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| Posted Tue, Aug 14 2012 09:49 AM CST | ||
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RANDY THOMAS REDD EXPRESS TAMPA, FL 904-599-2525 Posts: 8 |
As fuel continues to rise, it seems like the word "backhaul" is being used more and more. I was told yesterday that a particular load I was on would be considered a back haul. When I explained that fuel was now over $4.00, their next excuse was that they are paying me fast. Ok, that's all fine and dandy, but why should we as drivers be limited to the amount of money we can make due to someone's interpretation of a particular direction? These ranchers/buyers have no one limiting their income, why should they be able to limit ours? Yes, I know livestock prices fluctuate, but they are still making money. And yes, I know I'm beating a dead horse, we've all heard it before but maybe, just maybe someone will read this and just might think twice about the rate they're offering or a driver finally just says no! The word backhaul stems from the freight industry and never was intended to be used with regard to livestock. Freight companies come no where close to performing in the same manner as livestock companies do. With all we are mandated to do to get the job done, why would anyone commit to a load for less money due to again, someone else's interpretation of direction? We still have to "do what we do" to get the job done, no matter what direction we're heading or if we're loaded or empty! Our industry is rapidly changing. With CSA scores and the onset of EOBRs (Electronic On Board Recorders or Electronic Logs as some refer to), why can't we change the way we're being paid? If EOBRs become mandated, this industry is coming to a screeching halt! No more long hauls, and Teams? Where's the money coming from to support that on a regular basis? "They" don't want to pay us a fair rate now. My God, I hope I'm not the only forward think business owner or driver out there! We are in the livestock business for one reason and one reason only and I can tell you it's NOT for the glory. Yes, it may look cool to fly down the road in a 300 inch WB flat-top Pete with chicken lights from one end to the other, but how in the world are you making money? I mean real money and not just a living. I don't have all the answers and will never claim to have but the more attention we bring to our industry regarding rates, maybe it will get better. Something will have to change if EOBRs come in 2014. Anyone else willing to chime in with suggestions? | REPLY REPLY WITH QUOTE |
| Posted Wed, Aug 15 2012 09:11 AM CST | ||
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TERRY BROOKS BROOKS TRUCKING LLC RIVERTON, AL Posts: 4 |
there is no such thing as a back haul and at these rates alot of haulers are all ready broke and gone if you are hauling cheap you are contributing to your own demise no one to blame but your selves | REPLY REPLY WITH QUOTE |
| Posted Wed, Aug 15 2012 03:24 PM CST | ||
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RANDY THOMAS REDD EXPRESS TAMPA, FL 904-599-2525 Posts: 8 |
Terry, you're absolutely right, there's no such thing as a back haul. I've turned down many loads and sat because it's cheaper than running, ESPECIALLY if you have a mantaience issue! Independents, O/Os and companies need to start saying no. But people are afraid of losing business, customers and being black listed. I understand that, but if more people would stick to their guns, it would work. There honestly needs to be a formula, that if everyone could somewhat agree to and adhere by, we could make changes. I've seen people post that if you're working for less per mile than what you can buy fuel for on your route of travel, you're losing money. I'm not so sure that's always practical, but........ It's not far off. Maybe a good formula could help the industry and help establish industry standards that we all could live with. |
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| Posted Thu, Aug 16 2012 05:07 AM CST | ||
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JEFF FERGUSON INTERMOUNTAIN LIVESTOCK EXPRESS, LLC BOZEMAN , MT 406-581-9426 Posts: 10 |
You are 100% correct about EOBRs. California to Nebraska, 1250 miles. Forget it. Montana to Eastern Nebraska, 1100 miles. Forget it. Each truck with a driver team. Forget it. The feeding, packing segment has no idea how this will change moving their livestock. The livestock industry needs to lobby for a rule variance alowing a 15 hour day for livestock shipment, but there is no organized effort toward this. I am getting bombarded with emails from companies wanting to sell their telemetrics technology now. I guarantee Qualcomm is lobbying to make it happen. They see profit. Fat cattle from Alberta to Hyum, Utah in sealed trailers? Forget it. |
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| Posted Thu, Aug 16 2012 10:04 AM CST | ||
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GREG SMITH GAS CATTLE SKULL RANCH MARSHALL, MO 660-619-8504 Posts: 7 |
Backhaul rates means hauling the load for free I have never hauled a load for a backhaul rate Do you think the fuel pumps would be cheaper going the other way uh NO If you run 3.85a mile one way than it will be 3.85 a mile the other way | REPLY REPLY WITH QUOTE |
| Posted Thu, Aug 16 2012 11:25 AM CST | ||
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CURTIS BAKER CATTLE-RUN, INC. VERO BEACH, FL Posts: 1 |
I wish I could walk into the post office or UPS and tell them what I was willing to pay them to ship my precious cargo and they just agreed to it without question...Or better yet, walk into the next Fuel Stop and tell them what your willing/able to pay per gallon for fuel next time and see how that works for you. Trucking is the only business I have ever been involved in that the business providing the goods or services does not set the rate...the shipper sets what they are going to pay with what would appear ZERO knowledge or regard to what it costs you to run your equipment. But then again, I have talked to many companies that have no idea what their cost per mile is anyway and their only concern is what their gross is each week. (shiver) As far as I have been able to tell, the Livestock Haulers are not represented by any trucking association...your issues are never addressed or even considered when they are discussing what rules to change...EVERY decision seems to be made from a Freight Hauling base. You can tell this every time you read the latest set of rules that are being considered or passed for "safety". Safety for the lowest common denominator of driver out there...but that is an entirely different rant... I have been working on a diagram to show in #'s for this exact concept...will post the info soon...You are not the only one who sees this though...FL is the worst in the country for this type of issue... More later... Annette |
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