college student looking for a summer job landscaping industry.....Sorry, I couldn't resist
Sounds like the current driver shortage points to a career "Americans" don't want.
Someone points out that the "American" trucking companies would "decimate" the Mexican trucking industry and run all the Mexican companies out of business. DUH. How does that help me Mr. Owner Operator if that opens the flood gates to Mexican drivers dying to live and work in America. It just makes the trucking company owners richer. The only opportunity that creates is runs into Mexico, and you think New York stinks.....
I think if trucking had a better image and people realized you can make a good living doing it. There would be no driver shortage. I think if you asked the average person how much a "trucker" makes they would tell you $25,000. Not very lucrative. That's what I would have said before looking into it.
Now if you make it even worse by undercutting your fellow "trucker" this just speeds the process up.
I'm not trying to bum anyone out. Just pick your brains. I will be an expeditor soon, but, I'll be going into it with my eyes WIDE open.
No Problem, we'll have to do a NOONER sometime.....My treat.
NoProblem
Expert Expediter
A fellow TOOLIE. EXCELLENT. It's amazing how fast it VANISHED isn't it...??? I would have thought the gravy train was going to last forever.....NOPE. GONE. Who would have thought some "foreigner" was as smart as you and VERY capable of doing your job. (That's sarcasm for those of you keeping score).
LOL, I agree that in one sence its excellent - but the reality of it is it sucks! Yessiree, that gravy train has left the station and can now be found only in China, India or some other far away place where there is virtually no hope of hopping back on it.
Let me clear up what Dave is saying. You could equate Mexican immigrants (or Canadians now APPEARENTLY)as being the equivalant of sending your tooling job overseas. The job will still be there true BUT it will pay HALF as much. Now remember we're starting with your driver salary not your tooling salary. So would you do your job for $25,000 a year or will you start over...??? If I had the choice of doing my toolie job for HALF would I do it...???? Absolutely, It's just NOT an option. That's what these guys who are saying "innovate" don't understand. IT'S GONE. A Mexican is doing it. You can't "innovate" NOTHING.
I agree with Dave's and your explanation, and as you point out, you and I would take the cut to keep the job - I already have taken a 60% pay cut when I took up driving for a living - and I drove HARD to clear $50k - I would venture to guess that most new drivers do not make that much....probably ALOT closer to your $25k.
I think if trucking had a better image and people realized you can make a good living doing it. There would be no driver shortage. I think if you asked the average person how much a "trucker" makes they would tell you $25,000. Not very lucrative. That's what I would have said before looking into it.
While I agree the image sucks, its not completely the image that keeps alot of drivers away - but that sure doesn't help.
Like myself, I took up driving out of necessity - where else can you make $50k your first year without college? Heck, thats alot more than you make your first FEW years in tooling - and I know folks who are still in tooling, and have been in tooling for over 15 years that are STILL not making that much - or had to take a pay and OT hour cut in order to keep their job - even they are not making that much!
Image aside, theres other reasons why folks either avoid this profession or quit asap once they enter it, a few items for you to be aware of might be:
1) they'll cheat you on miles (big companies notorious for this) I was often cheated by 25-30% and they know all about it.
2) Stuck in traffic = North East/big cities = money loser
3) 7:30am to 11:30(lunch) 12:12 to 5:00pm is non-existant, forget about a schedule and prepare to drive when you would normally prefer to sleep and and vise versa - but not always.
4) You will learn that the everyday things you take for granted become priceless. Example: You now get to shower in truck stops, often standing in line for 45 minutes for the privledge. Sleeping in your own bed is a huge luxury - as is eating at your own diner table. A home cooked meal takes on a whole new meaning - trust me.
5) If you drive legal, plan to lose money
6) If you get caught driving illegal, the fines can be devestating
7) the cops are always on the lookout for trucks and can pull you over as a "random", search you, your truck, your dirty laundry and put you out of service for any infraction they want (I think this is rare but it looms over our heads) after they fine you up the wazoo - after all, they need the money.
8) you get to do laundry in truck stops - isn't that appealing.
9) you actually "live on the road" for days, weeks or months at a time - possibly the main reason that most folks avoid driving for a living.
10) If them wheels ain't rolling, you ain't making any money.
11) waiting for hours or days for a load while you are in BFE
12)waiting for hours at the shipper to get loaded/unloaded - for free
On the other hand, there are pluses, like no one breathing down your neck to "get the job done" and you're pretty much your own boss, ya get to see sights most folks will never see.
