NO WONDER WHY RATES SUCK.... - Bulk Trucking Forum & Discussion Board & Bulkloads.com

{ "forumId": 23076, "postTypeId": 1, "postType": "Forum", "forumTitle": "NO WONDER WHY RATES SUCK....", "forumContent": "seen a load on here yesterday from ohio to colorado, and at 25 ton it paid under 1.50 a mile and now its gone.... W.T.F???", "forumContentHtml": "seen a load on here yesterday from ohio to colorado, and at 25 ton it paid under 1.50 a mile and now its gone.... W.T.F???", "thumbUrl": "", "dateAdded": "2011-05-09T19:01:29Z", "lastPost": "2011-05-09T19:01:29Z", "views": 2901, "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "messageCount": 29, "premiumOnly": 0, "isfeatured": 0, "showInDays": -100, "showDate": "", "forumLink": "", "youtubeVideoId": "", "approved": 1, "active": 1, "alias": "no-wonder-why-rates-suck", "forumUrl": "https://www.bulkloads.com/forum/no-wonder-why-rates-suck/", "userId": 4452, "firstName": "DARYL", "lastName": "GERBER", "companyName": "GERBER AG SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MERCER", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 49, "userLikes": 0, "replies": [ { "replyId": 21148, "content": "I saw some rock going for $1.35 a loaded mile. I would need a lot more than that to haul rock in a hopper.", "contentHtml": "I saw some rock going for $1.35 a loaded mile. I would need a lot more than that to haul rock in a hopper.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-25", "dateAdded": "2011-05-09T21:57:38Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1613, "firstName": "Steve", "lastName": "Hall", "companyName": "HALL TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Hutchinson", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 31, "userLikes": 29, "userDislikes": 47, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21149, "content": "if someone wants to haul for a 1.50 a mile and fuel is four dollars...let them...be patience and wait till something better comes along..at least you wont go broke hauling cheap freight..", "contentHtml": "if someone wants to haul for a 1.50 a mile and fuel is four dollars...let them...be patience and wait till something better comes along..at least you wont go broke hauling cheap freight..", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-28", "dateAdded": "2011-05-09T22:21:08Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3203, "firstName": "LARRY", "lastName": "OLBERDING", "companyName": "OLBERDING FARMS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "SENECA", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 1, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21150, "content": "i just called on a load from PA to TX 1.12 per mi on 25 ton You haul a good paying load one way just to get kicked in the nuts when you get there.", "contentHtml": "i just called on a load from PA to TX 1.12 per mi on 25 ton You haul a good paying load one way just to get kicked in the nuts when you get there.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-22", "dateAdded": "2011-05-10T21:43:52Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1569, "firstName": "MIKE", "lastName": "HORSTMAN", "companyName": "MICHAEL A HORSTMAN", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MINSTER", "state": "OH", "userCommentCount": 21, "userLikes": 1, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28116, "content": "good job, I had a guy tell me he got offered $.98 from jersey to Tx today.", "contentHtml": "good job, I had a guy tell me he got offered $.98 from jersey to Tx today.", "parentReplyId": 21150, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-10T22:24:10Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 242, "firstName": "DALE", "lastName": "SCHUT", "companyName": "SCHUT FARMS TRANSPORTATION INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CHESTER", "state": "SD", "userCommentCount": 170, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28938, "content": "i have seen those loads before... wheatmids for gavilon is what they are", "contentHtml": "i have seen those loads before... wheatmids for gavilon is what they are", "parentReplyId": 28116, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-05-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-11T02:57:37Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 4452, "firstName": "DARYL", "lastName": "GERBER", "companyName": "GERBER AG SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MERCER", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 49, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29137, "content": "Didn't feel very sorry for the guy as he took some $2 mile onions from California. When will people learn to just say NO?", "contentHtml": "Didn't feel very sorry for the guy as he took some $2 mile onions from California. When will people learn to just say NO?", "parentReplyId": 28938, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-11T14:25:28Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 242, "firstName": "DALE", "lastName": "SCHUT", "companyName": "SCHUT FARMS TRANSPORTATION INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CHESTER", "state": "SD", "userCommentCount": 170, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29251, "content": "dale ---the dang onions was tooooo cheap also.but i understand pushing cash flow---it becomes hard to turn down a 5000 dollar load but it should b 6000 just my thoughts danny", "contentHtml": "dale ---the dang onions was tooooo cheap also.but i understand pushing cash flow---it becomes hard to turn down a 5000 dollar load but it should b 6000 just my thoughts danny", "parentReplyId": 29137, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-08", "dateAdded": "2011-05-11T17:15:00Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 585, "firstName": "DAN", "lastName": "BEAGLE", "companyName": "AMERICAN FARMLAND SUPPLY LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CASSVILLE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 40, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29311, "content": "Everyone needs to think about how you going to get out of some of these areas before you leap.", "contentHtml": "Everyone needs to think about how you going to get out of some of these areas before you leap.", "parentReplyId": 29251, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-11T18:21:23Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 242, "firstName": "DALE", "lastName": "SCHUT", "companyName": "SCHUT FARMS TRANSPORTATION INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CHESTER", "state": "SD", "userCommentCount": 170, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29325, "content": "I'D RATHER DEAHEAD 500 MILES FOR GOOD LOAD OR GO HOME, THEN TAKE A CHEAP ONE ANYMORE. SCREW THEM AND THERE CHEAP RATES!", "contentHtml": "I'D RATHER DEAHEAD 500 MILES FOR GOOD LOAD OR GO HOME, THEN TAKE A CHEAP ONE ANYMORE. SCREW THEM AND THERE CHEAP RATES!", "parentReplyId": 29311, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-30", "dateAdded": "2011-05-11T23:54:19Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 906, "firstName": "RON", "lastName": "MILLER", "companyName": "BIG HAMMER INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Ravenna", "state": "NE", "userCommentCount": 120, "userLikes": 75, "userDislikes": 96, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29337, "content": "Been there done that! We generally don't pickup many 2-300 mile loads as they only pay a little and waste a day or more for nothing more than fuel.", "contentHtml": "Been there done that! We generally don't pickup many 2-300 mile loads as they only pay a little and waste a day or more for nothing more than fuel.", "parentReplyId": 29325, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-12T15:09:30Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 242, "firstName": "DALE", "lastName": "SCHUT", "companyName": "SCHUT FARMS TRANSPORTATION INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CHESTER", "state": "SD", "userCommentCount": 170, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21151, "content": "Two words that are interchangeable in the hopper business are backhaul and broke.......", "contentHtml": "Two words that are interchangeable in the hopper business are backhaul and broke.......", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-01-13", "dateAdded": "2011-05-12T16:36:06Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3624, "firstName": "HC ", "lastName": "BROWN", "companyName": "HCBROWNLLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "LONGVIEW", "state": "TX", "userCommentCount": 13, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28117, "content": "\n Not only the Hopper business, but trucking in general.\n", "contentHtml": " \r\nNot only the Hopper business, but trucking in general. ", "parentReplyId": 21151, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-28", "dateAdded": "2011-05-12T18:54:42Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1665, "firstName": "ANDRE", "lastName": "BOTHA", "companyName": "BROTHERTON FARMS TRUCKING LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CHILLICOTHE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 10, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28939, "content": "LEAVE THESE LOADS SITTIN BOYS!!!!!!!!! TIRED OF THIS CRAP...... BROKERS NEED TO GOOOOO", "contentHtml": "LEAVE THESE LOADS SITTIN BOYS!!!!!!!!! TIRED OF THIS CRAP...... BROKERS NEED TO GOOOOO", "parentReplyId": 28117, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-05-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-12T19:24:35Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 4452, "firstName": "DARYL", "lastName": "GERBER", "companyName": "GERBER AG SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MERCER", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 49, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29138, "content": "Yep, but some brokers are reading this & I imagine that they are practicing on how to be very conivincing to get their loads hauled.", "contentHtml": "Yep, but some brokers are reading this & I imagine that they are practicing on how to be very conivincing to get their loads hauled.", "parentReplyId": 28939, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-06-06", "dateAdded": "2011-05-13T03:40:25Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1755, "firstName": "WILLIAM", "lastName": "BRUCE", "companyName": "WILLIAM