I’m sitting in Atlanta right now without a load because I refused to take a load out of here on a Friday for less than $2 a mile. When the rest of you shut the f-up and start saying NO NO NO NO NO to these brokers, this shit will change. I’m sick and tired of all the complaining about the rates and everyone still accepting these cheap ass rates. Stop hauling loads under $2 a mile. Stop hauling loads to states that are hostile to truck drivers. Stand together or go out of business. Your choice.
It’s the foreigners. Unfortunately you and few other Americans refusing to run is not going to change anything. Abdul is round the corner waiting to run for a dollar. These cheap loads are luxury dollars back in their home country. Until yall realize that not much will change.
@@Noticing-EnjoyerI’m assuming immigrants with grants dunno 😢😅 truly or immigrants in work visa running illegal to save on expenses.. not sure hope much longer this can go on tho
I’m tempted to do the same only thing is I’m in the middle/beginning stages of a home build on my land/lot that’s paid off . My tractor is also paid off however it’s a struggle to keep pushing forward on the build with less and less profit each week. Currently have a tent setup with generator and water well. American nightmare is real and they say “ Bidenomics” works smh what a cult leader
I been out of trucking since November it's been a struggle but I really happy to be home with family. I do miss trucking at time's but my priority is to be home sleep in my own bed. God bless all my Brother's in trucking 🙏 be safe. Always grateful video's I appreciate this gentleman who makes these videos.
If you don’t have a driver and you don’t have payments and debts you will not run at a loss. This market is for real owner operators not for want to be rich quick guys seating behind a desk.
I'm not holding back my mouth, yes the companies are becoming cheap , the reason for that too many truckers are dropping their rate, especially the Indians they're killing the industry
Exactly. I'm seeing O/O teams running freight for $.95/ mile Canadian, all in. When you don't pay taxes, the Mosque buys their equipment, and they're happy making $1, it's not good for the rest of us. I run something a little different and am OK for the moment but I'm sure it's going to get worse in time.
That "last minute backhaul" was another driver's good rate until the broker ran you down to $1.00 per mile. You NEED to make that payment, so you load that and run at a loss because now truck notes are due WEEKLY, and your unit is sat. connected so the repo-man know where you are 24/7.
Im literally one break down away from going bankrupt. All credit cards are maxed and i have less than 200$ in the bank but i cant park because i have bills that i have to pay. Its a depressing struggle but i cant wait until the spot market comes back.
@@813Goat cant do it. Being a company guy wont cover my over head. Atleast not until my equipment is paid off. My old truck had two years left to be paid off and it cost me 40k in repairs in less than a year before finally deciding to pressurize the coolant under load and so it got parked and i had to take a bank loan to get another truck and so now im stuck for another 4 years paying on two trucks and a trailer. Atleast 140k worth thats due. Im legit stuck with zero way out and cant file ruptcy as i already had one on record from before i got into trucking. Im a slave at this point.
Spot market won’t be back for many years to come…. Everyone is buying junk equipment and does as you do…. Then comes the illegals and those that are claiming 8.5 miles per gallon…the mega idiots that are working just for 8.5 miles per gallons and nothing more. My calculations is 6.5 mpg top…I always leave room for other things.
I got a 2013 26ft box with lift gate 13-6 high in the Midwest. I also use my truck/company to do junk removal, moving, flipping appliances and furniture etc. in addition to doing a few days OTR when the price is right. You have to be versatile and maybe even change or add more services to what your business already provides.
Praying for you guys. It's insane trying to figure all this stuff out, since there's a whole lot of factors to consider. It doesn't hurt, as you know, to ask for more money (say for fuel surcharge) and/or expect the brokers to be upfront with you about the actual rates (added drops etc) and how much you're really going to make when you accept an assignment. In other words, no hidden costs or headaches. Sometimes going to Circle K, QT, and Speedway, if they allow it and have cheaper fuel rates, can save a lot on fuel costs as well. Also, going around 65-70 mph and setting the truck on cruise control. Try not to spend more than say $125.00-$150.00 (or $20.00 a day) on food each week. Doing regular pretrips/posttrips each day. Going home or taking time off, if doable, once every three weeks for about 3-5 days to recharge your batteries. Or use the restart time wisely. Going to church (here's a thought: you can Google nearby churches, maybe walk to if necessary, and some TAs and Petros do have regular church services on Sunday usually) having people praying for you or hearing your story helps. When your truck needs something you are able to wait on, take some time to find a good deal and trustworthy technician(s) to do the work. I'm looking at warranties too, not sure if any are worth it or not but am at least possibly considering them. I'm also trying to work on a four-week plan too, may need tweaking or an ongoing and regular reality check. One paycheck set aside for taxes, another for retirement, another for repairs and replacement, (or could be equipment repayment if necessary), and last one for other expenses like insurance and other living expenses, as well as taking some time off. (If fifth week, maybe an emergency fund for that one). Fuel, of course, should be factored into each one too. Also, try to network with other drivers and talk to people in the field, and similar fields as well, to get insight and information. Just try not to get angry about this stuff unless you use some of that constructive anger to bring about positive change. If you love/like what you do, you'll never have to "work" another day. All the best to you and keep trucking. We're making a difference and there's room for us if we try to work together more and not against each other so much. There's a saying that goes like this, "We're either going to hang together or we're going to hang alone." If others are going to take those bottom of the barrel loads, let them. In the end sometimes you may just get what you pay for. Try to give it a little more time before giving up or throwing in the towel. After all, it can build character if you let it. One more thing, never stop learning, as there's lots of books out there on this subject (check out local bookstores and Amazon too). Hope this helps 🙂
If you're talking about this video, he does state that $.10/ mile goes into a "oh shit" fund (not what he actually called it but accurate) just in case of a breakdown of anykind. You're not going to break down every run and if you're careful, you could easily have thousands saved up just in case.
I started off at western express been here 11 months now. Cleaning out my truck next month returning it and never getting into this industry again. Absolutely no money I've seen.
Good luck. It's a smart choice you made. No money in trucking. Some guys need a second or third skill in case the one their in doesn't work out anymore.
