You Be The Carrier
- Thread starter louixo
- Start date
What I think is being "civil" and "polite" doesn't include tossing veiled recriminations out there, ....and I seriously doubt that "they' know who they are, either.
If and when you object to someone's words, or disagree, that's the time to speak up, IMO. General jabs at "those people" are just too easy, ya know?
Those are great ideas!
I would add to that to give bonuses or commissions to those who are supposed to be finding loads (maybe return loads) for the drivers, whether it be the dispatcher or salesperson, whoever is responsible.
And maybe rewards to the desk dwellers in the company for returning all messages, whether they think them worthy of a response or not.
Maybe a bonus to the payroll/accounting department for not screwing up settlements?
Cheri's post was excellent too, let's have some honesty and straightforwardness!
And OVM's reply of treating one another with mutual respect would be great too! We would love to be able to control dispatch's pay, tell them to come in, purchase all the things required to do their job, and we'll decide later and let them know in a few weeks, how much they'll get for the day!
A question to you people with your own authority.. how much experience and time would you feel is required before one goes out and does that for themselves?
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
Good ideas there. When I was a leased on driver, I often felt that dispatchers didn't really understand what drivers go through. Personally I think a dispatcher should actually do some driving for a week or two, but maybe that wouldn't work with some of them. At one company I had a dispatcher who had been a driver for several years. He was the best dispatcher there.
As to drivers not knowing what the dispatchers are going through, there is a lot of truth to that as well. Before I had my authority, I thought it was a problem of the company being greedy when they wouldn't bid low enough to get me a load. I thought that they were just trying to get the loads at a higher price so they could get a good cut. Since I've been on my own I've learned just how many cheapskates there are out there and how hard it can be to get loads on some of the bid boards. When you see some bids going below .80 a mile you wonder how a company could bid that low and then pay a driver to run the load. Yes, the dispatchers are under pressure from their bosses to get loads at certain rates so they can make a profit after paying the driver, but often they are having a hard time getting the loads at any decent rate at all because of having to compete with the cheap people.
What I would do if I had any drivers leased on is pay them a percentage of what I get for a load, with that percentage being based on a per mile figure. I figure out how much I want to make per mile from whatever that driver does and I don't make more than that if I happen to get more money for the load. Let's say just for the sake of the example that I have decided I want .20 per mile for whatever this driver runs. If one week I get a particular run for $2 a mile the driver will get $1.80 but if another day I get lucky and manage to get $2.20 for the same load, the driver will get $2. As the carrier, I'm not buying the fuel for any loads that are run by someone leased on to me, so the driver should get any extra revenue I manage to get on that load. None of this idea that the driver signs a contract to run for X amount per mile and that's what he gets, even when I get more for the load. Fuel surcharges should also be passed onto the driver 100%. When offering a load to a driver, the driver would be told how much I'm getting on the load and what his share of that is, full disclosure.
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
Ok, Cheri. Yes, OVM did mention whiney drivers, but I thought several of us DID answer the question. I have no gripe w/ you. here's how I answer the question of what I would do if I was the carrier.
I AM THE CARRIER AND I DO MAKE THE RULES. I am the dispatcher, the accountant, the fleet owner, the driver, the salesman, the customer service rep., and occasionally I'm the "bigwig" sittin' back making the big bucks. I have tried to build this thing on high service, rather than the lowest rates. That means honesty and communication. It also means I have to work my butt off. (Maybe some rep for the "big boys" will read it and it will sink in)
X06 is the carrier. So is Fastrod and CharlesD. I guess what I'm trying to say is, my answer is..........BECOME THE CARRIER.
Gotta run. I got a load waiting to be picked up this morning.
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Jefferson...your one of them...."mom and pop, one truck operations" that has been referred to in here.....Haven't you heard? Your killing the BIG carriers business and stealing customers.
Congrats to you and fastrod and charlesd for your ability to go it alone.
Congrats to you and fastrod and charlesd for your ability to go it alone.
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
OVM,
Some of dose BIG carriers are my customers. How can I be takin' der business. Souns like some o dat truck stop tawlk.
Some of dose BIG carriers are my customers. How can I be takin' der business. Souns like some o dat truck stop tawlk.
OVM,
Some of dose BIG carriers are my customers. How can I be takin' der business. Souns like some o dat truck stop tawlk.
Actually heard that from the guy in the next "BOOTH" he was flushing what he was speakin....
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
Actually heard that from the guy in the next "BOOTH" he was flushing what he was speakin....
