Stick together on rates

Sep 05, 2024 at 04:36 PM CST + 35 - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. We have been waiting too long for rates to go back up, and running on back-haul or break even rates is going to break a lot of truckers if it hasn’t already. Rates are pretty descent if you will turn down these brokers for a while or if you will park for a few days. The goal isn’t to stay busy and wear out equipment for cash flow. You have to make money on every load or we won’t survive. The brokers are making more and more money trying to pocket higher percentages with little to no investment. We need full disclosure on rates and we have to have some discipline and common sense as truckers. If we stick together as an industry there is nothing we can’t correct in a short time. Take a week off or turn down loads that don’t pay and you will be surprised at how many times they will call you back with a better rate. Many times the same day.

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 07:43 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Rates will come back when the demand for the trucks is greater than the supply. Some move on. Some hold on. Some go kicking and screaming. If you believe brokers have a huge margin, that's where you should go. Seems obvious.

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 09:24 AM CST + 3 - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Well, there is no such thing as a backhaul, so there can be no backhaul rates. We, as an industry, need to put that phrase aside! Every mile that is put on a truck has a static cost that hast to be met so every load has to make a profit. As a dispatcher, I search hard for the loads that we haul. Maybe 5% of the loads we pull come off of the load board. I have a core group of VERY good reputable brokers around the country that I rely on when I am in their areas. It takes a while to build that relationship but when you do, it pays dividends! There is money to be made in this market, if you know where to look. Don't settle for load board loads, unless it is a last resort. Do your due dilagence and as your reputation gets out as a good, solid, honest carrier, the loads will find you. It is not easy and does not happen over night but it will happen. If you are a single carrier and find it hard to find good loads, find yourself a solid, reputable carrier to work with and get a start that way. You may find a home where you make the type of money you deserve! Lord knows none of us are in this business for our health! We are here to make money and support our families! Hope everyone stays safe and we all can get into the good times where we make a good living!

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 09:24 AM CST

+ 3 - 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Well, there is no such thing as a backhaul, so there can be no backhaul rates. We, as an industry, need to put that phrase aside! Every mile that is put on a truck has a static cost that hast to be met so every load has to make a profit. As a dispatcher, I search hard for the loads that we haul. Maybe 5% of the loads we pull come off of the load board. I have a core group of VERY good reputable brokers around the country that I rely on when I am in their areas. It takes a while to build that relationship but when you do, it pays dividends! There is money to be made in this market, if you know where to look. Don't settle for load board loads, unless it is a last resort. Do your due dilagence and as your reputation gets out as a good, solid, honest carrier, the loads will find you. It is not easy and does not happen over night but it will happen. If you are a single carrier and find it hard to find good loads, find yourself a solid, reputable carrier to work with and get a start that way. You may find a home where you make the type of money you deserve! Lord knows none of us are in this business for our health! We are here to make money and support our families!

Hope everyone stays safe and we all can get into the good times where we make a good living!

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 11:08 AM CST + 3 - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. People won’t come together on this issue, why? Simply put it’s simple, times have been too good for too long for too many, and it’s kept people divided, but when everyone is forced to endure intense suffering attitudes will change. I wish there were some other way.

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 11:08 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. The goal should't be for everyone to survive... the best will thrive through all markets, the worst will be culled from the herd.

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 11:58 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "The goal should't be for everyone to survive... the best will thrive through all markets, the worst will be culled from the herd." How do the best survive when rates are not enough to to run a truck and pay bills I been in it 34 years ?

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 11:58 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Ps never seen it this bad .

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 01:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "How do the best survive when rates are not enough to to run a truck and pay bills I been in it 34 years ?" Who bad do you want to stay in it? What are your alternatives? Park? Chance losing the customer? Keep running and hope the other guy gives up first? Just saying... I don't think there is a right or answer. Just decisions to make.

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 01:54 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "How do the best survive when rates are not enough to to run a truck and pay bills I been in it 34 years ?" Because the best aren't hauling what you're apparently hauling...

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 02:29 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. What are you hauling things change ?

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 02:57 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Your right Dean might just give up I’m tired of it anyway it’s a big headake d*** sure won’t borrow more money for this .

Replied on Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 10:06 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Nobody will stick together on rates, that much is certain. The best thing to do is find your unfair advantage in this business and run with it.

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 07:39 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. What most people don’t understand is how oversaturated the market is, if you eliminate government spending we have been in a recession since 2008, nothing in this economy has been real for a very long time, in fact when they were going after Trump for over valuing his assets the bankers all testified that over valuing assets is standard practice, now sit and think about that, the bankers just admitted that nothing is real in this economy, and everyone missed it, capacity needs to return to 2008 levels before this can stabilize, in part you can blame the over capacity on the glory hounds for going on social media for telling everyone how they could get rich if they bought a truck, it’s self inflicted. Imagine a day when there is no more government help for anyone, because it’s coming fast, the interest government pays now is more than what we spend on National defense.

