We've hit the yearly Summer slowdown.

[Mike]

Looks like the auto plants are beginning to shutdown for changeover and construction is doing it's normal slowdown. It's definitely more noticeable this year than last year, so expect things to be a bit unstable for the next 4-6 weeks.

I'm sure many, especially those who only have 2018 as a gauge, to panic about recessions, depressions, and any other ession you can imagine.

I am also sure that brokers will do all they can to push the "ession" agenda to anybody that will listen in order to maximize their profits during the yearly Summer slowdown.

And finally, I am sure many more bank foreclosures will take place on trucks/trailers, and a few more small carriers that jumped into the deep in with expansion based on 2018 will fold up shop.

Ignore chicken little, the sky has not fallen.

 

[r3gulator3]

Slow down??

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

It’s either summer slowdown, winter slowdown, construction, year end, inventory....

There’s more excuses on why things are slow than why the sky isn’t blue

 

[Mike]

Slow down??

you = contract freight. You typically won't notice these things, or at least not notice much.

 

[Mike]

It’s either summer slowdown, winter slowdown, construction, year end, inventory....

There’s more excuses on why things are slow than why the sky isn’t blue

Not excuses, just the normal changes in freight movement. Happens every year, but nobody noticed it last year because there was so much freight sitting around begging to be moved.

 

[r3gulator3]

you = contract freight. You typically won't notice these things, or at least not notice much.

I have noticed steel rates have went down, but construction materials seem to be up the last few weeks

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

Not excuses, just the normal changes in freight movement. Happens every year, but nobody noticed it last year because there was so much freight sitting around begging to be moved.

I get that...but it’s a year round thing. For one excuse or another why at different points of the year it slows down some.

Last week I ran six days straight, switched out trailers with company rides and kept right on rocking. I had six hours left on my Canadian 70 on Friday night which is practically unheard of .

Yet, this week, running some local loads.

Trucking is a unique business

 

[Mike]

I have noticed steel rates have went down, but construction materials seem to be up the last few weeks

This week was the week I noticed the volume drop in the dry van market. As rates drop in our market, wouldn't be out of the way to expect you to see more freight as those on the spot market are not as quick to take loads at a lower rate.

 

[r3gulator3]

This week was the week I noticed the volume drop in the dry van market. As rates drop in our market, wouldn't be out of the way to expect you to see more freight as those on the spot market are not as quick to take loads at a lower rate.

Right on.

 

[Mike]

Yet, this week, running some local loads.

While you are doing that, I am also likely to be hovering around closer to home doing shorter than usual loads. I won't be "that guy" running 1500 mile loads and whining about the cheap rates brokers are throwing at me.

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

While you are doing that, I am also likely to be hovering around closer to home doing shorter than usual loads. I won't be "that guy" running 1500 mile loads and whining about the cheap rates brokers are throwing at me.

It’s a trade off, local loads don’t pay that great, BUT, you’re not burning $500 worth of fuel a day

I’m not good at math but earning $1000-1500 a day but spending $5-900 a day in fuel isn’t much different than earning $500 but spending $150 in fuel

Whatever. Math can kick rocks

 

[mndriver]

Down turn?

 

[Mike]

Down turn?

Economy? no.

 

[Electric Chicken]

It's the crash of 2019! Well, the second one so far.

 

[mndriver]

Economy? no.

Still finding adequately paying load without much difficulty.

 

[ironpony]

Still finding adequately paying load without much difficulty.

Theres a yearly cycle to reefer and dry van freight - its typical for volumes to take a sizable drop at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. It can persist right through the quarter.

 

[mndriver]

Theres a yearly cycle to reefer and dry van freight - its typical for volumes to take a sizable drop at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. It can persist right through the quarter.

I have reefer, flatbed and step decks on the road.

All are staying appropriately busy with decent loads.

 

[ironpony]

I have reefer, flatbed and step decks on the road.

All are staying appropriately busy with decent loads.

Same here. So far it's getting more difficult to find weekend loads. DAT showed a significant decrease in load volumes overall, with rates holding steady.

 

[Electric Chicken]

I've noticed a trend as well.

I'm doing exactly the same as I've always been doing.

 

[ironpony]

I've noticed a trend as well.

I'm doing exactly the same as I've always been doing.

Sleeping at the back of the trailer lot in Hazleton, eh?