It’s our 3rd consistent 3rd year that we parked our all trucks( 5 units) by end of July to end of November until trucks get in to demand, because it’s not a good thing to work for free and ruin our equipment
With that many trucks, you could only do that on a lease on situation. You cannot pull that off with your own authority Because you have to keep paying insurance. And if you drop your authority, you have to get it back again and be become a new entrant with high insurance rates and start out with no credit with brokers unless you have a contract Already.
I've been driving for 20+ years and find the worst time for freight is January through March/April. After that, things start to pick up for the summer months and through Christmas. The only freight that is guaranteed is fuel but not easy to find with your own authority.
Parked status huh? I did have one of two go into spare status, but I did not think I could do all of them at once with nothing running. I will have to ask about that.
@@jasonrabe1664 are you in USA? Insurance Rules might be different there, we are Canada based, when truck is parked , parking insurance is around 250$ per unit/month , if you paid full, you will get credit for any extra money paid
The only people surviving this are the people running illegally, not maintaining equipment, and willing to accept the cheap freight and living in the truck not giving a dang who it hurts, even if it's their own family. My days being owner op, I would do whatever it takes to get contracted freight working directly with customers and cutting out brokers because those skimmed rate cons are another reason the industry has gone to hell and in a couple of weeks when I get my passenger endorsement, I'll be hanging my keys up.
Pretty soon we're going to have the exact opposite situation to what we have now - excess capacity. The load boards and brokers know damned well that they're screwing the O/O's and fleets right now because there are too many trucks on the road. Capacity is going to have to drop in order to get the rates up to where trucking is profitable for the fleets and an O/O can make a decent living - and with these shitty rates, capacity is going to drop like a bomb next year due to a) fleets going bust like crazy, and b) O/O's that outright own the truck parking it (or running local with it) until rates come back to something resembling sanity.....
Although true, most don't have the luxury of parking it. If they did, they'd find something else and never look back. There's no immigrant companies starting everyday and will be more then happy to take that freight. That's the worst part
I'm glad you are sharing this. This is exactly why I quit driving big rigs and went to heavy haul sprinter express driving. No logs, cheaper fuel, and crazy high rates for expedites.
We need to start pounding the cost per me to operate onto the shippers and brokers. Mainly the brokers. I'm sure they're charging their rate and not representing the drivers. Mid to low truck payments, mid to high fuel mileage, maintenance per mile, mid cost of insurance, DOT fees, EFTA, Ect. When I was out my cost per mile was $ 1.50 before my paycheck. We talk so much about what "they want to pay" we need to talk about and show "them" the realization of this. AND STOP EXCEPTING CHEEP RATES.
Although true, 1. You'll never get rich in this industry no matter what happens. 2. There will ALWAYS be companies that accept cheap freight (bigger companies like Swift, Immigrants, desperate, etc.). The industry will never be what it once was as too many drivers for too few loads available. Everybody wants the same lanes, which is understandable as it has the most loads available but there's far too many wanting those same loads. Therefore, it's about undercutting the next guy to get that load. Even if load brokers didn't exist, shipping companies would figure this out very quickly and do the same as the brokers are doing.
I appreciate Ronen doing this as a video experiment, but California and New York are very different Freight markets. Realistically anybody doing coast to coast would probably make a few stops in the Midwest or south. At least for dry van loads that isn’t a realistic regular route anybody should take. Good video as always ❤
@jaeinnmoon3279 No, he showed what one of his lease operators would make on that specific run. 1. He rarely runs that kinda freight, 2. Many of his drivers are lease operators so he's always sure to make money, 3. He wouldn't run that kinda load at that price. This video was to show everybody how certain runs don't pay and be careful when choosing a load. If he was losing money, he wouldn't have 3 terminals, buying trucks often and new trailers.
Holy ol poop, between 1991 and 1995, i was averaging 1.40 mile as a owner operator at Manitoulin supply only a tractor, home every day and weekend. 2400 to 2700 miles a week every week. Ltl north , heavy 4 axle back. $ 100000 truck.
😂 you could do better running 4 or 5 loads a week flatbed. LTL dry freight is running at barely above even, or at loss, because of government subsidies.
I started 46 years ago trucking was regulated it's not the first time it's gotten bad it's been going good for a very long time building box stores and warehouses it's just a matter of when this is going to happen there are a lot of different things u can do one is don't work for a loss
Many other small fleets and carriers will close their doors. I do a turn from Fontana, CA to N Las Vegas, and back as a company driver and average yearly $129k yearly. Home everyday and holidays. Covid flooded the industry with too many new so-called owner operators. They lost their rear ends thinking they were going to get rich. Planning and with at least 1 year of running capital, maybe you'll make it.
It is. Until you need to buy your next equipment. Where are you supposed to get let say $50-$60k for another 5 years old truck ? Your current truck worth nothing, you’re running at a small profit…How to buy next truck?
Paid off truck dont mean take cheap loads means u can afford to park it at no pains n run company ,if u run cheap loads just killing your truck anything under 1.70 is not really worth it
Why would you need a five year old truck? Mine is 25 years old and runs just fine. Had it 12 years, just recently had to rebuild. Trailer paid for tractor paid for why would I want a new set o problems?
@@jasonrabe1664 okay. How much was your rebuild? I’m pretty sure it’s close to the price of 5 years old truck nowadays. My truck is 3 years old and has 400.000 miles. I don’t see this shit running another 20 years not even close. It’s going to have 3 million miles by then…
There are many things that are poisoning this industry outside of the low freight rates. The low freight rates just happens to be the most crucial one as it is impossible to earn otherwise
I wish Peterbilt and Kenworth are watching this video the rest of the truck manufacturers don't count they need to drop the shop labor immediately!!! There's no way anyone can afford $200 per hr they are nuts !!! No money left for any repairs!! Come on people get real your killing the industry!!
They know that most O/O's want the top of the line trucks and are obsessed with those 2 brands. They know they can charge whatever and we don't have a choice but to pay it.
@jeffreycairns767 😂 paccar is junk. I worked 11 years in diesel repair. The drivers who want Paccar trucks are limp dick cultists saying "you aren't a real trucker, if you don't".
I cannot understand why when you drive further you make less money and you're on the road for a longer period of time. Longer trip should pay more money
Thank you for your insight. What are the services to become profitable on the East Coast? I am just curious. My employer tries his best to sell me his truck and run on his authority, I am just not comfortable with the whole business right now and I think I am right to trust my gut.
