Bulk Carriers Co-op
For those of you have not read the threads under CONSEQUENCES OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION , please do. Yes, I brought up the subject of forming a Bulk Carriers Co-Op, which I received nice comments on. What I would like to know is what would the general concenses be regarding acceptable rates for our times. There's no way we should continue to operate with rates dating back several decades. Of course, shorter runs should pay more, due to the distance and/or time involved. But, what about longer runs? I wrote about the D.A.T. spot board last week that showed the average rate for produce coming out of the Southwest was running at $1.27 per mile, rates dating back 35 to 45 years. The only difference between produce and grain is the equipment it's hauled in. It's all exempt freight.
So, number (1) what do you feel rates should be for long runs. (2) Do you charge by an hourly rate for more local moves, or by the load? Which do you think would be better? (3) Would you join some sort of Bulk Carriers Co-Op to help improve this industry? (4) Would you be interested in helpping form such an organization in your area / state?