SFF Dispatch

05/22/2026

I hope that my posts about freight rates and tracking your CPM have been providing value to you. Here is a link to schedule a FREE 30 minute strategy call with me https://calendly.com/sffdispatch/30min. Let me know if you need any help.

05/21/2026

In an industry like the US trucking industry, you have to find a way to stand out. DOT reports that there are almost 1 million for-hire carriers. Just accepting loads from the load board and having a consistent record of hauling loads safely from Point A to Point B is not enough to help you stand out. Take steps to go that extra mile to get consistent freight at premium rates.

How many trucking companies are in the US? What's the state of truck drivers shortage at the moment? How pandemic had changed trucking? Let's explore!

05/20/2026

With low freight rates, it is now as important as ever to know your cost per mile. It is even more helpful to TRACK your CPM on a regular basis, especially in a changing economic environment. Different scenarios such as unexpected repairs and sudden changes in input costs change your cost. Spend some time to track your CPM so you can stay profitable.

05/19/2026

Do you want or need to grow the number of trucks in your fleet within the next year? Growing in a weaker economic environment is very possible, and even advantageous sometimes. Doing it incorrectly though may bring unintended consequences such as expenses eating up more than you revenue. Take methodical steps toward your trucking business growth plans, and seek guidance when needed.

05/18/2026

Re**er spot rates are down over 7% from March to April, and down 3% year over year. All of us know that the industry goes through cycles. Some truckers choose to stay parked in a down market. Don’t take cheap loads, but set yourself up to thrive no matter what the economic environment is.

Trendlines

05/08/2026

I hope that I have been providing value this week to some carriers and owner operators through my posts on calculating your cost per mile and truck driver retention. Here is a link to schedule a FREE 30 minute strategy call with me https://calendly.com/sffdispatch/30min. Let me know if you need any help.

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05/07/2026

It’s a shame when owner operators are blamed for cargo shifting during a trip when the cargo wasn’t secured in the first place by the shipper. Of course, you do not want to load the freight unless you get properly compensated to avoid liability. Take pictures and ensure that the load is secure before leaving.

Proper cargo securement takes a little time, but any load can be secured properly with some forethought and effort. Compared to the cost of damaged goods, the investment you make in learning and using the proper techniques in your dry van trailer or re**er trailer is well worth it.

05/06/2026

As we enter the summer months, it remains important to avoid hazardous weather conditions at times such as high winds. Reducing speeds, considering load size, and pulling over are good precautions to take. https://www.epermittest.com/drivers-education/driving-strong-wind

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05/05/2026

One statistic shows that the cost is to onboard a new truck driver ranges from $6,000 to $12,000. While some carriers are able to sit still and wait for load rates to increase to reflect the price inflation we have seen in the past year, it is not an option for others. There are ways to get higher paying loads, keep your trucks moving, and pass those higher rates to drivers to increase retention.

TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Retention Coach Ray Haight delves into all the costs associated with bringing on a new driver and estimates the total price each and every time a carrier does this in this masterclass.

05/04/2026

How long does it take you to come up with your cost per mile? What if you get hit with an unexpected cost like a trip to the repair shop- can you get your updated CPM relatively quickly? Maybe you have to remember where that CPM spreadsheet is in your hard drive or schedule a time with your accountant to figure that out. Set up automation so you can stay profitable.