10-4 Magazine September 2024

The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell We all know the story of the little engine that could. For those of you who didn’t grow up with a parent that pushed you to excel or succeed regardless of your ability, here’s your sign! Summer is winding down and all those projects we planned to do but never did because it was too hot are still waiting. The kids or grandkids are back to school, so that can no longer be used as your excuse. If you are like most of us, you are driving more miles these days just to keep the bills paid, so with what little free time you get, you don’t want to waste it on more work at home. News Flash! Some days it sucks to be you. You’re not alone – I have just as many “Honey Do” things on my list as the rest of you. But like it or not, they all have to get done. Some days I feel like that little train engine, pulling a heavy load, and it’s all uphill. I’m sure some of you might be wondering why I’m writing about trains in a truck magazine. Well, for those readers, I will clarify – we can make it an Australian Road Train with multiple trailers or maybe a Michigan Gravel Train loaded to the brim with stones. Either way, every time you approach a long or steep grade, your mind wanders and you question if your old workhorse is going to make it over the top. As you drop gears in the transmission and stand on the fuel, the first trailer whispers to you, “I’m loaded heavy and the road is long,” then the second trailer pipes in, “I too am loaded over the limit and this grade is steep and I’m getting weary.” Drivers today face many obstacles while doing their routines. The general public is relying on them to keep society fed, clothed, fueled, and everything else. There are times when all of us feel a bit overwhelmed and under-appreciated. There are times when every one of us wants to throw our hands up and walk away. So, what keeps you going? I received a request from one of our readers last week that was struggling with whether to stay trucking or move on to something different. His concern was how to make more money to cover his cost of operation, with the low freight rates and high cost of fuel today, and wanted to know my thoughts about the future of our industry. Those are serious problems that cannot be answered in a couple tweets or a short conversation. I quizzed him on his type of freight, then on the type or method of payment he accepts. Oftentimes, your rates can be altered, depending on who pays, how they pay, and when they pay. Just because you operate the truck doesn’t guarantee it will be profitable. In this case, the young man owned the tractor, but was still dependent on the carrier for the trailer, insurance, freight distribution, and collections. He is paid a percentage of gross, but doesn’t see the freight bills to know what rate is being billed or charged. My response was, “I don’t know enough to advise you what changes to make, but it is always helpful if you can cut your financial liabilities.” With the economy the way it is, there is a limit to how much your receivables can be increased, so start working on the other end of your checkbook. One of the most basic principles of business is the concept of Do No Harm. In other words, don’t make the situation worse by giving bad advice or acting on it. A person can find truck stop lawyers and parking lot consultants in every Pilot or Flying Hook, but who is going to be held responsible if you act on their suggestion and then lose everything you have worked for? Work smarter, not harder! Jumping companies may not be your best choice, either, and trading one wagon for another probably will not improve your bottom line quickly enough to save you. So, what should you do next? Double down on determination – look for the loads no one wants to do because of the difficulty factor. Then, set about finding a good way to conquer the task. Efficiency is achieved through repeatedly doing the same action over and over until it becomes second nature. I don’t recommend cheap freight, but if you can capitalize on volume, then it should be an option to find ways to save that can make your business more profitable. I was scrolling through Facebook today, and an older gentleman, whom I have known for well over 30 years, popped up with some advice pertinent to today’s drivers. Dave Sweetman’s podcast “Smart Truckin” talks about how so many carriers had duped good drivers into thinking they can make more money if they buy a truck – and not just any truck, but one from their company. All you have to do is sign on the line and we will do the rest. What they are really saying is, “We will rob, pillage, and plunder any and all of your financial abilities. Then, after you have spent your last dollar, we’re going take the truck back because, after all, it doesn’t 46 10-4 Magazine / September 2024 I THINK I CAN!