Always remember to reveal the per driver unemployment and workers compensation insurance rates that I'm betting most small carriers don't include in expenses. Not factoring ALL expenses in their ratecons is exactly why they fail fast.
My ratecon to the truck owning my equipment is $1.69/$1.75 cpm. That is me not taking money home but just paying business bills. New way to make income that sustains my family as well is LTL, extra stops in a REGIONAL area. I'll make $75-100 per load over a 25 mile area also, within a market that I can run 8-10 loads per day. Rail can pay similar rates but I stay clear of rail because of the turn around time and asset damage/maintenance issues.
@@ricardokennedy9320 true we would think so seems like this election year they don't care keep going up in bills prices it's crazy but I keep my eyes on Lord Jesus tatts better for me all this politics no good.
I seen loads going from to Ga to Ca for 2100 reefer frozen 🤦🏽🤦🏽 but good thing I got tankers endorsement I got 3800 from Memphis to ca . Now my next step is how I can haul hazmat with my own authority I got hazmat as well.
If my memory serves me right, I think you (or another youtuber) put out a video about saving money during good times for exactly this reason in a slowing economy. I think a lot of truckers didn't prepare for this.
I would say this isn't the best way to calculate rpm. Why? Long haul in most parts of the country for DV have plummeted over the past two years or so. If you want NY to CA try taking a load to the Midwest/South East then Maybe TX/OK and then maybe CA. Back in 2022-2023 we used to average 6 loads per week but it's close to 8 now cause I'd rather take a straight thru run that pays 5-6/mi than next day drop paying 2/mi. I also have an option to pick another load after doing a straight thru. However, dispatching has become really time consuming as you might see a few good loads the entire day and they fly off the board instantly.
FirstFleet Colorado/Texas pulling loads for Kroger is taking a hit. Kroger Dallas bought their own trucks and FirstFleet might shout their doors. Fleet says they're going to drop half their drivers very soon.
Log truck driver. I'm purchasing a western star 49X. Dd16 engine. 575 horse power. 1850 pounds of torque. It'll cost me about $10,000 a month to run the truck but I'll be $20,000
I'm starting a new venture too. My monthly expenses are about $8,000 + fuel, and from the few other guys that have been doing it for years, the average monthly is $28-$30,000, less expenses. I guess only time will tell if it works out or not. Good luck
Question for you sir. I have retired from another industry an looking to go back to the trucking industry. I have watched many of your videos, and enjoy the learning process. I have approx 20 years of CMV driving under my belt (I have hauled reefer/dry van, flatbed and some heavy haul [limited] and tanker, but its also a bit stale, since its been a number of years since last driving commercially. I understand the industry is in flux (bankruptcy of both trucking companies and Brokerages, but this industry is always flux due to changing times. I have come to appreciate your knowledge on the industry and would value your feed back on any recommendations on coming back to this industry.
Direct customers is where the money still is. As a leased on operator to a reefer carrier I make more than these spot rates and my cost is only the truck & bobtail insurance. The company I contract for doesn't run cheap $h*t
I recently saw an operation with 3 drivers running 8hr shifts in one cab. They told me that they pay for nothing and get 25 cents per mile. Try to keep up with that mess as an O/O....good luck. These guys are running expedited for 25 cents per mile, and never working more than 8 hrs a day.
@@ricardokennedy9320 It comes out to $1,137.50 every 7 days @ $20.31 per hour for 56 hours of work (when's the last time any of us only drove 56 hrs. a week?). The truck never has to stop, no restarts. They use new equipment, and their drivers only drive 8-hour shifts. Giving plenty of rest time in either bunk, or resting shotgun. They have NO monetary responsibilities for the operation, all they have to do is not crash the truck. It's really a solid business plan.... if you can get some sucker to live in a truck 24/7 never stopping and smelling each other's farts.
@@jaeinnmoon3279 Don't know, I sure don't like it. This group seemed pretty happy, one of them even spoke pretty good English...the other two just stared at you and smiled a lot.
@@jaeinnmoon3279 It's no BS, I was floored when the guy explained it to me. They are running refer/dryvan and have 10 of these 3-man teams going out of Texas. It was like watching a clown car as they piled out of the cab at the truck stop. It's a solid plan if you can keep 3 drivers getting along in the cab.
Nah man I understand those rates but your really getting and putting rates out for ppl who live in their trucks and willing to take those rates but you gotta do regional or local that’s the key
@@jaeinnmoon3279 man just mouthing off to the man with all the answers giving him my comments.I own a long nose truck and trailer parked not making me a dime right now but not costing me one either.I'm not going broke like he is with the rest of his clan hauling cheap freight for free.He has a spiel on old trucks verse's new trucks that that is the way to go.I'm swimming high on the hog and he is sinking like rock with all that new equipment trying to flip a buck that is not there.
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-Newsit really is. If runs aren’t cancelled and you get thru the seniority hurdle, it’s the easiest work. Home every day, work nights to make more with line haul but it’s stable. Even better when busy season
The market is broken. The last two months have been brutal to me paying my insurance with CC. I have never done that before since I started my company. I refused to run below $2 per mile but my drivers are suffering because they have bills too
Owner operator is not a driver but most think if they can run for 1 per mile they making more money that .65 driver but they don’t realize the expenses
Ok, but the basis of this video has you accepting loads at the posted rate on the load board. Aren’t these lowball rates posted by the broker, and open to negotiation?
In Canada, well atleast Ontario, it's $6+/ gallon. As a lease operator, I was getting $1.36 + FSC, which wasn't much, and couldn't do it. That included not paying anything but the lease, fuel and repairs. The trucks were leased with a few changes so that it ate more fuel yet had no power. It was the company taking advantage
I remember trucks dead heading away from my loads because of the so called cheap rate. A rate that is way above average by todays standards. I remember thinking you got another thing comming my dude. These high rates will not last.
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News back in 2021, 22 when I was told by a driver he got 3.50 cpm on east long haul. When you do that to a customer and things go back to normal, the shipper will drop you.
I seem everything that u add up today but what i did not see was ur fee or what is called a broker fee now how much $$$ did u charge the driver for the load to Dispatch to him and how much money did u make off this load ??
