Everywhere we keep hearing freight is hot, there are not enough drivers, not enough trucks, and if we have the trucks all of the sudden they don’t have time to pick up our freight. What I do know is that most of the Expedite industry was more than ready for the ELD mandate and had no problem when this was implemented.
In our situation last year was by far the best year we have had in trucking and this year is turning out even better. What really surprises me is that we have had to be off more this year due to family and other personal matters and yet our income at this point of the year is higher than it was at this point last year. What a pleasant surprise when I checked our figures after the first quarter and the second quarter against last year’s numbers.
With freight good and enjoying the load offers we are getting in the back of our mind we remember the down turn of 2008 and 2009. So, while the loads are paying fantastic we are putting the money away as we prepare to buy our 5th Freightliner with an even bigger sleeper. The plans for the new truck have been in the works for a few years and while the pay has been fantastic we have not changed what we are spending. Everything is going into savings for the new truck, extras we want on the new truck, and the down payment.
So, with everything that is happening in trucking, ELD mandate, not enough drivers, and a lot of freight it has been a fantastic year and a half. While listening to experts we are hearing we have not reached the pinnacle of where freight is going and where the rates are going. We are in a percentage contract with our carrier and when freight prices raise so does our percentage.
What a fantastic year to be in trucking!