Haulin Assets

Freight rates and fuel prices are two of the biggest forces in trucking—and they’re more connected than most drivers realize. In this episode, we break down what actually drives both, how they move together (but at different speeds), and why failing to understand that relationship can crush your margins. We dig into the fundamentals behind freight rates, including supply and demand, market cycles, lane imbalances, and why timing and positioning matter more than most drivers think. Then we shift to fuel—explaining how global factors like crude oil, refining capacity, and geopolitical events directly impact what you pay at the pump. From there, we connect the dots. Fuel prices spike fast, rates adjust slowly, and that gap is where profits disappear. Smart operators don’t wait for the market to catch up—they adjust faster. We also cover practical strategies for staying profitable: knowing your cost per mile, running intentional lanes, managing fuel strategy, and avoiding the trap of “outworking bad math.” Finally, we walk through our March financials to show how these dynamics play out in real time—highlighting how a rapid spike in fuel costs created a cash flow crunch, cut into profits, and forced tighter operational discipline. If you want to stop reacting to the market and start operating like a business, this episode lays it out.

Too many owner-operators focus on loads, trucks, and revenue—but overlook the foundation that determines how much they actually keep. In this episode, we break down the legal structures, tax strategies, and partnership decisions that can either cost you thousands or help you build a profitable, protected business. Why most owner-operators focus on revenue instead of structure How your setup protects your income and reduces taxes Who this episode is for: new owner-operators, aspiring owners, and small fleets Partnerships in trucking: when they work and when they fail The importance of shared values, vision, and complementary skills Key decisions to define upfront: roles, money, and exit plans Why everything needs to be documented in a detailed operating agreement LLC vs Corporation explained Why LLCs are the most common starting point When a corporation might make more sense Common mistakes: mixing finances, choosing the wrong structure, skipping legal guidance How the right setup protects your truck, income, and future Tax strategy basics for truckers Self-employment tax and payroll tax explained simply What an S-Corp actually is and why it matters How S-Corp elections can reduce your tax burden The importance of reasonable salary and working with a tax professional Real-world example: $100K owner-operator scenario Sole proprietor vs S-Corp tax comparison How an S-Corp can save roughly $7,000+ What that savings means in real terms: fuel, repairs, and profit Key takeaways Your business structure directly impacts your profit LLC is a strong start but not always the finish line S-Corp can be a major advantage when set up correctly Partnerships require serious planning and documentation Share the episode with another driver Follow the show and connect on social media Check out Episode 2 for a deeper dive with tax experts Big milestone coming soon—stay tuned for Episode 200

Starting a trucking company sounds simple—until you hit the paperwork. DOT numbers, MC authority, IFTA, IRP… it’s where a lot of new carriers get stuck, overpay, or make costly mistakes before they ever haul a load. In this episode, we break down exactly what you need, what you don’t, and how to set your authority up the right way from the start. Want a deeper dive? Check out Episode 3 for a more detailed breakdown of authority and setup.

Running a trucking business is already hard. What makes it even harder is when your own systems are working against you. In this episode, we break down the concept of “friction” in your business—those small inefficiencies that slow things down, frustrate customers, and quietly cost you money. From communication gaps to messy invoicing, we cover where friction shows up and how to eliminate it so your operation runs smoother, faster, and more profitably. We also tie it all back to real numbers with a look at February’s financials and what’s driving strong performance right now. What You’ll Learn: • What “friction” actually means in a trucking business • How small inefficiencies compound into lost time and revenue • Where friction commonly shows up (communication, onboarding, billing) • Why anticipating customer needs is a competitive advantage • How cleaner systems directly improve cash flow and repeat business Key Takeaway: If your customers have to guess what to do next, chase you for information, or deal with unnecessary steps, you’re creating resistance—and that resistance is costing you. February Snapshot: • Total Miles: 101,755 • Revenue: $251,077.05 • Rate per Mile: $2.48 • Net Profit: $44,496.50 Call to Action: Ask yourself: Where am I making this harder than it needs to be? If you’re not sure—or you want help building systems that actually make your business run smoother—that’s exactly what we do at MCHQ and Haulin Assets. Reach out and let’s fix it.

Buying a truck is exciting. Signing the wrong financing deal? Not so much. In this episode, Chris and Craig break down how to finance a truck and trailer the right way, so your equipment works for you instead of trapping you in bad payments and cash-flow stress. What We Cover We kick things off with January 2026 performance numbers, then dive into the financial realities every owner-operator should understand before shopping for equipment. Topics include: Knowing your numbers before talking to lenders New vs. used truck math — payments, depreciation, and maintenance tradeoffs Financing options explained: banks, equipment lenders, dealer financing, lease-purchase, and SBA loans How down payments impact your break-even point and freight flexibility Financing (or renting) trailers strategically Hidden startup and compliance costs most new operators overlook When you should not finance a truck at all A real-world example breaking down payments, miles, and revenue required to make a truck profitable Key Takeaway The truck payment alone won’t sink your business, poor planning will. Understanding costs, cash flow, and financing terms is what separates sustainable operators from those forced to run nonstop just to survive.