Ah. So he was making himself a little brother while he was talkin'........
I have to say that I'm in awe of you guys, who do it all - don't think I could juggle that many balls, without getting egg on my face (to mix the metaphors a bit). Nor do I want to 'be the carrier' - I thought the point of the question was to offer some ideas on what we'd do if we were in charge, just hypothetically. Because there is some 'carrier bashing' on here, which isn't very helpful, unless we can offer some idea of what we would rather see done.
One thing I forgot: I'd hold a 'Drivers Skills Challenge", like FedEx does, (Linder Caffee won, bless her), because I think it's a win/win deal, where everyone benefits. The Pride & Polish competitions are nice, but it's even better, I think, to keep it between the lines, with the shiny side up.
One thing I forgot: I'd hold a 'Drivers Skills Challenge", like FedEx does, (Linder Caffee won, bless her), because I think it's a win/win deal, where everyone benefits. The Pride & Polish competitions are nice, but it's even better, I think, to keep it between the lines, with the shiny side up.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Ditto what Jefferson said about doing EVERY job!
If and when I get drivers on with my company, they will do the same... driving, dispatching, and salesmen. Find your own load, get a commission. Find a load for me or another driver, get a commission. Find a customer, get a bonus.
Whadaya think about this one? For contractors, I take $100 for each load up to 1000 miles; $200 for loads over 1000.
Contractors and drivers would have to adhere to the same standards. Uniform-like clothing, professional attitude, sell yourself and the company.
If'n I had to broker a load out, I'd take $.15/mi. I would not double or triple broker anything.
The sad thing is, it would be hard finding drivers or contractors who would be able to do what I require. So I would plan on being small for some time.
Due credit goes to Jefferson3000 for coming up with a number of these ideas and inspiring others.
If and when I get drivers on with my company, they will do the same... driving, dispatching, and salesmen. Find your own load, get a commission. Find a load for me or another driver, get a commission. Find a customer, get a bonus.
Whadaya think about this one? For contractors, I take $100 for each load up to 1000 miles; $200 for loads over 1000.
Contractors and drivers would have to adhere to the same standards. Uniform-like clothing, professional attitude, sell yourself and the company.
If'n I had to broker a load out, I'd take $.15/mi. I would not double or triple broker anything.
The sad thing is, it would be hard finding drivers or contractors who would be able to do what I require. So I would plan on being small for some time.
Due credit goes to Jefferson3000 for coming up with a number of these ideas and inspiring others.
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arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
So basicly your contractor would just be renting an authority from you. You would basicly be telling them what they could and couldn't do, taking money from them, and giving them nothing in return? Or did I miss something?
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
...except for the fact that I have no ambition to have others run under my numbers.
Oh, and I do agree that a clean appearance is a plus.
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Rule 1. Dont cater to fleet owners each truck is important.
Rule 2. Contractors get 75% of the monie. Full fuel surchage and tolls.
Rule 3. Get rid of the Running Single Rule IE cant dispatch or 575 miles. thats bull roar. ICE THAT MAN
Rule 4. Make the OOP and the Drivers (Contract Drives Eligable for CO Bennies Employees if they elect IE Med Dent Ins ect.
Rule 5. Make sure Semi Annual Training is Conducted for the Fleet.
IE Safety, Ect and Company Rules ect.
Rule 6. Get Rid of the Black mark system that Exist on trucks. I dont have to elaborate. I seen Print on the Ole Qual dont give unite 7731BG This load. that total bogus. If the Unite is got the Gs give them the load. If the customer has requested find out why and request 2nd chance for the unite. All our Trucks treat the same Peroid.
Rule 7. Let it be Company Policy U dont send a 53FT in NY NY or Parts of Brooklyn where only 48 can go. Policy Peroid. Also that Dreaded load Accept Penelty Stop that. That is one The Drivers wont have to worry about.
Rule 8. Things happen Flat Tires, Weather, Traffic ect, Will not hold it against the Driver if he she is late due to the above.