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 07:39 AM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

What most people don’t understand is how oversaturated the market is, if you eliminate government spending we have been in a recession since 2008, nothing in this economy has been real for a very long time, in fact when they were going after Trump for over valuing his assets the bankers all testified that over valuing assets is standard practice, now sit and think about that, the bankers just admitted that nothing is real in this economy, and everyone missed it, capacity needs to return to 2008 levels before this can stabilize, in part you can blame the over capacity on the glory hounds for going on social media for telling everyone how they could get rich if they bought a truck, it’s self inflicted. Imagine a day when there is no more government help for anyone, because it’s coming fast, the interest government pays now is more than what we spend on National defense.

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 09:22 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "What most people don’t understand is how oversaturated the market is, if you eliminate government spending we have been in a recession since 2008, nothing in this economy has been real for a very long time, in fact when they were going after Trump for over valuing his assets the bankers all testified that over valuing assets is standard practice, now sit and think about that, the bankers just admitted that nothing is real in this economy, and everyone missed it, capacity needs to return to 2008 levels before this can stabilize, in part you can blame the over capacity on the glory hounds for going on social media for telling everyone how they could get rich if they bought a truck, it’s self inflicted. Imagine a day when there is no more government help for anyone, because it’s coming fast, the interest government pays now is more than what we spend on National defense." You always bring something to the table, are well informed and well articulated! You are right! Things are changing and not for the better! As far as the truck market, those who are established are and will continue to do well. Those who are not established will not do well until they can establish themselves in this market as an honest, reliable carrier. Your integrity matters in this industry!

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 09:22 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "What most people don’t understand is how oversaturated the market is, if you eliminate government spending we have been in a recession since 2008, nothing in this economy has been real for a very long time, in fact when they were going after Trump for over valuing his assets the bankers all testified that over valuing assets is standard practice, now sit and think about that, the bankers just admitted that nothing is real in this economy, and everyone missed it, capacity needs to return to 2008 levels before this can stabilize, in part you can blame the over capacity on the glory hounds for going on social media for telling everyone how they could get rich if they bought a truck, it’s self inflicted. Imagine a day when there is no more government help for anyone, because it’s coming fast, the interest government pays now is more than what we spend on National defense."

You always bring something to the table, are well informed and well articulated! You are right! Things are changing and not for the better!

As far as the truck market, those who are established are and will continue to do well. Those who are not established will not do well until they can establish themselves in this market as an honest, reliable carrier. Your integrity matters in this industry!

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 09:42 AM CST + 2
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Who bad do you want to stay in it? What are your alternatives? Park? Chance losing the customer? Keep running and hope the other guy gives up first? Just saying... I don't think there is a right or answer. Just decisions to make." There are always decisions to be made! You have to keep looking for new contacts. We cut ties with a 13 year customer because of lying by the transportation department. Was it tough? It sure was but we came out on the other end stronger than ever with a bigger and better customer! To those wondering about bad rates, sticking together, brokers making what they make, you make your own success! Don't blame your business problems on someone else, go out and create your own success and if that does not work, go partner with an establised carrier who can help you to acheive the revenue that you want and deserve! If you are looking at this load board for your main source of loads, you are in big trouble! You need to pound the pavement and find direct customers, carve your niche and make you mark on the industry. I started in this industry in 1987 and have seen the ebs and flows of trucking and the ones who make it through are the ones who keep looking forward instead of back and sideway! The rates of the covid era are unsustainable in any market! The trucking industry made bank at that time and there were a lot of established companies that thought that the rates were going to stay forever, bought over priced iron and when the correction came were forced to exit stage left with the help from the police (banker). Don't put the cart before the horse! Do like every old school trucker does and watch in the distance to anticipate what the correct move will be a half mile (6 month) will hold! It can be done, you just have to have some foresight and integrity to do the tough and easy things in life and in business. Done with my rant. Hope you all have a safe and blessed day!

Replied on Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 09:42 AM CST

+ 2

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Who bad do you want to stay in it? What are your alternatives? Park? Chance losing the customer? Keep running and hope the other guy gives up first? Just saying... I don't think there is a right or answer. Just decisions to make."

There are always decisions to be made! You have to keep looking for new contacts. We cut ties with a 13 year customer because of lying by the transportation department. Was it tough? It sure was but we came out on the other end stronger than ever with a bigger and better customer! To those wondering about bad rates, sticking together, brokers making what they make, you make your own success! Don't blame your business problems on someone else, go out and create your own success and if that does not work, go partner with an establised carrier who can help you to acheive the revenue that you want and deserve! If you are looking at this load board for your main source of loads, you are in big trouble! You need to pound the pavement and find direct customers, carve your niche and make you mark on the industry. I started in this industry in 1987 and have seen the ebs and flows of trucking and the ones who make it through are the ones who keep looking forward instead of back and sideway!

The rates of the covid era are unsustainable in any market! The trucking industry made bank at that time and there were a lot of established companies that thought that the rates were going to stay forever, bought over priced iron and when the correction came were forced to exit stage left with the help from the police (banker). Don't put the cart before the horse! Do like every old school trucker does and watch in the distance to anticipate what the correct move will be a half mile (6 month) will hold! It can be done, you just have to have some foresight and integrity to do the tough and easy things in life and in business.

