[DaveP]

Originally Posted by GMAN

I see no need to be overly concerned about the current situation. It is serious, but we can talk ourselves into about anything. Some carriers mostly rely on their own freight rather than brokers. Most smaller carriers rely more on brokers than direct shippers. That can offer the smaller carriers more options for freight. It still requires greater negotiating skills. There are some 3rd party logistics companies who will handle a number of shippers. Some offer fair rates and more year around freight. For instance, I know of one logistics company who handles a lot of steel plants, mostly East of the Mississippi. While their rates aren't the greatest they can keep a truck busy pretty much year around if you run their lanes. Their rates probably average around $1.50 or so plus fsc. Some flat bedders don't like hauling steel. There are other types of freight that pays better but may be more seasonal.

Yep....they keep me busy.

[GMAN]

A major advantage that a small carrier has over the mega carriers is flexibility. Small companies are much more able to adjust to rapidly changing market conditions.

[ldev]

The price of ultra low sulphur(10ppm) diesel in Germany is $7.50 per gallon right now. Unlike in the past, this time around even if the US economy which is the biggest consumer of oil, slows down, oil may not come down significantly from its present price of close to $100 per barrel because of demand from other countries such as China.

[Sonny Pruitt]

At least for winter I am concentrating on a few brokers that have consistant freight.
I am trying for an "every Friday" load and and "every Wed load"
Then fill in the blanks
Last year jan feb mar
if you remember
the load boards were the junk of junk and then some
there were days where there was no freight in my lanes
none!
I wondered if there was ever going to be any good freight

[DaveP]

Originally Posted by Sonny Pruitt

At least for winter I am concentrating on a few brokers that have consistant freight.
I am trying for an "every Friday" load and and "every Wed load"
Then fill in the blanks
Last year jan feb mar
if you remember
the load boards were the junk of junk and then some
there were days where there was no freight in my lanes
none!
I wondered if there was ever going to be any good freight

Yeah...I just had an eye-opening week.

Arrived in Laredo Friday afternoon only to find forwarder had closed 30 minutes earlier than I was told when I loaded Thursday.

Sat on load till Monday morning.

By late Monday afternoon found out Monday was a Mexican holiday so nothing coming across...

Deadheaded to Houston.

Noon Tuesday was told "no freight" and dead-headed towards New Orleans.

6pm Tuesday evening told "no freight" and deadheaded to B'ham where I FINALLY took on 5 coils Wednesday for Monday morning in Portland Tennessee.

Don't want to see another week like that for a while.

[Mandilon]

Yeah...I just had an eye-opening week.

Arrived in Laredo Friday afternoon only to find forwarder had closed 30 minutes earlier than I was told when I loaded Thursday.

Sat on load till Monday morning.

By late Monday afternoon found out Monday was a Mexican holiday so nothing coming across...

Deadheaded to Houston.

Noon Tuesday was told "no freight" and dead-headed towards New Orleans.

6pm Tuesday evening told "no freight" and deadheaded to B'ham where I FINALLY took on 5 coils Wednesday for Monday morning in Portland Tennessee.

Don't want to see another week like that for a while.

DaveP,

Can't a driver/carrier acknowledge/confirm an arriving shipment or receiver closing time to avoid weeked waits?

Wouldn't it've been better to have waited for a load?

I would think having a hobby, being an avid reader or something of the sort would've helped you to make a better decision.

Please correct me if I'm wrong or way off base.

THX & Good Luck!

[DaveP]

Hi Mandilon,

I'm a company driver.

That should explain that.

[Mandilon]

I'm a company driver.

That should explain that.

I doubt I was the only one fooled by your post (owner-operator section?) assuming all along that you were a motor carrier or owner-operator.

Your advantage is that you're in a class (driver vs motor carriers, owner-operators) that consistently bring home the bacon while most of the above mentioned are loosing their shirts.

Good Luck & God Bless!

[DaveP]

Originally Posted by Mandilon

I doubt I was the only one fooled by your post (owner-operator section?) assuming all along that you were a motor carrier or owner-operator.

Your advantage is that you're in a class (driver vs motor carriers, owner-operators) that consistently bring home the bacon while most of the above mentioned are loosing their shirts.

Good Luck & God Bless!

Sorry...should've mentioned that in the post. Certainly was not intending on fooling anyone.

I frequent this forum because I intend to step it up a notch in the next year or two and I learn a TON from you guys (and gals)...