[ibamars]

Originally Posted by movinit

Our higher ups at the company we work for had a meeting with several of us drivers the other day. Consumers are being stretched to the max with skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages and layoffs so they aren't spending. The experts are predicting a pretty good slowdown in 2008 for all industries affected by consumer spending as the effects of the housing crisis, high fuel, etc. trickles on down thru all levels manufacturing and services. They said that the smaller companies will probably get overtaken by the big dogs and that many O/O's who do not know how to manage their business will lose it. This will in turn create more loads for the companies left standing when all the dust settles, however it may be rough for a few months and be really slow for there will be many hands in the air wanting each load. If I was a solo I would be for putting money in the bank right now instead of spending it at the casinos or video games in the truck stop (something you should be doing anyhow).

Unfortunately they have been saying that for a while. Last year I heard it and the year before I heard it. Its already happening. Here in NY they want to raise tolls again. You know that means. More freight charges etc. The buyouts are already happening behind closed doors. You can tell whos gonna make it and whos not.

[Grumman]

Has anyone seen an uptick in exports? With a weakening US dollar, our products become cheaper to other countries. I have seen a lot of tractors going to the coast lately. One of our customers advised us it would be beneficial for us to go to Canada. Seems they have more Canadian shipments now. I've got my passport, just seems a little scary going up there with all the fines that I have heard about. I am not worried about getting into Canada, it's getting back into the US.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

Originally Posted by Grumman

Has anyone seen an uptick in exports? With a weakening US dollar, our products become cheaper to other countries. I have seen a lot of tractors going to the coast lately. One of our customers advised us it would be beneficial for us to go to Canada. Seems they have more Canadian shipments now. I've got my passport, just seems a little scary going up there with all the fines that I have heard about. I am not worried about getting into Canada, it's getting back into the US.

I've never been to Eastern Canada , But I've been to AB ,And BC a few times I've gone in through the Sweet grass port of entry in Montana on I-15 Delivered in Calgary, and dead headed over to Armstrong BC to pick up and head back to the states I've returned through the osoyoos port of entry on th 97 headed back into washington ...all I got on my few trips was conversation at the port . I don't mind going to Canada other than from what I could tell of Western Canada is there is a shortage of truck parking , and their best roads are like out poorest US highways , so winter travel is fun when the snow falls , But so long as your trucks is up to speck ,and you are on the up and up there isn't anything to worry about when entering or exiting Canada .