Industry Focus
Those Still Standing
By Phil Madsen, Editor
Mar 9, 2009 - 8:22:06 AM

“The extreme slowdown in freight and the economy has had some pitfalls for us though. We were no longer able to afford the $2,000 a month that our home was costing us so we had to let it go. It was a difficult decision but we are in a much better position now financially. We have a room at my daughters house to go ‘home’ to. The money that was going to the payment and utilities of a home we only visited a few days a month is now going into savings.

“We aren’t getting rich right now, but we are making ends meet and then some. As long as we can continue to have some extra money to put in savings each week I think we can weather the recession and survive until the economy turns around. There is a light at the end of the tunnel; we just have to hold on until we get to it.”

Michelle Reid, Sand Creek, MI
Express-1, Straight Truck


“We are doing OK, not lighting up the world but going forward slowly. Most of our numbers are up year-to-date over the same period last year. Our bottom line is a  bit lower, due to shorter runs. The overwhelming number of our runs this year so far have been temp control work. I cannot say if this will continue but we sure hope so.

“We are still having to overcome losing all that revenue last year when our cargo box was replaced. Things are very tight and will be for a long time due to that mess. It would not take much to do us in right now.

“One thing that we feel is helping is our attitude towards our business and FedEx’s business. We always put forth the best image we can. We take pride in what we do. Every load is a new business opportunity and every load gets our best possible effort.”

Joe Marra, Monroe, MI
FedEx Custom Critical, DR-unit


“The most important thing is we know our bottom line. We know how much we need to make to break even and make a profit. If we can’t make a profit we don’t take the load. There are exceptions, like if we want to make a move to an area where there might be more freight we will take a load at our break-even cost, and sometimes (but rarely) lose a few bucks, but only if it is to our benefit to move.

“We watch fuel prices very carefully. It helped very much, especially when the price of fuel was really high. Slowing down our speed has increased our mpg by up to one mpg. We do not idle our truck. An APU is a necessity these days.

“We are always looking for ways to be more profitable. We read industry publications, read the ExpeditersOnline.com forums and talk to fellow expediters. We use any and all means to find ways to save money and increase our income.”

Bob Sleasman, Albany, NY
FedEx Custom Critical, CR-Unit


“I have had to change some things in order to keep my company afloat. I cut back on how often the trucks get washed. I shop around more and play ‘let’s make a deal’ when it comes to buying tires. I also try to have hubby do the oil changes, lubes, and other maintenance on the trucks instead of having to pay someoneelse to do it.

“Our drivers buy fuel at places like TA, where they get a good discount thru our carrier. They also check for proper tire inflation more often than they used to. We buy things like wipers, wash fluid, etc at places like Wal-Mart where it’s cheaper than at most truck stops. Doing all these things has helped us and our drivers save money and keep afloat.”

Mindy Shipman, Binghamton, NY
Fleet Owner, Tri-State and FedEx Custom Critical


“From a van point of view — since we can’t always carry what you big guys do — we make most of our own food. Having a ‘nuker’ and generator really helps. Avoid tolls when practical. Have EZ-Pass for the discounts. I am keeping the speed down to conserve fuel costs, and keeping the brain in gear and working a bit smarter.”

Ken Armor, Bison, SD
Express-1, Sprinter Team


“Business has slowed and the runs are shorter. Rates have dropped. We are getting less to deadhead now than we did before. Fuel is down, so that helps, but the fuel surcharge is down too.

“Replacing our 1999 truck with a newer one has reduced our maintenance costs. We put $24,000 down on the newer truck, which gives us a $2,000 a month truck payment, which is very easy to make.

“We put money back from every paycheck in case next week is bad. Except for the truck, we have no debt. Basically, we save everything we can and live like we’re broke. We’re not as hard on ourselves as that sounds. If we have a good week, we will splurge and buy a little chrome.”

Becky Allmon, Fort Worth, TX
Panther Expedited Services, Tractor/Trailer

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