I am sure others can add to the above lists.
I will be happy to take you up on that nooner - just say when and where! That'd be awesome!
LOL, I agree that in one sence its excellent - but the reality of it is it sucks! Yessiree, that gravy train has left the station and can now be found only in China, India or some other far away place where there is virtually no hope of hopping back on it.
Let me clear up what Dave is saying. You could equate Mexican immigrants (or Canadians now APPEARENTLY)as being the equivalant of sending your tooling job overseas. The job will still be there true BUT it will pay HALF as much. Now remember we're starting with your driver salary not your tooling salary. So would you do your job for $25,000 a year or will you start over...??? If I had the choice of doing my toolie job for HALF would I do it...???? Absolutely, It's just NOT an option. That's what these guys who are saying "innovate" don't understand. IT'S GONE. A Mexican is doing it. You can't "innovate" NOTHING.
I agree with Dave's and your explanation, and as you point out, you and I would take the cut to keep the job - I already have taken a 60% pay cut when I took up driving for a living - and I drove HARD to clear $50k - I would venture to guess that most new drivers do not make that much....probably ALOT closer to your $25k.
I think if trucking had a better image and people realized you can make a good living doing it. There would be no driver shortage. I think if you asked the average person how much a "trucker" makes they would tell you $25,000. Not very lucrative. That's what I would have said before looking into it.
While I agree the image sucks, its not completely the image that keeps alot of drivers away - but that sure doesn't help.
Like myself, I took up driving out of necessity - where else can you make $50k your first year without college? Heck, thats alot more than you make your first FEW years in tooling - and I know folks who are still in tooling, and have been in tooling for over 15 years that are STILL not making that much - or had to take a pay and OT hour cut in order to keep their job - even they are not making that much!
Image aside, theres other reasons why folks either avoid this profession or quit asap once they enter it, a few items for you to be aware of might be:
1) they'll cheat you on miles (big companies notorious for this) I was often cheated by 25-30% and they know all about it.
2) Stuck in traffic = North East/big cities = money loser
3) 7:30am to 11:30(lunch) 12:12 to 5:00pm is non-existant, forget about a schedule and prepare to drive when you would normally prefer to sleep and and vise versa - but not always.
4) You will learn that the everyday things you take for granted become priceless. Example: You now get to shower in truck stops, often standing in line for 45 minutes for the privledge. Sleeping in your own bed is a huge luxury - as is eating at your own diner table. A home cooked meal takes on a whole new meaning - trust me.
5) If you drive legal, plan to lose money
6) If you get caught driving illegal, the fines can be devestating
7) the cops are always on the lookout for trucks and can pull you over as a "random", search you, your truck, your dirty laundry and put you out of service for any infraction they want (I think this is rare but it looms over our heads) after they fine you up the wazoo - after all, they need the money.
8) you get to do laundry in truck stops - isn't that appealing.
9) you actually "live on the road" for days, weeks or months at a time - possibly the main reason that most folks avoid driving for a living.
10) If them wheels ain't rolling, you ain't making any money.
11) waiting for hours or days for a load while you are in BFE
12)waiting for hours at the shipper to get loaded/unloaded - for free
On the other hand, there are pluses, like no one breathing down your neck to "get the job done" and you're pretty much your own boss, ya get to see sights most folks will never see.
I am sure others can add to the above lists.
I will be happy to take you up on that nooner - just say when and where! That'd be awesome!
NoProblem,
Your line of thinking is so close to mine it's SCARY. Right down to the "Where else can you make $50,000 with NO college education." WOW. Scary. Car sales is maybe an option..???. Or just sales in general..??
I was asking YOU if you would be able to do the job for $25,000 a year or would YOU have to move on..???? Your lifestyle would be comparable to mine. I have spent the last three years positioning myself at a level where I could do just fine on $50,000. $25,000 not worth the headaches of your list. Which is why I couldn't be a company driver. No offense.
Your List:
Think of it this way. While you where a toolie. I bet you could have made a similar list about how much you hated tooling.
In the IMMORTAL words of Cinderella (That's an 80's hair band for all the youngsters)
"You Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone"
Headbang at will. (Just trying to lighten the mood..)
Let me know when you are in the area. I am in Madison Heights. "For Now". You tell me. I read this forum all the time. I think I have it memorized. PM me.
