From desk to own authority part 3

[mike3fan]

I feel like there is no reason for my to analyze my cost per mile or break it down even further to my hourly wage

Just a question on that then.How do you know how much to ask for when you book loads?

I feel like there is no reason for my to analyze my cost per mile or break it down even further to my hourly wage

Just a question on that then.How do you know how much to ask for when you book loads?

Not a question of how much to ask for since the brokers normally tell you what they are paying. I've asked 100 times in the past for sometimes just a nickel more per mile and they said no. They never once called back. Sometimes I've asked for more and got it and sometimes they have said no and called back and given me what I asked for.

If the load is 500 miles I always ask for and will not move for less than $2.00 per mile. If the load is 1,000 miles I'll want at least $1.60. If the load is over 2,000 miles I'll get $1.50.

Myself, I would rather keep moving then sit for 5 days waiting for something better paying that may and probably never will show up.

[merrick4]

I feel like there is no reason for my to analyze my cost per mile or break it down even further to my hourly wage

Just a question on that then.How do you know how much to ask for when you book loads?

I don't think CPM is the main thing when getting a rate. I mean as Rank pointed out before the market is going to pay what it is going to pay in that particular lane not what a particular truck needs. If you have high costs then really that's that person's problem.

I'm also wondering how people break down their numbers to a cost per mile. I mean until the end of the year and you know your exact miles how do you know your CPM? You can divided your fixed cost pretty easily into 52 weeks but the variable ones are well variable.

Steve I might have to try the electric heater too, I have this APU at full blast at 86 and am still cold.

I don't think CPM is the main thing when getting a rate. I mean as Rank pointed out before the market is going to pay what it is going to pay in that particular lane not what a particular truck needs. If you have high costs then really that's that person's problem.

Steve I might have to try the electric heater too, I have this APU at full blast at 86 and am still cold.

Ya, he hit it right on the button with that rate description.

The electric heater is the way to go for sure!!! Keep in mind that a car's heater is on the average 25,000 btu and only heats a small area compared to a truck. The heat and A/C in your car is usually directed towards you but the temp near the roof, floor and other areas is much different than what you are feeling.

The heat output of most APU's is less than 20,000 and is really meant to be blowing right on the person while in the bunk and in that case, it works great but to heat or cool the whole cab you would really need something massive.

Get the electric heater though, it will blow your socks off if you want and will cause enough of a load for your APU to put out more heat.

Merrick, what kind of APU do you have?

I just got a call that they can't get anyone to load me up today so I'm going to sit here for the weekend. Just got back from the store next door with some red wine. Heated up some Mac and Cheese and then it's nap time!!!

[Kurbski]

Steve,

You are happy doing your own thing and running the show so it doesn't really matter what the critics think or post. Critical posts by some do not matter to the vast majority of readers here. I for one am happy for you and appreciate the time you put into posting your travels, honest updates and lessons learned.

The positive support here is great. Since you jumped right in, the going is a little tough sometimes and you are learning from it. I think paralysis by analysis can be a problem too if you get addicted to cruching data constantly. More profit will come in time as you rein in expenses and book better paying loads. You seem to be paying your bills and content with your earnings, and that's all that really matters.

I would rather be a "hobby trucker" any day than a one man truckologist constantly singing "how great thou art" and spouting off.

After all it's your truck, trailer and business. :wink: 8) 8) 8)

Thanks for the info, updates, laughs and balls to hang in there.

Merrick, what kind of APU do you have?

I just got a call that they can't get anyone to load me up today so I'm going to sit here for the weekend. Just got back from the store next door with some red wine. Heated up some Mac and Cheese and then it's nap time!!!

Seriously, first you spend to much on your truck, then you become a hobby trucker and dont track what you make or what you spend.....and now to top it all off you decide to have a drink in your truck while laying over for the weekend.....You are just asking for it today!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigDiesel]

Unbelieveable......

So.... If a person owns a store that sells blue jeans, it is okay to not know what it costs to operate the store as long as the shopkeeper is happy ????

For those that think my posts are all about ego, I will put up my year end numbers on the other truck I own that has a driver in it after Dec 31. These numbers will show some of the naysayers what a profitable business looks like; with every number broken down for easy comprehension for those that have difficulty with high school level accounting.

Seriously, first you spend to much on your truck, then you become a hobby trucker and dont track what you make or what you spend.....and now to top it all off you decide to have a drink in your truck while laying over for the weekend.....You are just asking for it today!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yup I am, but I don't think Paris is going to show up. :sad:

Unbelieveable......
So.... If a person owns a store that sells blue jeans, it is okay to not know what it costs to operate the store as long as the shopkeeper is happy ????