There are no broker fees attached, we are a fleet. The calculations included what the driver would be paid, and the remaining profit (which ended up as a net loss) was what we, the fleet, would be making
I'm thinking; when the broker first has the load; he's got 7-10 days, more or less, before appointment time for the load to be pickedup. He posts the load for pennies; to see what offers he might get. Its not until time runs short; that the rate comes up to a realistic amount; because now the broker is serious to get the load moved. A percentage of the below costs loads will be taken, and someone will pocket the savings. Any business is worth a calculation made off the net revenue; if your net is zero or less; you own a worthless business. You can own equipment and not have monthly payments; but someday; you'll have to replace, repair, or rebuild; and at that point you'll have to inject new money or go out of business. In a free market; if the money is not there to support your service; that is the market telling you to stop immediately; Don't wait until your assets are depleted, and you go out completely destroyed.
These rates are insane! Why anyone would run less than $2.00 a mile is beyond me. Eliminate the broker, get the customers directly, specialize in heavy haul, Hazmat and make sure you got year round work.
I will explain company's bring drivers from India on B1 visas for 6 months they pay them monthly 1500 $ they make 50 $ a month in India working here for 6 months they come back to India with 6000 $ in their pockets feeling like kings competition is impossible with them until government makes some changes
Let's add miserable loading practices, every other load has an overweight ticket, reload fee, empty miles back to shipper No one will take responsibility to even consider doing their job so a driver operates just a bit safely!
Bypass majority of brokers and rates aren’t bad. Increase licensing standard to knowing how to speak, write and read English language in AMERICA, and rates will be even better.
I’m sitting in Atlanta right now without a load because I refused to take a load out of here on a Friday for less than $2 a mile. When the rest of you shut the f-up and start saying NO NO NO NO NO to these brokers, this shit will change. I’m sick and tired of all the complaining about the rates and everyone still accepting these cheap ass rates. Stop hauling loads under $2 a mile. Stop hauling loads to states that are hostile to truck drivers. Stand together or go out of business. Your choice.
Idk who's pulling these loads for 1.70. it's just not worth it, it truly baffles me.
It’s the foreigners. Unfortunately you and few other Americans refusing to run is not going to change anything. Abdul is round the corner waiting to run for a dollar. These cheap loads are luxury dollars back in their home country. Until yall realize that not much will change.
@@Noticing-EnjoyerI’m assuming immigrants with grants dunno 😢😅 truly or immigrants in work visa running illegal to save on expenses.. not sure hope much longer this can go on tho
@@shawnoram8462 I agree, we need deportations.
@@shawnoram8462 You say that like you know what's really going on..... 😁
My truck has been parked for quite a few days now, I’m not destroying my equipment for these crappy rates…
I'm not wearing it out for nothing!
Amen Phill
I’m tempted to do the same only thing is I’m in the middle/beginning stages of a home build on my land/lot that’s paid off . My tractor is also paid off however it’s a struggle to keep pushing forward on the build with less and less profit each week. Currently have a tent setup with generator and water well. American nightmare is real and they say “ Bidenomics” works smh what a cult leader
Days lol
Rates are going Up and Fuel is down💪🏾🌟🤫
I been out of trucking since November it's been a struggle but I really happy to be home with family. I do miss trucking at time's but my priority is to be home sleep in my own bed. God bless all my Brother's in trucking 🙏 be safe. Always grateful video's I appreciate this gentleman who makes these videos.
How do you pay bills?
@@frosina7622 I work normal job. Taking a break from trucking.
If you don’t have a driver and you don’t have payments and debts you will not run at a loss. This market is for real owner operators not for want to be rich quick guys seating behind a desk.
500 doallars a week as a owner operator is not a livable wage
Bullshit this market for former uber drivers no money out here
Keep running those cheap rates and convincing yourself that this is good. 🤣
@evandersierra8838 you need your own load board
@@DavidTrucker-lo4bsit’s the foreigners
Love your channel. No bs just straight to the facts with numbers behind it.
Thanks for watching!
Right on!! I refuse too ruin equipment as well so I sit until this crap gets right!!! We must stick together! Ken!! Oh!!💪🏿
I'm not holding back my mouth, yes the companies are becoming cheap , the reason for that too many truckers are dropping their rate, especially the Indians they're killing the industry
Because they get to take dollar profits and return to their country live luxury
Exactly. I'm seeing O/O teams running freight for $.95/ mile Canadian, all in. When you don't pay taxes, the Mosque buys their equipment, and they're happy making $1, it's not good for the rest of us. I run something a little different and am OK for the moment but I'm sure it's going to get worse in time.
They’re ruining the Industry and hopefully more of them go under.
@@rrosemin lately thousands of chinese,the port is full of them,one almost hit me today,then Indians next always teams.
Spot market is brutal. I recommend avoiding spot market at all costs unless it’s a last minute backhaul.
That "last minute backhaul" was another driver's good rate until the broker ran you down to $1.00 per mile. You NEED to make that payment, so you load that and run at a loss because now truck notes are due WEEKLY, and your unit is sat. connected so the repo-man know where you are 24/7.
That's the best approach!
When you are owner you look out for cheaper disel,for cheap repairs, and you pick your loads and u run at a profit, its tiny but its still something
Im literally one break down away from going bankrupt. All credit cards are maxed and i have less than 200$ in the bank but i cant park because i have bills that i have to pay. Its a depressing struggle but i cant wait until the spot market comes back.
Same story here hope the best for you too. Hopefully it will get better.
Same boat as you. I decided to start winding down my operation. It’s best to close down before it’s too late.
Park your truck, close the business, and go be a company driver. Only way to avoid going bust!
@@813Goat cant do it. Being a company guy wont cover my over head. Atleast not until my equipment is paid off. My old truck had two years left to be paid off and it cost me 40k in repairs in less than a year before finally deciding to pressurize the coolant under load and so it got parked and i had to take a bank loan to get another truck and so now im stuck for another 4 years paying on two trucks and a trailer. Atleast 140k worth thats due. Im legit stuck with zero way out and cant file ruptcy as i already had one on record from before i got into trucking. Im a slave at this point.
Spot market won’t be back for many years to come….