Your line of thinking is so close to mine it's SCARY. Right down to the "Where else can you make $50,000 with NO college education." WOW. Scary. Car sales is maybe an option..???. Or just sales in general..??
I was asking YOU if you would be able to do the job for $25,000 a year or would YOU have to move on..???? Your lifestyle would be comparable to mine. I have spent the last three years positioning myself at a level where I could do just fine on $50,000. $25,000 not worth the headaches of your list. Which is why I couldn't be a company driver. No offense.
Your List:
Think of it this way. While you where a toolie. I bet you could have made a similar list about how much you hated tooling.
In the IMMORTAL words of Cinderella (That's an 80's hair band for all the youngsters)
"You Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone"
Headbang at will. (Just trying to lighten the mood..
)Let me know when you are in the area. I am in Madison Heights. "For Now". You tell me. I read this forum all the time. I think I have it memorized. PM me.
I could go on forever about this topic. But, what I'm really trying to do is just point out some issues for others contemplating the business who may not be thinking about, or are not aware of, them. There's more to this business than trying to figure out what everyone is making. Is it really that hard to figure out...??? Just read this forum put two and two together. All the info you need is right here. I mean you can even get EXACT costs for EVERYTHING by PICKING UP A PHONE and calling an expedite company and an insurance agent. They will both give you numbers over the phone, no problem.
I'm not some truck stop prophet trying to save the trucking industry.
I am exactly who I claim to be.
What do I really think...? (As if anyone cares) (I think pellgrn does).
My job is gone forever. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. I am a causality of what is called a "global marketplace". Technical jobs can be done over the internet now. Truckers never will be "globalized" or "Roy Munsoned" if you prefer. (An obscure "Kingpin" reference, if you know what I'm talking about, your laughing right now)
I think expediting as a whole will last MUCH longer in it's current state than OTR will. How long...??? Probably, 10 years, at the least, and I agree there will be other opportunities. My guess is container something or other, before the 10 years is up. Somehow all that freight that is being manufactured overseas has to get to market SOMEHOW. It's only going to grow with time. But WHO really knows.
I think the rates have shaken down to a point where they can't go much lower. There will always be cases of back biting and "cheap freight" but I don't think it's all that widespread. I think there will also be respectable companies working overtime to keep their trucks making them money. I don't really know though.
Everyone fed on the fat for a few years, but, that's over now. Now, only the CLEVER hunters survive, not the vultures. The truth is, if my company knew how to operate efficently and maintain good customer relations. I wouldn't even be posting here I'd be BUSY working. They don't, so they die. I'm not in upper level management so I'm helpless, as I watch it happen.
I think the hand that feeds NLM will eventually starve them out of existence. Once they get all their mini-cities built up they won't need it any longer. They and others like them will PROBABLY take their money and run. Tough call. This is the only part of the business that REALLY does worry me. I hope it's only a temporary automotive stop gap. I've seen them do MUCH dumber things.
I don't think the big boys can really play in the expedited market efficently. To much management for a big company to do (they hate that). Overhead.
Why would a Mexican do the job for half price, I don't know....??? Do you...??? Aren't they really just like us....??? If he can make more money, isn't he going to...???? They aren't mindless slaves. Join the new millenium, it's not that bad, really.
I think the language barriers not only at the carrier but also where the loads are picked up and delivered pretty much locks the non-english speaking (look at that political correctness) out for a LONG time. Maybe they can thrive in pockets where Spanish is like the second language but not all over the country. Certainly not in the Midwest. Trust me, your customers will NOT be happy handing off their "hot" freight to someone who they can't communicate with. Picking strawberries is different MUCH different than driving a truck. Its interesting, to me, nobody pointed this out. If you were shipping your kids Christmas presents via an expeditor would you feel good about it, with someone babbling some chicken talk at you (enough PC), as you explain how important this freight is. I don't know how much contact you have with your customers I'm just speculating.
I don't care what ANYONE says we've been in a recession for at least four years. If the economy ever picks up again, companies won't care how much it costs to expedite something. It'll go back to "I don't care. GET IT DONE!!!" Which is good for expeditors. If this happens you can add five years, easy. As soon as one of political leaders (Republican or Democrat-I don't care) figures out we need to ADD GOOD JOBS, and legislation to make that happen, and cut our trade deficit to a NORMAL level to get the economy started again we'll all be better off. I'm NO economist that's just what I think. Right or wrong. I don't care.