Rule 9. The Customer is always right however My Trucks do the work Stress keep the customer happy and if U got a
Call me and Ill listen but U give the customer Service with a Smile. Remember dont grimace no matter how confused or tired U are Just Smile. HG
Rule 10. The Company is here to server the Trucks the Trucks are here to PU and Deliver the loads. Its the companies job to keep the Trucks going and moving. When a driver calls in and needs Help its our job is to help the driver and keep him moving forward to the goal of PU and or Delivery. If any one at the Company has a problem with that I demand U be polite and nice to the Driver no matter what!!! as ur not in there situation. If you got a complaint then call me Ill listen. Remember a Happy Driver is a Safe Driver, its the company job to keep the Driver happy and in a positive perspective. Remember without the Driver we cant move freight without freight being moved we cease to exist. So in a Wrap We the paper pushers we attain the loads dispatch the loads give directions do the PW for Borders Ect. The Drivers should only have to worry about PU and Delivery. We the Paper Pushers should take care of the rest. But of course why not we are at a Desk Job and have A readly aval Phone and computer at our Finger tips and at the End of shift we can all go home after an 8 to 9 hour day. While our Drivers Camp out in some parking lot waiting for their next assigment.
Well Cheri U inspired me HG sorry for the Thesis
No Chains Allowed
ICEROADTRUCKER
Ridge Runner
Rule 2. Contractors get 75% of the monie. Full fuel surchage and tolls.
Rule 3. Get rid of the Running Single Rule IE cant dispatch or 575 miles. thats bull roar. ICE THAT MAN
Rule 4. Make the OOP and the Drivers (Contract Drives Eligable for CO Bennies Employees if they elect IE Med Dent Ins ect.
Rule 5. Make sure Semi Annual Training is Conducted for the Fleet.
IE Safety, Ect and Company Rules ect.
Rule 6. Get Rid of the Black mark system that Exist on trucks. I dont have to elaborate. I seen Print on the Ole Qual dont give unite 7731BG This load. that total bogus. If the Unite is got the Gs give them the load. If the customer has requested find out why and request 2nd chance for the unite. All our Trucks treat the same Peroid.
Rule 7. Let it be Company Policy U dont send a 53FT in NY NY or Parts of Brooklyn where only 48 can go. Policy Peroid. Also that Dreaded load Accept Penelty Stop that. That is one The Drivers wont have to worry about.
Rule 8. Things happen Flat Tires, Weather, Traffic ect, Will not hold it against the Driver if he she is late due to the above.
Rule 9. The Customer is always right however My Trucks do the work Stress keep the customer happy and if U got a
Call me and Ill listen but U give the customer Service with a Smile. Remember dont grimace no matter how confused or tired U are Just Smile. HGRule 10. The Company is here to server the Trucks the Trucks are here to PU and Deliver the loads. Its the companies job to keep the Trucks going and moving. When a driver calls in and needs Help its our job is to help the driver and keep him moving forward to the goal of PU and or Delivery. If any one at the Company has a problem with that I demand U be polite and nice to the Driver no matter what!!! as ur not in there situation. If you got a complaint then call me Ill listen. Remember a Happy Driver is a Safe Driver, its the company job to keep the Driver happy and in a positive perspective. Remember without the Driver we cant move freight without freight being moved we cease to exist. So in a Wrap We the paper pushers we attain the loads dispatch the loads give directions do the PW for Borders Ect. The Drivers should only have to worry about PU and Delivery. We the Paper Pushers should take care of the rest. But of course why not we are at a Desk Job and have A readly aval Phone and computer at our Finger tips and at the End of shift we can all go home after an 8 to 9 hour day. While our Drivers Camp out in some parking lot waiting for their next assigment.
Well Cheri U inspired me HG sorry for the Thesis
No Chains Allowed
ICEROADTRUCKER
Ridge Runner
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Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Yes... you missed something.
First off, what do you think ANY company out here does? They give you loads they expect you to take. They take a percentage of the tariff to keep their operations going and load insurance on your truck. Essentially, EVERYONE who drives but doesn't have their own authority "rents" it from their company. How much your rent is depends on how much overhead your company has.
Secondly, what do you want me to GIVE them? I'm not welfare. You recieve based on what you put in... like any business venture. I'd be offering a higher than normal profit in our business. When I say they are dispatchers too; that puts the ball in their court. Yes, I would help dispatch; but giving the drivers and contractors the option gives them an idea of what freight is like out there. If they bid too high, it'll be on them. A huge dose of reality. It also gives them the opportunity to find something going where they feel like going.
Am I missing anything?
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
Ok. For all the folks here who think they're getting stiffed by their carrier, I have news: It's costs money to run the show.