Everyone is buying junk equipment and does as you do….
Then comes the illegals and those that are claiming 8.5 miles per gallon…the mega idiots that are working just for 8.5 miles per gallons and nothing more.
My calculations is 6.5 mpg top…I always leave room for other things.
It's literally genocide now in the trucking industry. $3500 NY to Cali? Damn!
I got a 2013 26ft box with lift gate 13-6 high in the Midwest. I also use my truck/company to do junk removal, moving, flipping appliances and furniture etc. in addition to doing a few days OTR when the price is right. You have to be versatile and maybe even change or add more services to what your business already provides.
Praying for you guys. It's insane trying to figure all this stuff out, since there's a whole lot of factors to consider. It doesn't hurt, as you know, to ask for more money (say for fuel surcharge) and/or expect the brokers to be upfront with you about the actual rates (added drops etc) and how much you're really going to make when you accept an assignment. In other words, no hidden costs or headaches.
Sometimes going to Circle K, QT, and Speedway, if they allow it and have cheaper fuel rates, can save a lot on fuel costs as well. Also, going around 65-70 mph and setting the truck on cruise control. Try not to spend more than say $125.00-$150.00 (or $20.00 a day) on food each week. Doing regular pretrips/posttrips each day. Going home or taking time off, if doable, once every three weeks for about 3-5 days to recharge your batteries. Or use the restart time wisely. Going to church (here's a thought: you can Google nearby churches, maybe walk to if necessary, and some TAs and Petros do have regular church services on Sunday usually) having people praying for you or hearing your story helps. When your truck needs something you are able to wait on, take some time to find a good deal and trustworthy technician(s) to do the work. I'm looking at warranties too, not sure if any are worth it or not but am at least possibly considering them. I'm also trying to work on a four-week plan too, may need tweaking or an ongoing and regular reality check. One paycheck set aside for taxes, another for retirement, another for repairs and replacement, (or could be equipment repayment if necessary), and last one for other expenses like insurance and other living expenses, as well as taking some time off. (If fifth week, maybe an emergency fund for that one). Fuel, of course, should be factored into each one too. Also, try to network with other drivers and talk to people in the field, and similar fields as well, to get insight and information. Just try not to get angry about this stuff unless you use some of that constructive anger to bring about positive change. If you love/like what you do, you'll never have to "work" another day. All the best to you and keep trucking. We're making a difference and there's room for us if we try to work together more and not against each other so much. There's a saying that goes like this, "We're either going to hang together or we're going to hang alone." If others are going to take those bottom of the barrel loads, let them. In the end sometimes you may just get what you pay for. Try to give it a little more time before giving up or throwing in the towel. After all, it can build character if you let it. One more thing, never stop learning, as there's lots of books out there on this subject (check out local bookstores and Amazon too). Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks for sharing! This was beautifully said!
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News 👍😊
In the beginning the numbers look good UNTL you do your calculations. 😂. If an owner op blows a tire then he ran for free. 🚚
100%
If you're talking about this video, he does state that $.10/ mile goes into a "oh shit" fund (not what he actually called it but accurate) just in case of a breakdown of anykind. You're not going to break down every run and if you're careful, you could easily have thousands saved up just in case.
@jeffreycairns767 You're 💯 %CORRECT!! Therfore I stand corrected. LOL😆 🤣 😂!!!
I started off at western express been here 11 months now. Cleaning out my truck next month returning it and never getting into this industry again. Absolutely no money I've seen.
Good luck in your new adventure, don’t look back…
You make a good Decision trucking not good anymore for single owner operators.
Good luck. It's a smart choice you made. No money in trucking. Some guys need a second or third skill in case the one their in doesn't work out anymore.
I’ve been Ubering and out of trucking….Making $400 a day Ubering….Going to school to be an electrician….Done with trucking forever 😊
At this rate, ubering might become a more viable job than trucking
$400/day ubering?
How?
It’s our 3rd consistent 3rd year that we parked our all trucks( 5 units) by end of July to end of November until trucks get in to demand, because it’s not a good thing to work for free and ruin our equipment
With that many trucks, you could only do that on a lease on situation. You cannot pull that off with your own authority Because you have to keep paying insurance. And if you drop your authority, you have to get it back again and be become a new entrant with high insurance rates and start out with no credit with brokers unless you have a contract Already.
I've been driving for 20+ years and find the worst time for freight is January through March/April. After that, things start to pick up for the summer months and through Christmas. The only freight that is guaranteed is fuel but not easy to find with your own authority.
@@jasonrabe1664 we won’t drop out, insurance is still on but on parked status yet, will activate to full coverage again when get operational
Parked status huh? I did have one of two go into spare status, but I did not think I could do all of them at once with nothing running. I will have to ask about that.
@@jasonrabe1664 are you in USA? Insurance Rules might be different there, we are Canada based, when truck is parked , parking insurance is around 250$ per unit/month , if you paid full, you will get credit for any extra money paid
The only people surviving this are the people running illegally, not maintaining equipment, and willing to accept the cheap freight and living in the truck not giving a dang who it hurts, even if it's their own family. My days being owner op, I would do whatever it takes to get contracted freight working directly with customers and cutting out brokers because those skimmed rate cons are another reason the industry has gone to hell and in a couple of weeks when I get my passenger endorsement, I'll be hanging my keys up.
Or people that didn't overextend themselves, older well maintained trucks doing most of the mechanic themselves.
@@rainey4035 I have and do all of that and still won't load this cheap crap. The devil comes due every time the rubber turns.
Running illegal still doesn’t pay the bills.
I'm doing great as a company man
Smart guy,thanks for breaking it up for us.
Pretty soon we're going to have the exact opposite situation to what we have now - excess capacity. The load boards and brokers know damned well that they're screwing the O/O's and fleets right now because there are too many trucks on the road. Capacity is going to have to drop in order to get the rates up to where trucking is profitable for the fleets and an O/O can make a decent living - and with these shitty rates, capacity is going to drop like a bomb next year due to a) fleets going bust like crazy, and b) O/O's that outright own the truck parking it (or running local with it) until rates come back to something resembling sanity.....