In this episode of Haulin Assets 2.0, we look back at the rapid growth from 1 truck to 12 in just 2.5 years—right before the freight market flipped. What seemed like momentum quickly turned into hard lessons. This episode breaks down the three biggest assumptions that didn’t hold up and how they reshaped the way the business runs today.  Top 3 Things I Got Wrong 1. Direct shipper relationships would be easy to land. I thought showing up and doing great work would be enough. In reality, most shippers don’t change carriers unless they have to—and it can take dozens of conversations just to get a shot. 2. Being financially conservative was the main key to success. Important? Absolutely. But it’s not even top three. Strategy, relationships, and timing matter just as much—if not more. 3. Broker freight could carry us long term. Maybe as an owner-operator. Not if you want to grow. Market cycles expose that weakness fast. What’s Changed After growing too fast heading into a freight downturn, the approach shifted: slower, controlled growth, bringing on a partner, and building smarter through market volatility. What to Expect from Haulin Assets 2.0 More energy. More entertaining content. More focus on the operator’s day-to-day life—not just ownership, but life on the road and how to make it better. Final Thoughts Growth without strategy will humble you. Relationships take longer than you think. And broker freight alone isn’t a long-term plan if you want to build something that lasts. If this episode resonates, share it with another driver or fleet owner in the grind. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. We’re just getting started.

After seven years and one of the toughest freight markets anyone can remember, Haulin Assets is back — refocused and ready for the next chapter. In this relaunch episode, we look at why the podcast started, what it was meant to solve, and what’s changing as we move into Haulin Assets 2.0. Why Haulin Assets Exists Haulin Assets has always been about owner-operators. An owner-operator isn’t just a driver. You’re a business owner who also happens to operate the truck. When I owned Motor Carrier HQ, I saw drivers come through with the same goal — becoming owner-operators. The ones who struggled usually had one thing in common: they didn’t understand the business side of trucking. This podcast started as a way to change that by letting drivers follow along with my own journey in real time. My Journey I got my CDL in early 2019, bought my first truck shortly after, and hit the road in April of that year. I drove for a full year before hiring my first driver in May 2020. By the end of 2020, I had bought a second truck. In 2021, Nate joined as a partner, and during the COVID boom, the business grew fast. The last three years have been survival mode, but even in this market, we recently hit a revenue record while running one fewer truck. Lessons Learned You don’t know what you don’t know. Learning what it really means to slide your tandems, realizing you can’t control everything, getting hit by a deer, and spending a year behind the wheel all shaped the fleet owner I am today. Driving gave me perspective on what it actually means to be both an operator and an owner. What to Expect in Haulin Assets 2.0 This isn’t a reinvention — it’s a refocus. Expect more fun, more entertaining content, giveaways, and more attention on the operator side of owner-operator life. We’ve covered ownership well. Now we’re spending more time on what makes life better on the road. Story From the Road Getting scammed out of $742 — and the lesson that came with it. Call to Action If you’ve been with us since Episode 1, thank you. If you’re new, this is the perfect time to jump in. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and send us your funniest or toughest trucking story. It might be featured on a future episode. This podcast isn’t just about my journey anymore. It’s about yours. Let’s haul some assets together.

After an extended break, Haulin’ Assets is back. In this episode, I explain where we’ve been, why the podcast went quiet longer than expected, and what’s changing as we relaunch. Quarter four was busy, the market shifted quickly, and between operational changes and a major accident, it was time to pause, reassess, and reset. This episode will feel familiar, but it also marks a more focused direction going forward. Where We’ve Been Q4 snowballed faster than expected. I talk through: Why I needed to step away How the break stretched longer than planned What we’ve been rebuilding behind the scenes The goal wasn’t just to restart the show, but to make sure it continues to deliver real value. Financials: The Real Numbers Here’s how the business performed late last year: September: $23,428 profit | $2.16 per mile October: –$6,143.88 | $2.26 per mile November: $12,877 profit | $2.18 per mile December: $27,818 profit | $2.16 per mile All P&L documents are available in the show notes. Changes in How We Operate In October, I took a hard look at our lanes, shippers, and loops. The takeaway was clear: some lanes we ran regularly were significantly less profitable. As a result: We avoid underperforming lanes whenever possible We largely stay out of the Southeast When we do go there, we head straight back west instead of drifting northeast That approach saves roughly 2.5 days of transit time, and with a truck costing about $400 per day to sit, those decisions add up quickly. This analysis is now a monthly process. Market Shifts and a Major Loss We also saw one of our strongest Q4 pushes in several years, along with new freight contracts coming online. At the same time, we experienced a major accident that resulted in the loss of a truck and trailer—an event that had real operational impact and contributed to the reset. The Relaunch Going forward, Haulin’ Assets is refocusing on the owner-operator. That means: More business-focused topics More attention to both the owner and driver side More discussion of the owner-operator lifestyle

