Low Freight Volume
Topic 25369 | Page 2
The highways looked as crowded with trucks as ever yesterday. (That is the result of my official survey on this subject).
Freight rates are as much a mystery to me as are black holes in space. I sure don’t have a clue about the economics of shipping, I have enough to concentrate on just doing my part, which is driving safely and on time.
For example, how is it economically feasible to ship 20 tons of pickles 1200 miles from Wisconsin to Georgia? That is my current load. Never knew there are individually packaged pickles for use in vending machines. But the bean counters have determined there is a profit to be made, so the pickles get shipped and sold. Next thing you know, they’ll be selling cars from vending machines. Oh, wait .........
For example, how is it economically feasible to ship 20 tons of pickles 1200 miles from Wisconsin to Georgia? That is my current load. Never knew there are individually packaged pickles for use in vending machines. But the bean counters have determined there is a profit to be made, so the pickles get shipped and sold.
You think that is odd you should see a LTL dock, I was about to pull out of the yard and my dispatcher called me and said to wait they forgot to put a shipment on my lead. I was upset I figured I would have to break the set and put it in a door, nope turned out it was 2 boxes of Chips Ahoy cookies the dock worker opened the door tossed them on top and off I went. I still cant believe 2 small boxes of cookies was worth going on to a truck, but if they are paying we are hauling
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Bruce,
I find your current load somewhat ironic, considering your other thread about your CPAP. You're in a pickle and your hauling pickles.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Bruce,
I find your current load somewhat ironic, considering your other thread about your CPAP. You're in a pickle and your hauling pickles.
Rob, good observation! I’ve hauled Vlasic pickles before in the gallon glass jars. But this is a first for me. Every pickle is vacuum sealed in its own pouch. In fact, they are called Pickle Pouches.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Ooohhhh.........love those things. Now I need to go buy a Pickle Pouch!
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Ooohhhh.........love those things. Now I need to go buy a Pickle Pouch!
Never heard of a pickle pouch except for something I dont think you're referring to 
in all seriousness do they have any juice in it? I like my pickles wet otherwise they taste gross.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Never heard of a pickle pouch except for something I dont think you're referring to in all seriousness do they have any juice in it? I like my pickles wet otherwise they taste gross.
Rob, now that comment put me on the floor!! OMG
And yes they are packed with juice. I should have asked for a sample so I could give a more complete report. My bad.
Pickle pouches are sold in vending machines, convenience stores, and even truck stops. Awesome for the pickle-lover on the go.
Never heard of a pickle pouch except for something I dont think you're referring to
Thanks for that Rob! I don't know if I will ever be able to look a Pickle Pouch in the eye again!
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Last few weeks have been slow for us as well, our terminal in Indianapolis had a bunch of in and outbound runs canceled last week which is highly unusual.
My linehaul run was canceled a few times past few weeks as well as where a few other runs. They even canceled my run for lack of freight which is unusual since I go to Indy which our midwest hub and had me run someplace else.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Linehaul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.