After eleven years of working in the transportation industry, as an employee, consultant and most recently a former owner of a trucking company, I have gained hands-on experience and knowledge in all areas of operating and owning a trucking company.
We all have a basic understanding of what Cost Per Mile means, but without a working knowledge, and at least an accurate monthly calculation we end up assuming last month's numbers are the same every month. Therefore changes, whether increases or decreases, in cost such as fuel, insurance and driver's pay do not get factored in quickly enough. UNTIL NOW!!
My company had many quality customers (some Fortune 500) and we had opportunities to bid on numerous lanes for those customers, as well as potential customers. Because I really did not have a working knowledge of my Cost Per Mile, I would bid on lanes based on the NORMAL rates from Point A to Point B. As a result, I heard more times than I wish to count "YOUR RATES ARE TOO HIGH". Or I would not accept freight from brokers because I thought the rate was TOO LOW.
Lost opportunities, result in lost business, which results in trucks not operating at peak productivity, which creates a higher Cost Per Mile. Simply put, it is critical in our industry to completely understand COSTING BY THE MILE (especially during a recession).
I created this website as a source for those in the business as well as those looking to enter the business to learn, understand, and master Costing By The Mile. Think about it. How easy would it be to bid on or accept freight when you truly know your Cost Per Mile.
Looking back I wish I had taken the time to develop this process before acquiring my first truck!!
This method makes Costing By The Mile or Costing By The Hour easier for owners, managers and staff to understand, communicate and utilize.
I realize that there are many who need the information and tools on this site. Unfortunately there are others who don't realize how much they need the contents of this site. So tell a Friend, Owner Operator, or someone thinking about getting into the business about TRUCKERSCOST.COM.
Thank You
I look forward to your feedback and recommendations.