It's Truck Driver Appreciation Week and before we get into the August 2025 Financials, Craig and I talk a little bit about what that means. I personally want to thank you all for being such a driving force in the economy of this great country. Without you we would not be able to live such blessed lives. I try to make sure my kids understand how important the trucking industry is, especially its drivers. Thank you! What To Expect From Episode 186 This year is feel more like a regular freight market, something I don’t think we have felt for 6 years, since 2019. That is good and bad. Good, because I think we are going to feel a good 4th quarter bump, which we haven’t seen in a long time. Bad because summer is always pretty tough, and August wasn’t super pretty for us. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 104,346 Deadhead miles– 7,540 (7.2%) Total revenue- $209,337.10 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.01 Haulin Assets had a loss of $6,767.91. We did not get enough miles. We really have to be over 110k to even have a fighting chance. Considering we were so far under, it could have been worse. Here are the P&L Items we are going to discuss in more detail. Revenue Damages Fuel Repairs and Maintenance Taxes and Licensing

The last couple of weeks have actually been kind of slow, when it comes to the craziness of trucking so I don't have any really dramatic stories from the road. However, now that Break Safety Week has come and gone I do talk about how it affected our fleet. Leave a comment and let me know what your experience was like. What to Expect in Episode 185 It’s a pretty normal reaction to be scared of the unknown. Just like Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow were scared of the unknown that lurked in the forest as they journeyed to Oz, changes lurking in the trucking industry can be scary too.  I thought it would be interesting to talk about some of the topics that seem to be getting a lot of attention these days. Here's how this episode breaks down. Electric Trucks I talk about my experience driving an electric vehicle for the last 7+ years and how I think it relates to trucks. Driverless Vehicles My Tesla has the "Full Self Driving" feature. It's good, but I think it's going to be a while before we see anything of any significance in capability and quantity in the trucking world. Craig and I talk about why. The English Proficiency Mandate A recent crash in Florida that killed 3 has brought this topic to the forefront of the highway safety discussion. Craig and I talk about some of the specifics and how this has the potential to have a significant impact in the not too distant future.

The financial challenges continue in July, but before we get into that I tell Craig about two stories from the road. One of them involves smelly onions. The other is about some spilt milk — buttermilk, to be exact. What To Expect From Episode 184 June was a pretty rough month and July was even worse. The summer months are always hard to get through. I still think the market is in the very early stage of a rebound. The biggest problems we had in July are really driven by internal factors, not external ones. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 107,335 Deadhead miles– 8,546 (8.0%) Total revenue- $235,064.03 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.19 Haulin Assets had a loss of $8,939.48. We just did not get enough miles, especially considering the bump in expenses we had in a few areas. Here are the P&L Items we are going to discuss in more detail. Revenue Damages Repairs and Maintenance Fuel

In this episode of Haulin Assets, we’re giving a freight market update—and while the beginning might sound a little doom-and-gloom, don’t worry. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and we share why things are finally starting to turn around. We walk through the current market forces, how we got here, and why I believe the 4th quarter of 2025 could be the best we’ve seen in quite a while. You can listen to the full episode here or on your favorite podcast app. What We Talk About In This Episode We start off with a quick story about a rental truck and a call I had with a judge in Oregon who, until now, had never let anyone off the hook for an OR citation. After I explained how Oregon’s system works—and how it differs from other states—she had a change of heart. It was a good reminder of how misunderstood the trucking world can be from the outside. Then we dig into the big topic: how the freight market has evolved over the past five years, with a focus on: A quick refresher on supply and demand, complete with a graph analogy: Y-axis = freight rates X-axis = number of trucks and volume of freight Where the lines cross is market equilibrium—where supply meets demand What happened during and after COVID: Massive consumer spending on goods instead of travel Skyrocketing freight volume and rates A wave of new entrants into the trucking industry How it all began to change around March 2022: Too many trucks on the road Freight rates dropping consistently for nearly two years Signs of stabilization in 2024–25: Truck count slowly decreasing Demand holding steady Recent holidays (DOT Blitz, Memorial Day, July 4th) showed stronger rate spikes than we’ve seen in years The Bottom Line For the first time in a long while, we’re back near equilibrium. There’s very little excess capacity in the market right now, and when capacity dips—even a little—rates jump. That’s a good sign. I think we’re heading into a much stronger Q4 than we’ve had in recent years. If you’ve been hanging on, it might finally start paying off.