S BRUCE", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WINNFIELD", "state": "LA", "userCommentCount": 21, "userLikes": 16, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21152, "content": "I'd like to meet the guy who invented the back haul. Why does his truck run cheaper the other way? I've got an '08 and I can't find run cheap button on the dash anywhere! Let's see. I just haul a good load you know what would make my day, a cheap crap load I can wait to load and run my ass off to get in line to unload and bitch about waiting!", "contentHtml": "I'd like to meet the guy who invented the back haul. Why does his truck run cheaper the other way? I've got an '08 and I can't find run cheap button on the dash anywhere! Let's see. I just haul a good load you know what would make my day, a cheap crap load I can wait to load and run my ass off to get in line to unload and bitch about waiting!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-01-09", "dateAdded": "2011-05-14T02:36:58Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3580, "firstName": "STEVE", "lastName": "ANDERSON", "companyName": "STEVE ANDERSON TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Hebron", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 29, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21153, "content": "in my 40yrs of trkin i have found the cheaper the load the more problems u have with it.it always seems like the cheap shippers and brokers always want more and more.we make it a practice to not load a load for less than 750-1000 but with that said i did load a repositioning load this last week for 659. on 225 miles and dam if the elevator(a brand new one ) didnt burn up an electric motor on the auger and cost us 5extra hours --for no compensation an we ended up payin overtime to get our good load of mineral loaded.just my luck,but i am sure i will cross that bridge again it just seems like we never learn from our past", "contentHtml": "in my 40yrs of trkin i have found the cheaper the load the more problems u have with it.it always seems like the cheap shippers and brokers always want more and more.we make it a practice to not load a load for less than 750-1000 but with that said i did load a repositioning load this last week for 659. on 225 miles and dam if the elevator(a brand new one ) didnt burn up an electric motor on the auger and cost us 5extra hours --for no compensation an we ended up payin overtime to get our good load of mineral loaded.just my luck,but i am sure i will cross that bridge again it just seems like we never learn from our past", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-08", "dateAdded": "2011-05-14T15:13:46Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 585, "firstName": "DAN", "lastName": "BEAGLE", "companyName": "AMERICAN FARMLAND SUPPLY LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CASSVILLE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 40, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28118, "content": "\n This always happens...And I bet nobody said \"Glad your here\" or \"sorry for the delay\"...And the cheaper the load the more freight claims...Also for the back haul...Go into the truck stop and ask for the back haul rate for the fuel...Ever wonder why they don't give YOU discount??? Maybe that says it all right there....Then when is it a back haul for the back haul...ORRRR what if you take my load and make it a back haul...Then I take your back haul and take your loads as my back haul...When is it all going to stop? And these brokers know all of this and use it to their advantage....\n", "contentHtml": " \r\nThis always happens...And I bet nobody said "Glad your here" or "sorry for the delay"...And the cheaper the load the more freight claims...Also for the back haul...Go into the truck stop and ask for the back haul rate for the fuel...Ever wonder why they don't give YOU discount??? Maybe that says it all right there....Then when is it a back haul for the back haul...ORRRR what if you take my load and make it a back haul...Then I take your back haul and take your loads as my back haul...When is it all going to stop? And these brokers know all of this and use it to their advantage.... ", "parentReplyId": 21153, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2011-05-14T17:27:59Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21154, "content": "\n The only way to solve this problem is to say no to these cheap backhauls, Ive seen countless times when in the southern part of missouri or eastern oaklahoma guys unloading and going over to catoosa Ok. to get backhauls of fertilizer that pay anywhere from $1 TO $1.35 PER MILE. What the heck, I will bounce back to saint louis or kansas city before ill haul that cheap stuff. Your only paying for fuel and wearing your equipment out so some multi million dollar compay can put more in their pocket.", "contentHtml": "\r\n\tThe only way to solve this problem is to say no to these cheap backhauls, Ive seen countless times when in the southern part of missouri or eastern oaklahoma guys unloading and going over to catoosa Ok. to get backhauls of fertilizer that pay anywhere from $1 TO $1.35 PER MILE. What the heck, I will bounce back to saint louis or kansas city before ill haul that cheap stuff. Your only paying for fuel and wearing your equipment out so some multi million dollar compay can put more in their pocket.