Trucks are expensive to operate. Between equipment costs, fuel, maintenance, and repairs, it can be inordinately expensive. So it should go without saying that trucks have to run to be profitable. Here’s what we are focused on to make sure all our trucks remain profitable.
Unplanned Absences
- These are defined as any call-off in less than two weeks’ time. Time off must be scheduled in advance with PTO or vacation hours. The reason it’s so important that drivers work their assigned schedule is not just because the trucks have to run to be profitable, but we have made commitments to our customers, and we are expected to pick and deliver when we have committed to do so. When we have unplanned absences, we usually miss pickups and deliveries, which damages our reputation with our customers.
- It’s also impossible to make up for downtime, especially when you are running on a 4 on/4 off schedule. We expect our drivers to be reliable; if we can’t depend on you to meet your commitments, we can’t meet ours.
Partnering all 4 on/4 off trucks
- In order for these trucks to make money, they must be running all the time. Recruiting is working hard to try to partner up these trucks, but we welcome drivers finding and referring their own driver partners as well. That way, you make money as a recruiter as well through referral bonuses!
- It’s also important to do your best to stay on schedule so your partner can as well.
Ensuring drivers are working a minimum number of hours/day and miles/week
- Of course, this is all taken in the context of how you’re planning. Drivers are only expected to do what planners and customer service can accommodate, but we are taking a closer looks at overbreaks, unaccounted for on or off-duty non-driving times, and start/stop times.
- When driver time isn’t being utilized to its full potential, planners don’t know when to expect you or they can’t count on you to be where/when you need to be to cover customer freight. This results in lost revenue and lower pay for you as well if you’re not maximizing your time.
- We also want to utilize spare trucks in cases of breakdowns. This will prevent you from sitting for long periods of time if your regular truck needs repaired.
Making small changes to efficiency and truck utilization can add up to big savings, which will trickle down to you. When the company is successful, you are successful. Help us make 2025 the year we make a great comeback.