It's OFFICAL. Canada is PISSING ME OFF.
These are the ramblings of a ding-a-ling.
I look forward to moving into a field where I'm NOT doing the exact same thing everyday. I'll have to adapt and learn to roll with the punches, daily. But I think I'll manage. The thought of driving my OWN company, the way I WANT to is more liberating, than the downsides are depressing and I think that's more than half the battle.
Good Luck,
Jeff
I'm not some truck stop prophet trying to save the trucking industry.
I am exactly who I claim to be.
What do I really think...? (As if anyone cares) (I think pellgrn does).
My job is gone forever. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. I am a causality of what is called a "global marketplace". Technical jobs can be done over the internet now. Truckers never will be "globalized" or "Roy Munsoned" if you prefer. (An obscure "Kingpin" reference, if you know what I'm talking about, your laughing right now)
I think expediting as a whole will last MUCH longer in it's current state than OTR will. How long...??? Probably, 10 years, at the least, and I agree there will be other opportunities. My guess is container something or other, before the 10 years is up. Somehow all that freight that is being manufactured overseas has to get to market SOMEHOW. It's only going to grow with time. But WHO really knows.
I think the rates have shaken down to a point where they can't go much lower. There will always be cases of back biting and "cheap freight" but I don't think it's all that widespread. I think there will also be respectable companies working overtime to keep their trucks making them money. I don't really know though.
Everyone fed on the fat for a few years, but, that's over now. Now, only the CLEVER hunters survive, not the vultures. The truth is, if my company knew how to operate efficently and maintain good customer relations. I wouldn't even be posting here I'd be BUSY working. They don't, so they die. I'm not in upper level management so I'm helpless, as I watch it happen.
I think the hand that feeds NLM will eventually starve them out of existence. Once they get all their mini-cities built up they won't need it any longer. They and others like them will PROBABLY take their money and run. Tough call. This is the only part of the business that REALLY does worry me. I hope it's only a temporary automotive stop gap. I've seen them do MUCH dumber things.
I don't think the big boys can really play in the expedited market efficently. To much management for a big company to do (they hate that). Overhead.
Why would a Mexican do the job for half price, I don't know....??? Do you...??? Aren't they really just like us....??? If he can make more money, isn't he going to...???? They aren't mindless slaves. Join the new millenium, it's not that bad, really.
I think the language barriers not only at the carrier but also where the loads are picked up and delivered pretty much locks the non-english speaking (look at that political correctness) out for a LONG time. Maybe they can thrive in pockets where Spanish is like the second language but not all over the country. Certainly not in the Midwest. Trust me, your customers will NOT be happy handing off their "hot" freight to someone who they can't communicate with. Picking strawberries is different MUCH different than driving a truck. Its interesting, to me, nobody pointed this out. If you were shipping your kids Christmas presents via an expeditor would you feel good about it, with someone babbling some chicken talk at you (enough PC), as you explain how important this freight is. I don't know how much contact you have with your customers I'm just speculating.
I don't care what ANYONE says we've been in a recession for at least four years. If the economy ever picks up again, companies won't care how much it costs to expedite something. It'll go back to "I don't care. GET IT DONE!!!" Which is good for expeditors. If this happens you can add five years, easy. As soon as one of political leaders (Republican or Democrat-I don't care) figures out we need to ADD GOOD JOBS, and legislation to make that happen, and cut our trade deficit to a NORMAL level to get the economy started again we'll all be better off. I'm NO economist that's just what I think. Right or wrong. I don't care.
It's OFFICAL. Canada is PISSING ME OFF.
These are the ramblings of a ding-a-ling.
I look forward to moving into a field where I'm NOT doing the exact same thing everyday. I'll have to adapt and learn to roll with the punches, daily. But I think I'll manage. The thought of driving my OWN company, the way I WANT to is more liberating, than the downsides are depressing and I think that's more than half the battle.
Good Luck,
Jeff
TryHoursRcrtr
Expert Expediter
I have been watching and looking at the posting for a while. This is the only wrong information I had seen about Try Hours, so I figured it was time to get myself an ID. The Vans are getting .80 a mile and there is deadhead. Anyone working for less then that, and there are companies out there paying less then that, are fools.