Although true, most don't have the luxury of parking it. If they did, they'd find something else and never look back. There's no immigrant companies starting everyday and will be more then happy to take that freight. That's the worst part
I'm glad you are sharing this. This is exactly why I quit driving big rigs and went to heavy haul sprinter express driving. No logs, cheaper fuel, and crazy high rates for expedites.
Bull shit. Sprinter load situation is even worse
Fr sprinter Loads is at its worst take it from someone that’s done it in the past for 3 yrs
I believe superczech69has some sort of business gains to make out of false advertising Sprinter Expedited,, dead business "@miguelmorales2367
keep driving sprinter living in van like dog
Oh sorry dogs in America live better then you
Time to park the truck guys not looking good 😔
We need to start pounding the cost per me to operate onto the shippers and brokers. Mainly the brokers. I'm sure they're charging their rate and not representing the drivers. Mid to low truck payments, mid to high fuel mileage, maintenance per mile, mid cost of insurance, DOT fees, EFTA, Ect. When I was out my cost per mile was $ 1.50 before my paycheck. We talk so much about what "they want to pay" we need to talk about and show "them" the realization of this. AND STOP EXCEPTING CHEEP RATES.
Although true, 1. You'll never get rich in this industry no matter what happens. 2. There will ALWAYS be companies that accept cheap freight (bigger companies like Swift, Immigrants, desperate, etc.). The industry will never be what it once was as too many drivers for too few loads available. Everybody wants the same lanes, which is understandable as it has the most loads available but there's far too many wanting those same loads. Therefore, it's about undercutting the next guy to get that load. Even if load brokers didn't exist, shipping companies would figure this out very quickly and do the same as the brokers are doing.
Ronen, drive the truck yourself then you don’t have to pay the driver😁
You still have to pay yourself
@@jaeinnmoon3279 That sounds like my life, but I still won't run for free.
I appreciate Ronen doing this as a video experiment, but California and New York are very different Freight markets. Realistically anybody doing coast to coast would probably make a few stops in the Midwest or south. At least for dry van loads that isn’t a realistic regular route anybody should take.
Good video as always ❤
@jaeinnmoon3279 He's not running at a loss. I know a few people that work there (2 as lease operators and 1 company driver). He's making his money.
@jaeinnmoon3279 No, he showed what one of his lease operators would make on that specific run. 1. He rarely runs that kinda freight, 2. Many of his drivers are lease operators so he's always sure to make money, 3. He wouldn't run that kinda load at that price.
This video was to show everybody how certain runs don't pay and be careful when choosing a load. If he was losing money, he wouldn't have 3 terminals, buying trucks often and new trailers.
Holy ol poop, between 1991 and 1995, i was averaging 1.40 mile as a owner operator at Manitoulin supply only a tractor, home every day and weekend. 2400 to 2700 miles a week every week. Ltl north , heavy 4 axle back. $ 100000 truck.
How was that?
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News a heck of a lot better than whats offered today.
$3500 for a trip that will take 45 hours? Fuel alone will cost more than that. Not to mention tolls paying your driver wow
😂 you could do better running 4 or 5 loads a week flatbed. LTL dry freight is running at barely above even, or at loss, because of government subsidies.
I started 46 years ago trucking was regulated it's not the first time it's gotten bad it's been going good for a very long time building box stores and warehouses it's just a matter of when this is going to happen there are a lot of different things u can do one is don't work for a loss
A bit easier said than done I'm afraid
Many other small fleets and carriers will close their doors. I do a turn from Fontana, CA to N Las Vegas, and back as a company driver and average yearly $129k yearly. Home everyday and holidays. Covid flooded the industry with too many new so-called owner operators. They lost their rear ends thinking they were going to get rich. Planning and with at least 1 year of running capital, maybe you'll make it.
Covid also resulted in a boom in too many companies who upscaled to far more than they can handle
Great point @@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News
WOW!!! Great info and great video!!
Paid off equipment is key.
It is. Until you need to buy your next equipment. Where are you supposed to get let say $50-$60k for another 5 years old truck ? Your current truck worth nothing, you’re running at a small profit…How to buy next truck?
Paid off truck dont mean take cheap loads means u can afford to park it at no pains n run company ,if u run cheap loads just killing your truck anything under 1.70 is not really worth it
@@mlafi7 most definitely
Why would you need a five year old truck? Mine is 25 years old and runs just fine. Had it 12 years, just recently had to rebuild. Trailer paid for tractor paid for why would I want a new set o problems?
@@jasonrabe1664 okay. How much was your rebuild? I’m pretty sure it’s close to the price of 5 years old truck nowadays. My truck is 3 years old and has 400.000 miles. I don’t see this shit running another 20 years not even close. It’s going to have 3 million miles by then…
The cheap rates are not the only thing killing the industry its also the high insurance which is ungodly over the top expensive fornthe average guy.
There are many things that are poisoning this industry outside of the low freight rates. The low freight rates just happens to be the most crucial one as it is impossible to earn otherwise
I wish Peterbilt and Kenworth are watching this video the rest of the truck manufacturers don't count they need to drop the shop labor immediately!!! There's no way anyone can afford $200 per hr they are nuts !!! No money left for any repairs!! Come on people get real your killing the industry!!
They know that most O/O's want the top of the line trucks and are obsessed with those 2 brands. They know they can charge whatever and we don't have a choice but to pay it.
@jeffreycairns767 😂 paccar is junk. I worked 11 years in diesel repair. The drivers who want Paccar trucks are limp dick cultists saying "you aren't a real trucker, if you don't".
Who is we? Steering holders been getting screwed since the early 2000’s
Steering holders are not the same since early 2000s
Having a CDL and driving ain’t worth the risk and time. That died in the 90’s.
Not true I’m making over 100 k a year
I cannot understand why when you drive further you make less money and you're on the road for a longer period of time. Longer trip should pay more money
Right it's a scam along with all the other scams in trucking
Thank you for your insight.
What are the services to become profitable on the East Coast? I am just curious.
My employer tries his best to sell me his truck and run on his authority, I am just not comfortable with the whole business right now and I think I am right to trust my gut.
Always remember to reveal the per driver unemployment and workers compensation insurance rates that I'm betting most small carriers don't include in expenses. Not factoring ALL expenses in their ratecons is exactly why they fail fast.