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-09-01", "dateAdded": "2011-05-15T15:28:38Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2500, "firstName": "MIKE", "lastName": "WILSON", "companyName": "TRIPLE M TRANSPORTATION LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "BOWLING GREE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 27, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28119, "content": "do not forget the 2 washouts one b4 you load and one after at 35-75 dollars each this helps reduce the operating margin also BUT you now have a clean trailer and 2 new friends", "contentHtml": "do not forget the 2 washouts one b4 you load and one after at 35-75 dollars each this helps reduce the operating margin also BUT you now have a clean trailer and 2 new friends", "parentReplyId": 21154, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-08", "dateAdded": "2011-05-16T14:40:19Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 585, "firstName": "DAN", "lastName": "BEAGLE", "companyName": "AMERICAN FARMLAND SUPPLY LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "CASSVILLE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 40, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29139, "content": "Well, sir, we are first and foremost a trucking company, but we also have our brokerage authority (mostly as a courtesy to our sister company's customers, but also for several we've brought to our own business.) I've seen it bad from both sides. I see a lot of customers that want to pay what they did 3 years ago. When I politely explain it costs approximately .71 per mile just to drive the freight down the road, they tell me they understand. Then they hang up and hire our direct competition to move the freight. Not that I wouldn't love to have more business, but I'm not in the business of spending hours and hours to move 1 load. I wear too many hats and my time is almost as valuable as my drivers'. Almost ;)\n \n I'm not stepping on any toes; our costs may be different from those other folks (some of whom are trucking companies/freight brokers as well.) And I work with several of them both as the broker and the carrier. Brokers don't need to \"go.\" They (us too) need to work with both the customer and the carriers to engage in fair business practice. I understand the bottom line costs as a manager; I understand the cost of moving my trucks as a carrier; I understand the concept of profit percentage as a broker. Merging these three is a thankless job. Customers don't want to increase their bottom line. Trucks need to make more than just to pay for fuel, ins and wages otherwise why bother? Brokers (reputable and stable) need to be compensated for their time doing their jobs, just as you expect to compensate a driver for their time behind the wheel. \n \n We know the problem; what are the viable solutions to resolve it? \n \n Good customer service. The ones who value this as a part of the cost of doing business will win in the end. Our customers pay our rates, and we work hard to pay fair when we broker. Sometimes our hands are tied but it's not a way of life. Our core customers know when we say it's there, it's there. Our equipment is clean, and our drivers are professional. If they're not, they're not with us very long. \n \n Fuel Rates. Let's face it - not everyone is on the same page here. What fuel price do you have factored into your rates? 1.18? 2.00? 2.50 like DOD? Or do you not factor in fuel to the base cost and add the .71 a mile cost to the rates? Some customers are getting sticker shock when over half the cost of the freight is additional fuel. Do you \"wing it\" and use the general percentage everyone else does? Until everyone uses the same base rate, there's a lot of room for play for the less scrupulous ones. \n \n Freight Rates. How often do you review your cost per mile? Do you work your numbers and understand your costs, know your planned profit margin, and adjust accordingly more than once every 5 years? Does this include a cost of living increase for the drivers and other company employees? Do they leave room for negotiation with customers? \n \n Lord knows, I'm no Bernanke or Buffet, otherwise my butt would be somewhere warm with cold sweet tea just takin' my time doin' a whole lotta nothin'. =) Just puttin' it out there. It's going to be a couple tough years for all of us, and I hope to see everyone on the other side. Until \"industry standard\" is truly industry standard, it will be this way. \n \n Best Regards, \n \n Jackie\n \n \n", "contentHtml": "Well, sir, we are first and foremost a trucking company, but we also have our brokerage authority (mostly as a courtesy to our sister company's customers, but also for several we've brought to our own business.) I've seen it bad from both sides. I see a lot of customers that want to pay what they did 3 years ago. When I politely explain it