Freight Has Been Slow My Friends

I don't want to be "that guy," but some things aren't entirely clear to me.

What exactly is the DAT Freight Index and what does it measure? Does it include all types of freight, or just those moved by trucks?

As I understand, other industries, such as pipeline and vessels, have lost freight, but trucking has lost a lot less. Airlines have gained freight.

http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=29867#.Vsfi7PkrLct

The "tonnage" of freight moved increased.

http://www.trucking.org/article.aspx?uid=5897732a-ea35-4369-a23a-57a3b764c8a8

How closely do you think all this is tied to consumer spending? I'm sure the hit taken by oil/fracking has contributed in a large way to the decline in freight.

And I'm sure being an election year has a small thing to do with it. Plenty of conspiracy theories running on youtube out there. This could be a defining year for what direction our country goes down. Hopefully, a lot of it is not coming to fruition, or we're in for some SHTF days , months lol

Conspiracy theory aside...

Reefer freight will always be reasonably steady - because people always have to eat. So despite the "perceived downsides" of reefer (long waits to be loaded, etc.), it typically has been more consistent than other types of freight.

1st quarter is typically slower for other types of freight.

Whatever segment of the industry you're in, consistent, safe performers will keep moving. Consistency during slower times, "should be" recognized as the "can do types". Folks who keep a positive attitude and are consistent, are the ones that are going to be at the "top of the list" when things slow down and DM's have to decide on load assignments.

We've typically seen here that the complainers, usually have more than "luck of the draw" as the back-story behind why they are sitting and others are moving.

Rick

This is an excellent outlook to keep in mind!

The bottom line is, it doesn't matter what you make week to week, what matters is your W-2's at the end of the year.

Some drivers can't see the forest for the trees, so they get a bad attitude, and get testy with dispatch or their DM , and in effect shoot themselves in the foot.

If a driver comes into the industry barely scraping by, it can be tough that first year to keep their focus on the big picture. Once they get enough experience to start getting paychecks over a grand a week, it's a lot easier to see the forest, and not cut their nose off to spite their face.

It's very similar to someone who starts a new business. Most new companies do not make a profit their first 5 years. So what type mentality does the owner need to have, to make it through those first 5 years?

IMO, a driver cannot really size up a company, until they get those W-2's. It's best not to sweat the small stuff, because it can be really detrimental to a drivers attitude, and how they interact with others.

Dutch,

Great perspective. Thanks.

I just finished my third week solo, and I made $800 (gross) for my second week. I thought I'd be working for a while before I made that. I'll have to wait and see if that's normal or unusual.

...the point I was making is that they've been keeping me very bust so far.

Lol, "busy", not bust.

Hope my post aren't coming off as bad. I just know I'm not coming in as a "good" driver. But my wife and I are ready to bust our butts to become great drivers.

Hi Sam, I would say now is the best time to come get started in the industry so you can become one of the Good Drivers all the Trucking Companies are looking for...!

Ken C.

Hi Sam, I would say now is the best time to come get started in the industry so you can become one of the Good Drivers all the Trucking Companies are looking for...!

Ken C.

Thanks Ken. I was actually thinking of the stock markets. When share values go down, many people panic and pull out- when in reality that is the perfect time to stay in and invest even more as the same amount of money buys more shares. When values go back up- bingo- you are way ahead of the short sighted day traders. So in my inexperienced opinion this makes me think this would be the best time to start. Companies will want to run you when they spent thousands to recruit and train each driver and can pay you a low starting wage. When things pick up again- there you are (hopefully), an experienced and safe driver with a good record. Sounds like a win/win to me.

Thanks guys. My wife and I are going to get into the biz, that is for sure. I sometimes have a case of nerves, but I get over it quickly. Going 4-6 weeks without a paycheck is a little scary, but after next week, we should have things lined up to where we can survive and stay focused on learning. Thanks for the positive words and energy.