My ratecon to the truck owning my equipment is $1.69/$1.75 cpm. That is me not taking money home but just paying business bills. New way to make income that sustains my family as well is LTL, extra stops in a REGIONAL area. I'll make $75-100 per load over a 25 mile area also, within a market that I can run 8-10 loads per day. Rail can pay similar rates but I stay clear of rail because of the turn around time and asset damage/maintenance issues.
That is amazing how broker's are getting trucking companies to run at a loss like that.
Another great information video keep em up
Too many dummies out here hauling for nothing.
I’m very depressed when looking at the load board. Don’t know when it will get better. Look like it’s getting worse.
I hope it gets better 🙏🙏🙏 for you .
Spot market is def getting worse!! You would think with “election” year things would be in the ups 😢😢
@@ricardokennedy9320 true we would think so seems like this election year they don't care keep going up in bills prices it's crazy but I keep my eyes on Lord Jesus tatts better for me all this politics no good.
The spot market is in a pickle these days
I seen loads going from to Ga to Ca for 2100 reefer frozen 🤦🏽🤦🏽 but good thing I got tankers endorsement I got 3800 from Memphis to ca . Now my next step is how I can haul hazmat with my own authority I got hazmat as well.
Plain and simple. Agree with your info.
If my memory serves me right, I think you (or another youtuber) put out a video about saving money during good times for exactly this reason in a slowing economy. I think a lot of truckers didn't prepare for this.
I would say this isn't the best way to calculate rpm. Why?
Long haul in most parts of the country for DV have plummeted over the past two years or so. If you want NY to CA try taking a load to the Midwest/South East then Maybe TX/OK and then maybe CA. Back in 2022-2023 we used to average 6 loads per week but it's close to 8 now cause I'd rather take a straight thru run that pays 5-6/mi than next day drop paying 2/mi. I also have an option to pick another load after doing a straight thru. However, dispatching has become really time consuming as you might see a few good loads the entire day and they fly off the board instantly.
2.25 is cost anything less is a loss.
If you want to grow at a significant pace, then $2.6-2.7 per loaded mile.
Yikes! That’s really bad! Hello recession!
FirstFleet Colorado/Texas pulling loads for Kroger is taking a hit. Kroger Dallas bought their own trucks and FirstFleet might shout their doors. Fleet says they're going to drop half their drivers very soon.
Yikes...
Log truck driver. I'm purchasing a western star 49X. Dd16 engine. 575 horse power. 1850 pounds of torque. It'll cost me about $10,000 a month to run the truck but I'll be $20,000
I'm starting a new venture too. My monthly expenses are about $8,000 + fuel, and from the few other guys that have been doing it for years, the average monthly is $28-$30,000, less expenses. I guess only time will tell if it works out or not. Good luck
Question for you sir. I have retired from another industry an looking to go back to the trucking industry. I have watched many of your videos, and enjoy the learning process. I have approx 20 years of CMV driving under my belt (I have hauled reefer/dry van, flatbed and some heavy haul [limited] and tanker, but its also a bit stale, since its been a number of years since last driving commercially. I understand the industry is in flux (bankruptcy of both trucking companies and Brokerages, but this industry is always flux due to changing times. I have come to appreciate your knowledge on the industry and would value your feed back on any recommendations on coming back to this industry.
Wow 2014 I was getting two dollars a mile with my own trailer so glad I’m not doing that anymore😊
10 years ago, and rates are even lower today
Can you do a video around the Midwest area just like this?! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
We'll look into that!
Direct customers is where the money still is. As a leased on operator to a reefer carrier I make more than these spot rates and my cost is only the truck & bobtail insurance. The company I contract for doesn't run cheap $h*t
Yes, not everyone is privileged to get good loads from a company.
Great breakdown but I still think it’s 3.85 a mile for a truck to operate
We've noticed that the breakeven point differs from trucker to trucker and from owner to owner
Been parked around 2 months, 3 trucks Company
How are you holding up with those payments?
I recently saw an operation with 3 drivers running 8hr shifts in one cab. They told me that they pay for nothing and get 25 cents per mile. Try to keep up with that mess as an O/O....good luck. These guys are running expedited for 25 cents per mile, and never working more than 8 hrs a day.
You can’t live in this current economy off $0.25 CPM that’s insane 3,ppl in tractor at once!? 😢smh
@@ricardokennedy9320 It comes out to $1,137.50 every 7 days @ $20.31 per hour for 56 hours of work (when's the last time any of us only drove 56 hrs. a week?). The truck never has to stop, no restarts. They use new equipment, and their drivers only drive 8-hour shifts. Giving plenty of rest time in either bunk, or resting shotgun. They have NO monetary responsibilities for the operation, all they have to do is not crash the truck. It's really a solid business plan.... if you can get some sucker to live in a truck 24/7 never stopping and smelling each other's farts.
@@jaeinnmoon3279 Don't know, I sure don't like it. This group seemed pretty happy, one of them even spoke pretty good English...the other two just stared at you and smiled a lot.
@@jaeinnmoon3279 It's no BS, I was floored when the guy explained it to me. They are running refer/dryvan and have 10 of these 3-man teams going out of Texas. It was like watching a clown car as they piled out of the cab at the truck stop. It's a solid plan if you can keep 3 drivers getting along in the cab.
Wow
Nah man I understand those rates but your really getting and putting rates out for ppl who live in their trucks and willing to take those rates but you gotta do regional or local that’s the key
Let's figure your brand new cascade is in the shop waiting for parts and your bills keep coming in figure that out.
@@jaeinnmoon3279 man just mouthing off to the man with all the answers giving him my comments.I own a long nose truck and trailer parked not making me a dime right now but not costing me one either.I'm not going broke like he is with the rest of his clan hauling cheap freight for free.He has a spiel on old trucks verse's new trucks that that is the way to go.I'm swimming high on the hog and he is sinking like rock with all that new equipment trying to flip a buck that is not there.
Buddy of mine makes $3.65 a mile average at Mercer doing dryvan. $2.49 all miles. He is the exception and not the norm though.
Indeed there are exceptions! Very lucky for your friend!
