One of life’s tough lessons is discovering the grass isn’t always as green as it looks. Nowhere is that more true than in trucking. Many carriers experience 100 percent or more annual turnover due to truckers constantly looking for more money or better treatment.
Unfortunately, this can be a lot of wasted effort for everyone. As a 2000 Overdrive article showed, the true cost of changing carriers can top $5,000 when you consider temporary loss of earnings, potential loss of paid permits or plate, and costs associated with starting at the new carrier. Any stable owner-operator with a dependable carrier clearly should think twice before bolting.
At the same time, the emerald sheen to that grass over the fence isn’t always an illusion.
The astute owner-operator who realizes he’s not matched with the right carrier has opportunities at hand. Many fleets, trying to cope with a sputtering economic recovery, are willing to hedge their bets for expansion by taking on contractors. One excellent opportunity to meet the most eager of these fleets will be at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Sept. 26-28. Already more than 100 recruiters plan to set up exhibits.
Of course, there are other good reasons to make the show. Volvo is sponsoring Tracy Byrd in a free concert and giving away trucks, motorcycles, laptops and more. Hundreds of the industry’s leading vendors will show their products. Industry experts will hold free professional development seminars. I hope to see you there!
If you’re not already registered, you can do so for free through Aug. 30. For more info, visit www.gatsonline.com or call toll free, (888) 349-4287.
