EXTRAS-ROLLED INTO TARIFF, OR CUT OUT

[mreddie]

What's the difference to you? Remember the fuel surcharge roll-in? How much revenue did that cost you? Whatever tariff change is made will cost you money. The status quo is unacceptable. Do you want to make a profit again? Tie that ribbon on and support your fellow drivers. Good Luck to all.[/b]

[BigDiesel]

What's the difference to you? Remember the fuel surcharge roll-in? How much revenue did that cost you? Whatever tariff change is made will cost you money. The status quo is unacceptable. Do you want to make a profit again? Tie that ribbon on and support your fellow drivers. Good Luck to all.[/b]

If you are not happy with the HHG business.... maybe you should do something else.

[mreddie]

My problem is I care too much about the business to see it go down the drain because the van lines are taking everything and relying on apathetic drivers to do their work for below what it should pay. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones that gets whatever he wants from your agent. I'm lucky to have a great agent who cares about his drivers. But look at all the drivers who are on the edge, through no fault of their own. Just poor direction of their van lines or agent. If something isn't done to correct the path the industry is on, no one will have a future. Don't you think the owner/operators should have a voice in the industry we work so hard to support? Or do you think we should sit back and hope for the best? If you think you are getting a good deal, then you don't have to support this shutdown. I think you'll find that the majority of O/O's don't think they are getting what the deserve out of the effort the put in. Most probably won't shut down for a lot of reasons, but those that do will make a ripple to give the higher ups an idea that maybe they should ,at least listen to those that do the bulk of the work. Any business would be advised to do that. There are a lot of good ideas out here.

From what I've seen posted, most HHG drivers on here make in excess of $400,000 so I'm sure they won't mind a small cut in pay.

[mreddie]

the fact is according to Atlas Van Lines , the average van operator netted between $50,000 and $55,000 for operating about 93,000 miles. If you use your 1099 to show income you are not being realistic. Your NET is what counts, not your gross. Also, I would hesitate to believe that a $400,000 1099 was even a realistic figure for many O/O's. In the last 3 1/2 months, I've talked with thousands of drivers, and very few have indicated they were anywhere near those figures. I wouldn't be spending my time and effort if I didn't believe there is a pressing need for reform in the revenue sharing in the industry solely from actually talking to the O/O's at the truck stop level- face to face. Try it sometime, you might learn something about your fellow drivers.
Also, how many SMALL cuts in pay does it take to get drivers to say something? Every new tariff has resulted in cuts in pay. Then as the tariff is set in motion, the discount level rises on a regular basis to give you even more small cuts in pay. When do you think it will end?

[Teal 95 KW]

the fact is according to Atlas Van Lines , the average van operator netted between $50,000 and $55,000 for operating about 93,000 miles.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! 93k miles, JEEEEEEEZUS CHRIST!!

I pull for AVL's biggest agent, and all of their guys are 1099'ing between $225-315k a year. So you're saying that there is $200k in out-going expenses in operating a truck? I'm not being a dick when I say this, and I know you said "average" van operator, as there are people who do better than others.

[Rev.Vassago]

the fact is according to Atlas Van Lines , the average van operator netted between $50,000 and $55,000 for operating about 93,000 miles.

In what world does a HHG driver run 93K miles a year?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! 93k miles, JEEEEEEEZUS CHRIST!!

I pull for AVL's biggest agent, and all of their guys are 1099'ing between $225-315k a year. So you're saying that there is $200k in out-going expenses in operating a truck? I'm not being a dick when I say this, and I know you said "average" van operator, as there are people who do better than others.

I'm calling BS on your numbers too.

[Teal 95 KW]

What numbers? I never said I made those numbers, that's what the long-haul drivers at my company are doing. Out of the 30 or so 1099's I looked at while at the office, MAYBE 10 of those, were below the $200k mark. The majority were between $200k and $250k, with a few $290-$315k in there. My carrier is a pack/haul carrier..(Not Atlas, but the agent that I pull for) all of their bookings are pack/haul shipments.

[Rev.Vassago]

What numbers? I never said I made those numbers, that's what the long-haul drivers at my company are doing. Out of the 30 or so 1099's I looked at while at the office, MAYBE 10 of those, were below the $200k mark. The majority were between $200k and $250k, with a few $290-$315k in there. My carrier is a pack/haul carrier..(Not Atlas, but the agent that I pull for) all of their bookings are pack/haul shipments.

Pack and load is the exception, not the rule.

[Teal 95 KW]

Oh I know that, I never said that it was.

For the record, I hate packing with a passion...the only thing that I hate more than a pack job is a full un-pack :x and, the shippers who don't understand the point of one is NOT for me to put all of your dishes away in the cupboard, and all of your clothes in drawers :x

[BanditsCousin]

I saw the printout of last years 1099 for our continental fleet and the avg is 230K gross income, and we don't pack and load, just the mattresses (maybe). Highest earner was 260,000, and the lowest was 212K and left for 2 months to another carrier.

Anyways, this post is stupid, Mr Eddie. Me, Teal, and the Rev are the only HHG guys here, everybody else doesn't understand a oa or da charge, G-11 service, and think shuttles are the crafts that bring monekeys to the moon

[mreddie]

Sorry you think this is stupid, but you won't have to read any more from me after the 30th. It's almost impossible to make some people understand that there are so many drivers in our end of the trucking business that just don't have the advantages that we might have. I've talked to so many guys that just can't take any more hits to their income and still be able to get by. These are the guys that this shutdown can help. At the same time, we would get any benefits that might come out of it. I don't know what your discount level is with your agent, but would't it be nice to have a cap on discounting? Wouldn't you like some assurance that your extras will be protected? I've said from the beginng that this is a long shot at best, but if you don't try - don't cry later. How much longer will you be an O/O? 2,5,10 years? This is for protection for the long run. After 32 years, my days are numbered, but as a driver said to me a few days ago - How will I pay for my kids schooling in the future? He's only been a O/O for a few years.
By the way, the numbers I mentioned in my earlier post are direct from Atlas at the drivers meeting in Jessup, Md last May(2007).
I'll be bouncing between the Flying J and the Petro in Carmel Church,Va on the 29th talking to drivers. And, I will definitely be there on the 30th hoping to see others supporting this effort. Many have said they will support this if others do. Well, someone has to be the first and just do it. Good luck in the future. Maybe we'll run into each other one day. I promise not to preach- after the 30th!

[Rev.Vassago]

I don't know what your discount level is with your agent, but would't it be nice to have a cap on discounting?

I already do.

Wouldn't you like some assurance that your extras will be protected?

Now that the new 600 tarriff isn't gonna happen, that isn't gonna be an issue for me.

[BanditsCousin]

I don't think this is stupid, MrEddie. I'm glad you acknowledge my point which favor and refute BOTH sides of the fence on this. I think we need better representation to push this, but any effort is better than no effort at all, I agree 8)