Done with my rant.

Hope you all have a safe and blessed day!

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 07:33 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Nobody will stick together on rates, that much is certain. The best thing to do is find your unfair advantage in this business and run with it." Can I use my "fair" advantage?

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 07:47 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "How do the best survive when rates are not enough to to run a truck and pay bills I been in it 34 years ?" Contracted dedicated work is how

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 08:26 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "There are always decisions to be made! You have to keep looking for new contacts. We cut ties with a 13 year customer because of lying by the transportation department. Was it tough? It sure was but we came out on the other end stronger than ever with a bigger and better customer! To those wondering about bad rates, sticking together, brokers making what they make, you make your own success! Don't blame your business problems on someone else, go out and create your own success and if that does not work, go partner with an establised carrier who can help you to acheive the revenue that you want and deserve! If you are looking at this load board for your main source of loads, you are in big trouble! You need to pound the pavement and find direct customers, carve your niche and make you mark on the industry. I started in this industry in 1987 and have seen the ebs and flows of trucking and the ones who make it through are the ones who keep looking forward instead of back and sideway! The rates of the covid era are unsustainable in any market! The trucking industry made bank at that time and there were a lot of established companies that thought that the rates were going to stay forever, bought over priced iron and when the correction came were forced to exit stage left with the help from the police (banker). Don't put the cart before the horse! Do like every old school trucker does and watch in the distance to anticipate what the correct move will be a half mile (6 month) will hold! It can be done, you just have to have some foresight and integrity to do the tough and easy things in life and in business. Done with my rant. Hope you all have a safe and blessed day!" FACTS!!!!!!

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 08:26 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "There are always decisions to be made! You have to keep looking for new contacts. We cut ties with a 13 year customer because of lying by the transportation department. Was it tough? It sure was but we came out on the other end stronger than ever with a bigger and better customer! To those wondering about bad rates, sticking together, brokers making what they make, you make your own success! Don't blame your business problems on someone else, go out and create your own success and if that does not work, go partner with an establised carrier who can help you to acheive the revenue that you want and deserve! If you are looking at this load board for your main source of loads, you are in big trouble! You need to pound the pavement and find direct customers, carve your niche and make you mark on the industry. I started in this industry in 1987 and have seen the ebs and flows of trucking and the ones who make it through are the ones who keep looking forward instead of back and sideway! The rates of the covid era are unsustainable in any market! The trucking industry made bank at that time and there were a lot of established companies that thought that the rates were going to stay forever, bought over priced iron and when the correction came were forced to exit stage left with the help from the police (banker). Don't put the cart before the horse! Do like every old school trucker does and watch in the distance to anticipate what the correct move will be a half mile (6 month) will hold! It can be done, you just have to have some foresight and integrity to do the tough and easy things in life and in business. Done with my rant. Hope you all have a safe and blessed day!"

FACTS!!!!!!

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 08:26 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Contracted dedicated work is how" Ok thanks wow it’s that easy lol .

Replied on Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 09:07 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Can I use my "fair" advantage?" You sure can.

Replied on Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 07:40 AM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I read somewhere that pride group out of Canada filed for bankruptcy last week, they controlled 20,000 trucks, a couple months back JB hunt purged 50,000 carriers from their systems, this down turn is just getting started, at this point most couldn’t sell if they wanted to get out, if your still here your stuck with no way out.

Replied on Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 01:46 PM CST + 2 - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I read somewhere that pride group out of Canada filed for bankruptcy last week, they controlled 20,000 trucks, a couple months back JB hunt purged 50,000 carriers from their systems, this down turn is just getting started, at this point most couldn’t sell if they wanted to get out, if your still here your stuck with no way out." I guess I am a little more optomistic about the outlook in the trucking industry. I can not talk for anyone else, but we have remained profitable through this tough time. I see things changing in the bulk sector as well as the van and refer sectors. Rates are up, all be it slightly, but they are up. The work is out there if you know where to look. I truly wish I had a crystal ball to tell the future! All I know is that it gets tougher and tougher to make it in this industry but we are going to hang in there until there is nothing left to hold on to.

Replied on Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 01:46 PM CST

+ 2 - 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "I read somewhere that pride group out of Canada filed for bankruptcy last week, they controlled 20,000 trucks, a couple months back JB hunt purged 50,000 carriers from their systems, this down turn is just getting started, at this point most couldn’t sell if they wanted to get out, if your still here your stuck with no way out."

I guess I am a little more optomistic about the outlook in the trucking industry. I can not talk for anyone else, but we have remained profitable through this tough time. I see things changing in the bulk sector as well as the van and refer sectors. Rates are up, all be it slightly, but they are up. The work is out there if you know where to look. I truly wish I had a crystal ball to tell the future! All I know is that it gets tougher and tougher to make it in this industry but we are going to hang in there until there is nothing left to hold on to.

Replied on Fri, Sep 13, 2024 at 07:35 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. no such thing as a back haul. its all one way frieght