Duh!!! A jeans shop is a no brainer. You sell 1 pair of jeans and you get to keep the other pair you sell as profit.

If you sell 2 pairs of jeans you get to, ah, well, you get the drift, I don't have a calculator at the moment.

Now, where the Hell did I put that bottle of wine.

Steve,

You are happy doing your own thing and running the show so it doesn't really matter what the critics think or post. Critical posts by some do not matter to the vast majority of readers here. I for one am happy for you and appreciate the time you put into posting your travels, honest updates and lessons learned.

The positive support here is great. Since you jumped right in, the going is a little tough sometimes and you are learning from it. I think paralysis by analysis can be a problem too if you get addicted to cruching data constantly. More profit will come in time as you rein in expenses and book better paying loads. You seem to be paying your bills and content with your earnings, and that's all that really matters.

I would rather be a "hobby trucker" any day than a one man truckologist constantly singing "how great thou art" and spouting off.

After all it's your truck, trailer and business. :wink: 8) 8) 8)

Thanks for the info, updates, laughs and balls to hang in there.

Thanks. Yes, I am learning from my mistakes and yes, I agree, better paying loads will come along as I learn how to play the game.

I am content and happy thanks!!

[Orangetxguy]

Well, I got a load from ICCI for a load of onions back to PA. It needed to be loaded up quick so I headed out right away. I was told the mileage was 1800 miles and the rate worked out ok. As I'm getting closer to the pick up point I type in Pittsburgh PA on my GPS and it's saying 2200 miles and still counting as I'm heading in the opposite direction to pick up the load.

I pull over and say what the Hell. I get out my calculator and my laptop and find out it's almost 2300 miles. I call the broker and ask to speak to the manager instead of the broker. I tell him and he's like, oh well, he made a mistake. I say WTF, you guys need to make good on this because it was working out to be like $1.10 a mile. He starts in on me and says I have an attitude and I say, no SH^&, you guys screwed up, you admit it and your not going to make good. He then tells me there are plenty of trucks that will haul it for that rate. I then tell him to shove a MAC truck up his butt. I got on to Internet Truck Stop and Getloaded and filed a negative report on them.

So then I get on the phone with U.S. Express and the lady I've been dealing with and she gets me 2 loads back to back and a real good rate on both the loads. I'm heading out in a bit to Oregon delivering farm equipment.

This is going to suck, it's an hour till my bed time and I still have to drive 20 miles to pick up and load and on top of it all, I didn't have my little snooze today.

Steve..Ya did good dumping that load....ICCI used to be a decent brokerage....USED is the key word.

[Kurbski]

Big D

I have read your posts and ability to help others like merrick for instance. So I know you are knowledgable and your numbers are legit and would be a benefit for all to read / learn from.

But did you pop right out of the womb with experience and fully endorsed CDL or something?. I doubt it. Have you learned from your mistakes or spontaneous decisions? or improper judgement calls while starting out ?

Since Steve doesn't work for you, how do your numbers have anything to do with your company driver and Steve as an owner operator? He's doing his own thing and that's the point. Not that it's OK to be in left field when it comes to making business decisions. Could he improve ? Sure. Could you ? Sure. We all can and that's why I visit here.

He drives for himself when he feels like it, owns his truck,hauls for who he wants to,pays his bills and is happy with his income. Not that I agree with everything he does in his truck or posts, but when it comes down to operating and making money it's his business.

[tootie04]

Now lets get something straight here Mr Steve Booth....I dont get everything I want.....not even close......there is not enough room in the truck!! :wink:

I cant even have a drink in the truck!! Chicken crap Bo wont let me....says he will get into trouble....I know he was the kind when you were a kid and going to do something wrong....I think he went home or something.....I love him anyway though....He kinda keeps me straight....I think!! :wink: :wink:

We are at the J here in Phoenix.....never a dull moment in this hole!! There are 3 police cars here right now....I dont know what happened though....

