What would you ask for this load?

[Roadhog]

I know you are a Canadian thru and thru, but how hard would it be for you to move to the US???? I mean, even just rent a place over the bridge. It seems like it would make more financial sense for you to move here and make more $$$ being able to run loads intra-US and also Canada.

Just wondering.

In a couple years, I bet there will be allot of illegal immigration coming out of Michigan, in rafts and canoes sneaking into Ontario.

[tracer]

Those guys are too lazy to paddle

[rank]

So, it's 3,500 empty miles and 3,300 loaded miles.
6,800 miles x $1.56/mile cost = $10,608.00
14 days x $500/day = $7,000.00

$10,608 + $7,000 = $17,608.00

Plus ya hafta figure in the extra cost of high priced fuel, the isolation pay and bad roads. I'd have to think about it for $20,000. But if it's really and truly as far north as you say, common sense says you must decline.

That being said, I do take northern loads to places that we've never been to before because they pay well and you can do some recon for future trips farther north. So far the roads have been surprisingly good (better than I-88 and I-81 in PA and NY) and the drivers all say they would go again. Plus it's an advantage knowing that your truck is booked for the whole week or two, making money every day.

One trip was so easy I actually gave the broker back $100.

[tracer]

My costs would be higher simply because I'm paid percentage... close to $2/mi on all miles PLUS the daily profit (the way you suggested). So, it'd be $2/mi on 6800 mi = $13,600. Plus $7k equals $20,600. Pretty much what Rev said.

[tracer]

I've been trying this $2/mi on all miles recently and it doesn't work too well. After reading the Rank's post I see what the problem is: I am running pretty much at cost because I only get 73% of $2/mi

[rank]

I've been trying this $2/mi on all miles recently and it doesn't work too well. After reading the Rank's post I see what the problem is: I am running pretty much at cost because I only get 73% of $2/mi

I doubt if your costs are as high as mine Tracer beacuse you drive your own truck.

[solo379]

I doubt if your costs are as high as mine Tracer beacuse you drive your own truck.

Yes, but don't we suppose to make a profit? And i believe it's calculated after you've paid the driver. Wether it's yourself or hired help.

[tracer]

Yes, but don't we suppose to make a profit? And i believe it's calculated after you've paid the driver. Wether it's yourself or hired help.

I don't know ... what works for me is to add all the necessary basic expenses per mile, like fuel, maintenance, financing etc, but then also include all the amounts I need to pay household bills, provide for food and entertainment, debt repayment, monthly savings, tax payments etc. If I get rid of my apartment ($1,000 per month), $2.25/mile on ALL MILES will give me the money I need to achieve all my financial goals. So, that run I once did out of Calgary, AB to Winnipeg, MB empty (825 miles) and then 900 miles loaded to Montana, I wouldn't ask $3,400 like I did. It's 1,725 miles total so I'd ask for at least 2.25 x 1725 or $3,880. From the point of view of the shipper that's already $4.31 per mile so you have to be realistic. I AM making a profit because this $2.25 minimum gives me all I need and more. The trick is it must be $2.25 on ALL miles, both empty and loaded.

[specialkay]

2.25 gross or 2.25 to the truck? I think you'll have a hard time getting 2.25 to the truck on a consistent basis. Good luck.

[rank]

Yes, but don't we suppose to make a profit? And i believe it's calculated after you've paid the driver. Wether it's yourself or hired help.

No argument there Solo. I meant his fuel and maintenance costs are likely lower than mine because he drives his own truck.

[solo379]

but then also include all the amounts I need to pay household bills,

That has nothing to do with your costs.....

No argument there Solo. I meant his fuel and maintenance costs are likely lower than mine because he drives his own truck.

No arguments here either....

[tracer]

$2.25 gross - or what Landstar is paid for the load. When I do the calculation of how much I have to make, I then divide the result by 75% and that gives me the required GROSS rate ($2.25/mi) that would provide me the funds I need. In November I averaged just over $1.70 per mi to the truck on all miles (see my other post).