Jack Jackson
Expert Expediter
RE: OK, You're Ignorant
OK, MPG. You're ignorant. Luckily that doesn't mean you are stupid. You seem well read and well informed in a number of disciplines. But your negative attitude toward people (of all races) and shallow understanding of the practices in this industry will probably make your time in this industry short, indeed. Hey -- I learned the hard way too. This is my second time around in expediting and we are doing very well.
The fact that you will never have the intelligence or compassion of a man like Glen Rice shouldn't matter because hardly any of us do.
Please pick another industry. We have enough complainers already.
Best of luck.
OK, MPG. You're ignorant. Luckily that doesn't mean you are stupid. You seem well read and well informed in a number of disciplines. But your negative attitude toward people (of all races) and shallow understanding of the practices in this industry will probably make your time in this industry short, indeed. Hey -- I learned the hard way too. This is my second time around in expediting and we are doing very well.
The fact that you will never have the intelligence or compassion of a man like Glen Rice shouldn't matter because hardly any of us do.
Please pick another industry. We have enough complainers already.
Best of luck.
Well you guys I think you forget about the Canadian factor somewhat...More and more of YOUR companies are calling us to find out if we have a unit in the area and subcontracting the load out at 1/2 to 2/3's what you'd carry it for..ifs it's going back into Canada. And Don't get in my way as I back around you to pick it up! I'll take it back for 4-500 bucks in a heartbeat as a way to get home paid! And that is a sound business decision. >I can’t believe you said that Kenny< As expedite loads for us are hard to get in some areas for a Canadian company. More and more Can. Co.'s are taking your Canada bound loads for less! > All that is doing is making the US guys Richer. Ya! I understand you have to deadhead home but if all you guys took a stand and refused to deliver the load in the first place I guess they would have to pay more up front. DX has a sister facility right across the border so all they would have to do is split the load and you wouldn’t have all that deadhead.<
Also if your company does too much auto-parts they better change thier strategy very soon. > What good is it going to do for them to change their strategy when soon enough all those willing to haul freight for peanuts will soon end up turning that into discount freight too!< DX changed 3 yrs ago and Gents there is plenty other kinds of business out there! I have to give points to DX.. they might be frugal BUT they gave up on the NLM board long time ago Thats just too cheap even for them! >If those at DX would care about their drivers, maybe they would start looking for some decent pay trips going back home. BTW Ken aren’t you the same guy that said you were able to haul US freight because your wife is a US citizen and you can haul all the Canadan freight because you are a canuck?<
Like I said if you don't take that 500$ >$500.00 for a load from where? If you are delivering a load from the Buckeye into Canada that is a decent pay - Right?< load into Canada look outta they way I'll be backin in past ya!
PS and I am quite sure there is some of that going on in the reverse so you can get out of Canada. So I'll get out of your way...*lol*
I think it's called competition??? >I think its called making the shippers richer!!! Seems my best move would be to set up shop right near the border and start brokering freight going both ways looking for all you back haulers!!! SH-IT I’ll be able to retire in no time!< >[font color="red"]Hey KEN!!! Your still Captain Canuck in my eye. LOL[/font]<
A good wife and health is man's best wealth.
Also if your company does too much auto-parts they better change thier strategy very soon. > What good is it going to do for them to change their strategy when soon enough all those willing to haul freight for peanuts will soon end up turning that into discount freight too!< DX changed 3 yrs ago and Gents there is plenty other kinds of business out there! I have to give points to DX.. they might be frugal BUT they gave up on the NLM board long time ago Thats just too cheap even for them! >If those at DX would care about their drivers, maybe they would start looking for some decent pay trips going back home. BTW Ken aren’t you the same guy that said you were able to haul US freight because your wife is a US citizen and you can haul all the Canadan freight because you are a canuck?<
Like I said if you don't take that 500$ >$500.00 for a load from where? If you are delivering a load from the Buckeye into Canada that is a decent pay - Right?< load into Canada look outta they way I'll be backin in past ya!
PS and I am quite sure there is some of that going on in the reverse so you can get out of Canada. So I'll get out of your way...*lol*
I think it's called competition??? >I think its called making the shippers richer!!! Seems my best move would be to set up shop right near the border and start brokering freight going both ways looking for all you back haulers!!! SH-IT I’ll be able to retire in no time!< >[font color="red"]Hey KEN!!! Your still Captain Canuck in my eye. LOL[/font]<
A good wife and health is man's best wealth.