The EO newbies guide to running smart!!

[Shadowpanda]

Bah, some of you came here thinking I wrote this? HAH! No, YOU are going to write it (I hope). Maybe it's a great thread and gets stickied.
In the other thread Greg mentioned running from BFE SD to Chi at just above cost. I got the impression he thought that was bad. Seems it would be good to me, like a paid relocate. And if I end up ANYWHERE in the Dakota's it was only because the money was outstanding and covered the deadhead back to civilization.
So what are the things you experienced expediters consider when the phone rings and dispatch is on the other end with a run? What is 'running smart'?

 

[layoutshooter]

You just asked the "zillion dollar" questions my friend. The answer may vary from day to day and truck to truck.

Are you running for an owner? What kind of truck are you running? What requirements does the owner you drive for have? If you are an O/O, what is your basic costs per mile?

Sometimes a load that pays little is worth taking, but not very often. Sometimes a load that pays great but is going to nowhere sucks.

My writing skills have gone down the tubes over the years but with any luck we can meet up someday, you can buy the coffee, and we can talk. Then I can give you the benefit of all my mistakes so you can avoid them. Talk to as many drivers that you can, every chance you get. Talk to expediters of all flavors but try to concentrate on FedEx. Not because we are special, just because that is who you are going to drive for.

Do be careful who you speak to. Listen for key words and phrases. Don't fall prey to the "FedEx" sucks crowd or the why arn't you a millionaire yet bunch. Neither are reality.

Feel free to send my a pm anytime, as well as many other of us in these forums. Most are willing to help.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

You just asked the "zillion dollar" questions my friend. The answer may vary from day to day and truck to truck.

Are you running for an owner? What kind of truck are you running? What requirements does the owner you drive for have? If you are an O/O, what is your basic costs per mile?

Sometimes a load that pays little is worth taking, but not very often. Sometimes a load that pays great but is going to nowhere sucks.

My writing skills have gone down the tubes over the years but with any luck we can meet up someday, you can buy the coffee, and we can talk. Then I can give you the benefit of all my mistakes so you can avoid them. Talk to as many drivers that you can, every chance you get. Talk to expediters of all flavors but try to concentrate on FedEx. Not because we are special, just because that is who you are going to drive for.

Do be careful who you speak to. Listen for key words and phrases. Don't fall prey to the "FedEx" sucks crowd or the why arn't you a millionaire yet bunch. Neither are reality.

Feel free to send my a pm anytime, as well as many other of us in these forums. Most are willing to help.

Hey I am in that Fedex sux crowd! *LOL*

 

[layoutshooter]

Now why am I not surprised? LOL!!

 

[greg334]

In the other thread Greg mentioned running from BFE SD to Chi at just above cost. I got the impression he thought that was bad.

No not at all.

For a bunch of us, the issue has been this niche market is a way to make a fast buck and there are too many assumptions being made about it.

The "need to have a high paying run every time" is one that has been talked about a lot among a few fleet owners. In spite of getting offers for good runs or sometimes marginal runs to move them, some think this is all about the big bucks and a few even cry about the low rates we get offered. The truck makes no money when it sits and it may not look like a good thing to grab a run that is marginal to move but it is better than sitting with a 48 hour dwell time and refusing marginal loads. I'm am talking about loads from carriers like FedEx and others, not ones that you find.

The same goes for where the load lands you, many times DH is a reality and if the company can get you work to get you out of the area at cost, then great it is better than relocation money - which I remember is something like cents and not dollars.

There is no running smart but managing smart. Many use that "running smart" thing to simplify all of it and it misplaces the work involved. Like any other business you have to know your cost and be able to control it. If you don't know what the truck is costing to run - ask (for drivers) - then figure out what is good for you.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Now why am I not surprised? LOL!!

If Fedex was the top..don't ya think the best van driver since.....

well me..would be over there? *LOL*

Panda there is no shortage of opinions...out the kazzoo...*L*

 

[layoutshooter]

I can see that you don't need any help polishing your star, eh? You got that job covered all by yourself!! You are right about one thing, there are as many opinions on this business as there are drivers. At least mine is worth something!!! LOL!!!

 

[OntarioVanMan]

No body is going to polish it for me..*LOL*

Besides who could do it better eh?



LOS said..."At least mine is worth something!!"
and just what is a U.S. dollar worth now? *LOL*

 

[layoutshooter]

It's more like who would want to?

 

[Shadowpanda]

Well we are driving for an owner, we get 40% of the truck and pay zero expenses.
I think it's right to say that a good part of the judgment on whats a good run depends on: How much it pays, where it is going, mileage...and something people don't say at all, but what day of the week it is I think would also matter, also what time of the month. As I recall, O/O's in the trucking world will take any time off the last week of the month and be sure to be available the first week. Same here? Also...what are the 'freight lanes' in expediting? Or are there such?

 

[layoutshooter]

I sent you a PM Panda.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Well we are driving for an owner, we get 40% of the truck and pay zero expenses.
I think it's right to say that a good part of the judgment on whats a good run depends on: How much it pays, where it is going, mileage...and something people don't say at all, but what day of the week it is I think would also matter, also what time of the month. As I recall, O/O's in the trucking world will take any time off the last week of the month and be sure to be available the first week. Same here? Also...what are the 'freight lanes' in expediting? Or are there such?

Actually the reverse...take the first week off...the last week shippers are clearing the back orders and stuff like that and inventory...also the end of a fiscal quarter is usually stronger.

Freight lanes aren't set in stone..with this economy they are constantly changing....

what was is not anymore
and what wasn't now is...

 

[Shadowpanda]

I sent you a PM Panda.

Ahh so you did. You are very kind and not nearly the meanie OVM has been saying you are in HIS pm's to me!

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Ahh so you did. You are very kind and not nearly the meanie OVM has been saying you are in HIS pm's to me!

Just had to tell um right?

The Fedex Appreciation club or what? *LOL*

 

[teamjdw]

Only take time off when the freight takes you home.Never turn down a run.When you do go home stay in service ,if you don't want to run at the moment don't awnser your phone.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Only take time off when the freight takes you home.Never turn down a run.When you do go home stay in service ,if you don't want to run at the moment don't awnser your phone.

You are E-1 right? You've definately been listening to Larry too much..*LOL*

The power of YES!!!....

 

[jujubeans]

EXCUSE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Shadow says

And if I end up ANYWHERE in the Dakota's it was only because the money was outstanding and covered the deadhead back to civilization.


We ARE very civilized....don't make me have to shoot you, ya varmit!

 

[OntarioVanMan]

EXCUSE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Shadow says

And if I end up ANYWHERE in the Dakota's it was only because the money was outstanding and covered the deadhead back to civilization.


We ARE very civilized....don't make me have to shoot you, ya varmit!

Easy Dear..*LOL* Like Michigan is civilized...*LOL*

 

[Shadowpanda]

EXCUSE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Shadow says

And if I end up ANYWHERE in the Dakota's it was only because the money was outstanding and covered the deadhead back to civilization.


We ARE very civilized....don't make me have to shoot you, ya varmit!

Juju...perhaps I misspoke? I've actually lived (briefly) in Rapid, and I have to admit I fell in love with the area, and Spearfish Canyon and trout fishing on Rapid Creek. But...there just isn't much available economically unless you are a casino worker or some other kind of low wage service worker. Or you own a truck.

 

[layoutshooter]

Hey OVM, better watch what you say about Michigan. Some of those nice Detroit gang members might "visit" you next time you are there. Them or a UAW member or two!! LOL!!!!