1. The carrier maintains truck liability that far exceeds the limits that they require you to carry. In addition, they maintain high limits of general liability to protect their business, so some schmo can't just sue them for every penny they have, leaving the carrier with nothing to give you for that big run you just did last week. $$$
2. Carriers have staff, which require decent salaries in order to help you 24/7/365, as well as put up with some of your whiny cohorts who are complaining that they're only being offered 150 mile runs. Here's some of the jobs around the office: Dispatch, accounts receivable (they collect from customers), accounts payable (they make sure you get paid), Sales people who must apologize profusely to the customer to keep them, because the last driver there yelled at the girl in shipping, calling an f*ck@#g c*^t, only to find out that she is the BOSS'S NINETEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, who happens to be working there during summer break. Then you have recruiters, who must train you how to prosper in the system. And to think that there will be people who don't show for orientation and those who quit within the next two weeks. $$$
3. They carry cargo insurance on the goods you are carrying, so that in the event of a mishap, both YOU and THEM are covered. Oh, and some don't just carry $100,000 on your truck, they carry a cool million. $$$$
4. Businesses pay a lot more for internet access than you do at home, or on the road. $$$$
5. They must maintain records of everything you do, in order to keep FMCSA happy. Logs, driver qualifications and run paperwork are all things that the fed wants to see. That's why they have such a big facility, so they can keep stuff. After a while, it gets sent to archival, which costs more money. $$$
6. A contractor is generally paid for his work about 15 to 45 days before the carrier receives payment. Sometimes more. The contractor gets paid whether or not the carrier ever does. Who wants to talk about liability?
I've been a contractor before, and believe me, I feel your pain. But if you're going to talk about what if's of being a carrier, then here are things to consider. Why is it a big deal if your carrier is making 40% of the load to do all of the work that you as a driver won't do? After all, you agreed to run for either a flat rate per mile, or a percentage of the load.
Here's a closing question for thought: Putting aside any high and mighty views of yourself, what do you have to offer your carrier (other than holding the wheel) that would warrant any more pay than you already receive?
1. The carrier maintains truck liability that far exceeds the limits that they require you to carry. In addition, they maintain high limits of general liability to protect their business, so some schmo can't just sue them for every penny they have, leaving the carrier with nothing to give you for that big run you just did last week. $$$
2. Carriers have staff, which require decent salaries in order to help you 24/7/365, as well as put up with some of your whiny cohorts who are complaining that they're only being offered 150 mile runs. Here's some of the jobs around the office: Dispatch, accounts receivable (they collect from customers), accounts payable (they make sure you get paid), Sales people who must apologize profusely to the customer to keep them, because the last driver there yelled at the girl in shipping, calling an f*ck@#g c*^t, only to find out that she is the BOSS'S NINETEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, who happens to be working there during summer break. Then you have recruiters, who must train you how to prosper in the system. And to think that there will be people who don't show for orientation and those who quit within the next two weeks. $$$
3. They carry cargo insurance on the goods you are carrying, so that in the event of a mishap, both YOU and THEM are covered. Oh, and some don't just carry $100,000 on your truck, they carry a cool million. $$$$
4. Businesses pay a lot more for internet access than you do at home, or on the road. $$$$
5. They must maintain records of everything you do, in order to keep FMCSA happy. Logs, driver qualifications and run paperwork are all things that the fed wants to see. That's why they have such a big facility, so they can keep stuff. After a while, it gets sent to archival, which costs more money. $$$
6. A contractor is generally paid for his work about 15 to 45 days before the carrier receives payment. Sometimes more. The contractor gets paid whether or not the carrier ever does. Who wants to talk about liability?
I've been a contractor before, and believe me, I feel your pain. But if you're going to talk about what if's of being a carrier, then here are things to consider. Why is it a big deal if your carrier is making 40% of the load to do all of the work that you as a driver won't do? After all, you agreed to run for either a flat rate per mile, or a percentage of the load.
Here's a closing question for thought: Putting aside any high and mighty views of yourself, what do you have to offer your carrier (other than holding the wheel) that would warrant any more pay than you already receive?
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arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
What I am talking about is the fact you say they have to find their own freight. When most people lease to a company they want that company to have freight for their truck. Are you going to provide the load boards for them to bid on? Some people wouldn't even know where to go to bid on loads. Let's face it UShip isn't the place. Are you going to set them up with this?
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I see your point that I wasn't clear enough. But at the same time, you could've clarified your claim that I wasn't doing anything for them.
My main job is to keep my trucks loaded. But the drivers and contractors would also be expected to know how to find a load. Knowing that it takes a lot of time to dispatch one's truck, I believe the more ppl looking, the better. And an incentive would be for drivers to help each other when they have time; and get a commission for the effort. And yes, they would have all the tools to find a load that I have.
