What do you find to be the top three operational costs in trucking?
How can trucking companies help cut costs?
Do shippers understand the costs carriers undergo? If they did, do you believe they would be more inclined to pay higher rates to account for these costs? What about detention fees, etc.?

Your biggest single expense will be fuel, followed by labor (driver pay) if you have a driver. In fact, driver pay could be higher, depending on fuel costs at the time. Maintenance can also eat into your profit, especially tires. It seems that I am buying tires every time I turn around. If you run your own authority, insurance is also expensive. If you have equipment payments, that can be a major expense. Some are paying in excess of $2,500/month for truck payments. I have known carhaulers who pay over $3,500/month. Today, that would likey top $5,000 for a new rig with trailer. Your top operational costs will vary from one company or owner to another.