Well have fun in Utah....

tootie

[Rev.Vassago]

Its so amazing to me each and every time i read Steve's very amusing thread that some people just absolutely can not stop praising that this guy is doing something most of us have been doing for years without the fanfare, or the need to have it. There are 2 or 3 people on this board with cheerleader complexes so big that I cant beleive they can remove the brown stains off their lips. Get over it. Steve is doing something he supposedly is enjoying doing and apparently setting his standards low and might be making a profit, but we'll never really know. Why does this make people so happy to the point that they have to raise his ego to the heavens? Dont be a brownnoser because you want to live vicariously through Steve. Dont be a brownnoser because he runs his business as badly as you, but can BS you into believing he isn't. There are alot of successful businesses and business people that would not be out there if they did stuff like Steve. Just from reading all of steves posts over time, he also seems like the kind of guy that even if he ends up failing, he would probably rather be a crappy businessman rather than just a brownnoser with a kiss-ass attitude like a few of you.

I say keep doing what you are doing and keep posting, I for one find them hilarious.

[merrick4]

Merrick, what kind of APU do you have?

I have a Comfort Pro by Carrier. I was thinking though, no use in getting the electric heater as the problem is I set this thing on Comfort Level at 86 degrees and when it gets to that it shuts off. So if I had the electric heater plugged in it would shut off too. I can either leave the thing running all night or just buy a thicker blanket. I don't want to leave it running all night.

I'm South Carolina now anyway so no freezing tonight anyway.

Its so amazing to me each and every time i read Steve's very amusing thread that some people just absolutely can not stop praising that this guy is doing something most of us have been doing for years without the fanfare, or the need to have it. There are 2 or 3 people on this board with cheerleader complexes so big that I cant beleive they can remove the brown stains off their lips. Get over it. Steve is doing something he supposedly is enjoying doing and apparently setting his standards low and might be making a profit, but we'll never really know. Why does this make people so happy to the point that they have to raise his ego to the heavens? Dont be a brownnoser because you want to live vicariously through Steve. Dont be a brownnoser because he runs his business as badly as you, but can BS you into believing he isn't. There are alot of successful businesses and business people that would not be out there if they did stuff like Steve. Just from reading all of steves posts over time, he also seems like the kind of guy that even if he ends up failing, he would probably rather be a crappy businessman rather than just a brownnoser with a kiss-ass attitude like a few of you.

I say keep doing what you are doing and keep posting, I for one find them hilarious.

I can only imagine that you must just be one absolutely miserable human being to be around in life. You know everything, you are never wrong, your business is better than everyones, you are the only one that knows how to run one, everyone should run stuff the way you do and no one that is around you is entitled to be entertained by someone who knows how to tell a story and be positive about what they are doing in life. No one is brown nosing, you are just being hateful and to be honest very very very jealous sounding that you dont enjoy your job and didnt get started in your endeavors as easily as others. You truly honestly sound bitter and do nothing more in your posts than make your self seem like an unlikebale ass. Go ahead and ask to have this thing locked down or have me banned for a personal attack just because you dont like what i say, i fully expect it. I dont care. Just please for the love of god explain to us why you have such a problem with people being entertained by steves posts and what he does. You say steve is doing something you others have doing for years without the fanfare......are you really that jealous about it? And if all he is doing is the same thing that you have been doing why do you give him such a hard time over it. You make your self out to be one big giant jealous little kid that cant stand another kid getting the attention....maybe if you did not come off as such an arrogant jerk people might care what you do. So what if we enjoy reading his journey.....he makes what he does seem interesting and fun. We are all smart enough to know that most people will not be able to jump in head first like he did, its just entertaining to read how its working out for him....a lot more entertaining than reading your constant assinine critial comments. Even if you are not jealous i am going to call it that since you seem to insist that everyone that likes this thread is brown nosing....we are brown nosers and your are a bitter jealous attention starving ass. there, i said it...personal attack or not, complain and have me banned and lock the thread down, i fully expect it. I am a brown noser and you are an ass....tit for tat.

[Rev.Vassago]

I can only imagine that you must just be one absolutely miserable human being to be around in life. You know everything, you are never wrong, your business is better than everyones, you are the only one that knows how to run one, everyone should run stuff the way you do and no one that is around you is entitled to be entertained by someone who knows how to tell a story and be positive about what they are doing in life.

Please show me where I stated any of the above. For that matter, show me where I even implied it. Reading comprehension 101.

No one is brown nosing, you are just being hateful and to be honest very very very jealous sounding that you dont enjoy your job and didnt get started in your endeavors as easily as others.

Why? Because I disagree with him? Pity the thought.

You truly honestly sound bitter and do nothing more in your posts than make your self seem like an unlikebale ass. Go ahead and ask to have this thing locked down or have me banned for a personal attack just because you dont like what i say, i fully expect it. I dont care.