costs approximately .71 per mile just to drive the freight down the road, they tell me they understand. Then they hang up and hire our direct competition to move the freight. Not that I wouldn't love to have more business, but I'm not in the business of spending hours and hours to move 1 load. I wear too many hats and my time is almost as valuable as my drivers'. Almost ;) \r\n \r\nI'm not stepping on any toes; our costs may be different from those other folks (some of whom are trucking companies/freight brokers as well.) And I work with several of them both as the broker and the carrier. Brokers don't need to "go." They (us too) need to work with both the customer and the carriers to engage in fair business practice. I understand the bottom line costs as a manager; I understand the cost of moving my trucks as a carrier; I understand the concept of profit percentage as a broker. Merging these three is a thankless job. Customers don't want to increase their bottom line. Trucks need to make more than just to pay for fuel, ins and wages otherwise why bother? Brokers (reputable and stable) need to be compensated for their time doing their jobs, just as you expect to compensate a driver for their time behind the wheel. \r\n \r\nWe know the problem; what are the viable solutions to resolve it? \r\n \r\nGood customer service. The ones who value this as a part of the cost of doing business will win in the end. Our customers pay our rates, and we work hard to pay fair when we broker. Sometimes our hands are tied but it's not a way of life. Our core customers know when we say it's there, it's there. Our equipment is clean, and our drivers are professional. If they're not, they're not with us very long. \r\n \r\nFuel Rates. Let's face it - not everyone is on the same page here. What fuel price do you have factored into your rates? 1.18? 2.00? 2.50 like DOD? Or do you not factor in fuel to the base cost and add the .71 a mile cost to the rates? Some customers are getting sticker shock when over half the cost of the freight is additional fuel. Do you "wing it" and use the general percentage everyone else does? Until everyone uses the same base rate, there's a lot of room for play for the less scrupulous ones. \r\n \r\nFreight Rates. How often do you review your cost per mile? Do you work your numbers and understand your costs, know your planned profit margin, and adjust accordingly more than once every 5 years? Does this include a cost of living increase for the drivers and other company employees? Do they leave room for negotiation with customers? \r\n \r\nLord knows, I'm no Bernanke or Buffet, otherwise my butt would be somewhere warm with cold sweet tea just takin' my time doin' a whole lotta nothin'. =) Just puttin' it out there. It's going to be a couple tough years for all of us, and I hope to see everyone on the other side. Until "industry standard" is truly industry standard, it will be this way. \r\n \r\nBest Regards, \r\n \r\nJackie \r\n \r\n ", "parentReplyId": 28939, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-18", "dateAdded": "2011-05-16T19:40:07Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1332, "firstName": "JACKIE", "lastName": "MASON", "companyName": "D&D TRKNG AND SVCS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Delphos", "state": "OH", "userCommentCount": 103, "userLikes": 5, "userDislikes": 2, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29252, "content": "There is your problem, your telling your customers it costs .71 cents per mile to move freight down the road. There is no way you can buy $4.00 fuel pay a driver,license,taxes,insurance,maintainance,truck payment, trailer payment,etc,etc, for $.71 per mile.", "contentHtml": "There is your problem, your telling your customers it costs .71 cents per mile to move freight down the road. There is no way you can buy $4.00 fuel pay a driver,license,taxes,insurance,maintainance,truck payment, trailer payment,etc,etc, for $.71 per mile.", "parentReplyId": 29139, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-09-01", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T01:17:34Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2500, "firstName": "MIKE", "lastName": "WILSON", "companyName": "TRIPLE M TRANSPORTATION LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "BOWLING GREE", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 27, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21155, "content": "\n I think that is FSC that is .71 not the rate. You need at least 2 bucks a mile to make it...and that is slim...With this price of fuel.\n", "contentHtml": " \r\nI think that is FSC that is .71 not the rate. You need at least 2 bucks a mile to make it...and that is slim...With this price of fuel. ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T02:18:02Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29253, "content": ".71 per mile on fuel.......... I need .85 to .90..... plus what it costs to put tires on, plates, service.... you get the point!!!!", "contentHtml": ".71 per mile on fuel.......... I need .85 to .90..... plus what it costs to put tires on, plates, service.... you get the point!!!!", "parentReplyId": 29139, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-05-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T05:34:01Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 4452, "firstName": "DARYL", "lastName": "GERBER", "companyName": "GERBER AG SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MERCER", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 49, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28120, "content": "2 bucks ALL MILES..... not just underneath one....", "contentHtml": "2 bucks ALL MILES..... not just underneath one....", "parentReplyId": 21155, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-05-03", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T05:35:29Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 4452, "firstName": "DARYL", "lastName": "GERBER", "companyName": "GERBER AG SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "MERCER", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 49, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29312, "content": "I can see where that statement can be misunderstood, Mike. I should have stated it takes .71 per mile in FUEL alone to move the freight down the road. Thanks for clearing that up for everyone. We have no problem with our rates. Ours differs from some of yours because of added overhead - office personnel, life/health benefits, 401K, utilities. It's a rough game for all of us.", "contentHtml": "I can see where that statement can be misunderstood, Mike. I should have stated it takes .71 per mile in FUEL alone to move the freight down the road. Thanks for clearing that up for everyone. We have no problem with our rates. Ours differs from some of yours because of added overhead - office personnel, life/health benefits, 401K, utilities. It's a rough game for all of us. ", "parentReplyId": 29252, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-18", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T14:11:37Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1332, "firstName": "JACKIE", "lastName": "MASON", "companyName": "D&D TRKNG AND SVCS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Delphos", "state": "OH", "userCommentCount": 103, "userLikes": 5, "userDislikes": 2, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 29313, "content": "Exactly! Our drivers don't care for our governed fleet trucks, but when we increase fleet fuel mileage 8% in two years, and we can afford to absorb their increase in health insurance costs and pay them 2 grand a year apiece in safety bonuses, they see the wisdom. That was the worst part of our costs 3 years ago. We really have to stay on top of things. Don't even get me started on service costs! :)", "contentHtml": "Exactly! Our drivers don't care for our governed fleet trucks, but when we increase fleet fuel mileage 8% in two years, and we can afford to absorb their increase in health insurance costs and pay them 2 grand a year apiece in safety bonuses, they see the wisdom. That was the worst part of our costs 3 years ago. We really have to stay on top of things. Don't even get me started on service costs! :)", "parentReplyId": 29253, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-18", "dateAdded": "2011-05-17T14:16:30Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1332, "firstName": "JACKIE", "lastName": "MASON", "companyName": "D&D TRKNG AND SVCS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Delphos", "state": "OH", "userCommentCount": 103, "userLikes": 5, "userDislikes": 2, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21156, "content": "DOT had a farmer pulled over by Hutchinson, Mn today, guess he forgot to contribute to the Christmas Club????", "contentHtml": " DOT had a farmer pulled over by Hutchinson, Mn today, guess he forgot to contribute to the Christmas Club????", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-22", "dateAdded": "2011-05-19T01:27:27Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 828, "firstName": "SAM", "lastName": "MAASS", "companyName": "LMX", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "DAWSON", "state": "MN", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 1, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 21157, "content": "Or hopefully there will be more cheap loads for the guys who like them so much and they can loose their truck quicker and save them a bunch of time.", "contentHtml": "Or hopefully there will be more cheap loads for the guys who like them so much and they can loose their truck quicker and save them a bunch of time.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2011-01-09", "dateAdded": "2011-05-21T14:21:32Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3580, "firstName": "STEVE", "lastName": "ANDERSON", "companyName": "STEVE ANDERSON TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Hebron", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 29, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 } ], "userDislikes": 0, "signUpDate": "2011-05-03", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0, "iSubscribe": 0 }

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NO WONDER WHY RATES SUCK....

Posted on Mon, May 9, 2011 at 3:01 PM CST in MERCER, PA