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-Newsit’s an imaginary buddy, from the parallel universe
1200$ profit and I gotta use my own truck. Screw that, I’m happy making that or more doing my LTL runs
LTL, when done properly, truly is a win
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-Newsit really is. If runs aren’t cancelled and you get thru the seniority hurdle, it’s the easiest work. Home every day, work nights to make more with line haul but it’s stable. Even better when busy season
at least $2.00 per loaded mile, currently parked as I’m not running my equipment into the ground so everyone else makes money ✌️
The market is broken. The last two months have been brutal to me paying my insurance with CC. I have never done that before since I started my company. I refused to run below $2 per mile but my drivers are suffering because they have bills too
It's truly a hellish situation to be in
October 1st! Time to park those trucks!
Is there something being organized?
Deadheaded home a 1000 miles, screw these greedy shippers and brokers.
Wow
Damn, I’ve debated going on or off now. I really kinda don’t want to, but I’m a company driver and I make about 80,000 a year.
Owner operator is not a driver but most think if they can run for 1 per mile they making more money that .65 driver but they don’t realize the expenses
Yes indeed! The different in expense difference between company drivers and owner operators is
Fact check most new wet behind the ears don’t make it past the second or third year
Do you pay over $4 per gallon on fuel?
I would think u get a ⛽️ fuel discount?
Remember 7 mile per gallon is not all mile consider head wind and mountains changes that 7 big time
Every owner needs to know their “Cost per Mile”
Indeed they do
$1.62/mi breaking even point
I would never work for a company relying on spot work and not signed contracts
Can a company even rely on spot markets? If this video is any evidence, it would be very likely to constantly come in at a net loss
What about coast to coast LTL loads full trailer?
It's possible, but also not confirmable that you'll lock in the right LTLs for numerous trucks in order to power your fleet
I am glad I got a reefer!😊
You for got to mention the days it'll take to make that round trip. N still come out negative
Ok, but the basis of this video has you accepting loads at the posted rate on the load board. Aren’t these lowball rates posted by the broker, and open to negotiation?
That's why we adjusted the second value
These rates could be for autonomous trucks. No pay for a human driver
Bj and the Bear tv show in 1979
Motto
Anything anywhere as long as its legal for $1.50 a mile!
BJ AND THE BEAR!
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News point was that was the rate in 1979
Today is 45 years later and rate is the same or lower.
Yes is your anwser. If your under 2.30 per mile.
You forgot Truck wash and DEF, But I get it. Not an industry for Gen Z to get in.
You seriously underestimate gen z
$4.21 a gallon for diesel? Time to get hooked up with a good fuel card. I'm averaging $3.20 a gallon
In Canada, well atleast Ontario, it's $6+/ gallon. As a lease operator, I was getting $1.36 + FSC, which wasn't much, and couldn't do it. That included not paying anything but the lease, fuel and repairs. The trucks were leased with a few changes so that it ate more fuel yet had no power. It was the company taking advantage
Great video 📹 👍 👏 👌 🙌
Or plan B.. be a company driver.
Ronen. I like those sunglasses. What brand are they?
I remember trucks dead heading away from my loads because of the so called cheap rate. A rate that is way above average by todays standards. I remember thinking you got another thing comming my dude. These high rates will not last.
What high rates?
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News back in 2021, 22 when I was told by a driver he got 3.50 cpm on east long haul. When you do that to a customer and things go back to normal, the shipper will drop you.
I seem everything that u add up today but what i did not see was ur fee or what is called a broker fee now how much $$$ did u charge the driver for the load to
Dispatch to him and how much money did u make off this load ??
There are no broker fees attached, we are a fleet. The calculations included what the driver would be paid, and the remaining profit (which ended up as a net loss) was what we, the fleet, would be making
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News o bummer thank for the up date
At $1.28/$1.33, those loads can sit there and rot. I'd never hook a load that pays that bad. I won't haul for less than $2.25 a mile.
Fleets should only operate with direct shipper contracts. Why would they use load boards. Load boards should be for o/o.
Hey buddy do u happen to know any good place to buy a cascadia without any BS sence u r in this business need ur help
I'm thinking; when the broker first has the load; he's got 7-10 days, more or less, before appointment time for the load to be pickedup. He posts the load for pennies; to see what offers he might get. Its not until time runs short; that the rate comes up to a realistic amount; because now the broker is serious to get the load moved. A percentage of the below costs loads will be taken, and someone will pocket the savings. Any business is worth a calculation made off the net revenue; if your net is zero or less; you own a worthless business. You can own equipment and not have monthly payments; but someday; you'll have to replace, repair, or rebuild; and at that point you'll have to inject new money or go out of business. In a free market; if the money is not there to support your service; that is the market telling you to stop immediately; Don't wait until your assets are depleted, and you go out completely destroyed.
So is et transport at a loss?
The only way to fix it is truckers need to stick together and park there trucks. You will be amazed what would happen
We don't doubt that! Just that the unionization of truckers seems nigh impossible with the current competitive mindset of those in this industry
Let's start a union
That's been the consensus for a couple years now. No progress yet though
It’s sad that it’s so hard to make it today
These rates are insane! Why anyone would run less than $2.00 a mile is beyond me. Eliminate the broker, get the customers directly, specialize in heavy haul, Hazmat and make sure you got year round work.
Easier said than done but that's the right approach!
I’m never coming back to trucking
We can't blame you there
I will explain company's bring drivers from India on B1 visas for 6 months they pay them monthly 1500 $ they make 50 $ a month in India working here for 6 months they come back to India with 6000 $ in their pockets feeling like kings competition is impossible with them until government makes some changes
driver pay now day is 48 cent per mile
Way too low!
yes brother all companies in california pay around 45. or 48 to the east run
Let's add miserable loading practices, every other load has an overweight ticket, reload fee, empty miles back to shipper
No one will take responsibility to even consider doing their job so a driver operates just a bit safely!
So many factors!
This is why my truck don’t pass Nebraska 😂😂
Which direction?🤔
@@kentr2424 Sydney NB and U turn💨💨💨🚛🚛🚛🫡🤣
Bypass majority of brokers and rates aren’t bad. Increase licensing standard to knowing how to speak, write and read English language in AMERICA, and rates will be even better.
Once you land your first few direct shippers you're good to go!
everytime you drive more miles,what the Pay for 1 Trip
Alabama diesel is $ 4.04