Why on earth would I feel the need to do that? If that's what you'd like, then by all means - go ahead and do it. I certainly don't want this thread locked down, but as long as Steve keeps posting about his business here, I have every right to criticize the way he runs it. If that is too much for him, then he has options at his disposal. Until then, bite me.

Just please for the love of god explain to us why you have such a problem with people being entertained by steves posts and what he does.

I don't. I simply took a post of yours cutting down those who criticize Steve, and turned it around to cut down those who prop him up. In fact, I had to change very little of it, so perhaps your rant should be directed a little more internally.

You say steve is doing something you others have doing for years without the fanfare......are you really that jealous about it?

How is an observation that Steve isn't doing anything special, and in fact is getting pretty lousy rates as a motor carrier, on my part considered jealousy?

And if all he is doing is the same thing that you have been doing why do you give him such a hard time over it.

I didn't say he's doing the same thing I did. Reading comprehension 101.

You make your self out to be one big giant jealous little kid that cant stand another kid getting the attention....

No, I believe you just made me out to be that. Reading comprehension 101.

maybe if you did not come off as such an arrogant jerk people might care what you do.

Why would I want them to?

So what if we enjoy reading his journey.....he makes what he does seem interesting and fun. We are all smart enough to know that most people will not be able to jump in head first like he did, its just entertaining to read how its working out for him....a lot more entertaining than reading your constant assinine critial comments.

Unfortunately for you, there isn't a brownie points requirement on this thread. So, with all due respect, and remember, I said with all due respect, you can kiss my butt.

Even if you are not jealous i am going to call it that since you seem to insist that everyone that likes this thread is brown nosing....we are brown nosers and your are a bitter jealous attention starving ass.

Actually, I never said that everyone that likes this thread is brown nosing. Reading comprehension 101 is two doors down from this thread.

there, i said it...personal attack or not, complain and have me banned and lock the thread down, i fully expect it.

Again, why would I be so petty? After all, I'm not Steve, who deleted all his posts out of a thread in a huff. I'm not sure if you remember that one, but I sure do. It was hilarious.

I am a brown noser and you are an ass....tit for tat.

You said it, not me.

[pepe4158]

Unbelieveable......

So.... If a person owns a store that sells blue jeans, it is okay to not know what it costs to operate the store as long as the shopkeeper is happy ????

For those that think my posts are all about ego, I will put up my year end numbers on the other truck I own that has a driver in it after Dec 31. These numbers will show some of the naysayers what a profitable business looks like; with every number broken down for easy comprehension for those that have difficulty with high school level accounting.

He-he can I hire you to run MINE!!!!! Load it suggested I need to hire an office person....never mind...doubt I can afford ya lol

I'm not trying to brag on here. I just want to write what's going on. I don't have anyone else who cares about my adventures and I know before I got into this I was glued to my computer every day hoping that Novacane posted something about his(her) travels.

Everything is new to me and the smallest things that most of you experience you take for granted but to me it's a big deal and others find interesting also. Gman gets in his truck every day and fights roaming hoards of teenage hormonal Vikings, 4 wheelers launching bags of Ninja stars out the windows and tires blowing out on 87% grades but it's just another boring day to him so he doesn't post it.

I just got the weather for Ogden Utah and it says it's 47 degrees but that can't be right. My hood is all frosted up and I can see most everyone is idling there truck. I tell ya, there's nothing like having every thing you need in the truck and not having to get out. You can close the shades, make coffee, lay back in bed with your laptop and watch TV.

I think the best time I had in the truck was on my very first run out to Vernal Utah and having to shut down in an old abandoned gas station. The snow was coming down big time and blowing. It got to a point where 4 wheel drive vehicles no longer passed by. That was just so cool sitting in my nice warm truck with the shades open looking out at the nasty weather and knowing I had everything to survive for at least 2 weeks. Then I started thinking about the engine quiting and that's when I couldn't get an APU out of my head.

I got a call from the broker yesterday and she said everything is all set for me to load up Monday morning and head out to Oregon. I think one of the things I'm hauling up besides the poop spreader is a tractor so it looks like the chains are coming out. Haven't used them in a while. Gman told me when I first bought them to get 20' ones and they really paid off. You can use just one in some cases with a ratchet on each side if the vehicle has hooks on it.

They do scare the crap out of me once in a while when I'm tightening them up. You get a link that's right on the edge of a corner then all of a sudden it snaps to the other side and makes a really loud noise. I never thought chains could come loose but that's what happens. Seems like you have to check them once about 50 miles down the road, tighten them up and they stay tight the rest of the trip.