June had some short-term challenges, but also some indicators that the future might be a little brighter. Before we dive into the numbers, I share an experience one of our drivers had that caused an unloading delay. It was a new one that had never happened to us before. We also talk a little about the challenges we faced over the 4th of July weekend. It was a pretty tough weekend. What To Expect From Episode 182 June was another pretty rough month for us. The good news is that is that the biggest contributing factor was not the market, but some short-term issues that we were able to work through. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 94,128 Deadhead miles– 7,658 (8.1%) Total revenue- $219,217.73 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.33 Haulin Assets had a profit of $152.17. Our saving grace this month was a better rate per mile than we have seen in a long time. Even though it was profitable, it was a negative cashflow month so we need to keep fighting to see a significant improvement to that number. Here are the Profit & Loss items we discuss in more detail: Revenue Fuel Repairs and maintenance

The most common question I get is, "When is a good time to start a trucking company". In this Episode Craig and I are going to answer that question and the answer might not be what you think.  But..... before we get into that, I tell a story about a stressful situation one of our drivers experienced that has a happy ending and gives you faith in humanity. What to Expect in Episode 181 Starting your own business is never an easy decision. It requires a huge leap of faith and a lot of guts. Most people just are not willing to jump into the unknown like that. I commend you for even thinking about it. The entrepreneurial spirit is one of the biggest, if not the biggest reason the United States is the greatest country in the world. The right time for you to start a trucking company is a very personal decision and I hope this episode will give you some insight to help you make that very big decision. I think there are different 4 scenarios or "triggers" that when you meet at least one of them you are increasing your likelihood of being able to run a successful operation. The first three are things that are well within your control. The last one is not in your control and I think it is also the one that involves the most risk and most prone to failure. It is also the one that entices most people to make the leap.   Get the full show notes: http://bit.ly/haulinassets   Motor Carrier HQ: http://bit.ly/motor-carrier   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haulinassets Podcast/ iTunes: http://bit.ly/ha-itunes Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/ha-google-podcasts Stitcher: http://bit.ly/ha-stitcher 

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of May 2025, Craig and I talk about the crazy weekend we just had. Literally every truck had some kind of significant issue over the weekend. Everything from problems cause by getting loaded more than 24 hours late to breakdowns and blown tires. It is crazy how you can go from one weekend that is quiet with almost no activity to one like last weekend where all hell breaks loose. I also ask for your opinions on how much of an impact hot weather has on tire failure rates.  What To Expect From Episode 180 The ups and downs of trucking are not limited to crazy or mundane weekends, the profitability of trucking is also one heck of a roller coaster. After a better start to the year than we have experienced the last several years, May hit a brick wall. I don't think the difference we saw in May is due to the market, but more because of internal factors we experienced. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 99,880 Deadhead miles– 7,985 (8%) Total revenue- $205,682.73 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.06 Haulin Assets had a loss of $27,150.76. Wow, that was hard to type, that is almost a $75,000 difference between April and May, even though May even had a slightly higher rate per mile. There is A LOT going on in the P&L and we talk about it in more detail than normal. You'll want to listen to the episode to get the full story. Here are the P&L items we dive into: Revenue Low revenue was the largest contributing factor to the loss, we spend a lot of time talking about it Fuel Repairs and Maintenance Taxes

What are the odds that two clutches go out within 24 hours of each other? Can't be high, but we had it happen. Does that mean I should take a trip to Vegas and start placing bets? Our experience with two different shops was night and day. One of them had our truck in and out quickly, the other one was ridiculous. Check out the episode to hear all the fun details.  What to Expect in Episode 179 In this episode I am going to cover 3 things I think every business owner, whether you are an owner operator or you manage a fleet, should do on a regular basis. They are: Look for new revenue sources Review all your expenses to trim the fat Conduct a SWOT Analysis The first two are pretty self explanatory and we don't take up too much time covering them. I am sure there are several people out there who haven't heard about a SWOT Analysis or know much about them so that is where we spend the majority of our time. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Doing a SWOT Analysis and then using the information you learn from it is a great way to make a big impact on your business.  Craig and I walk through a very simple SWOT Analysis from the perspective of an Owner Operator and use some examples to help show how they are used. They truly are a great tool and I hope you take the info we share and use it to conduct one on your business. Not in business for yourself yet? No worries, it is also a great tool to use to help you decide if there is an opportunity for you to go into business and help you be better prepared when you make the leap. A good SWOT Analysis is a critical element of any business plan.

Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com See the profit and loss statement at haulinassetsllc.com Before Craig and I dive into the April 2025 financials, we talk about a fun little adventure I had. It had been a while, but I finally got to jump back into a truck for the first time in several months. This adventure included a Mother's Day departure, several Uber rides, a flight and "breaking" the truck out of a lot at 02:00 in the morning and then "breaking" into the parking lot at the shipper. What To Expect From Episode 178 April has continued the trend of year over year improvement. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 112,158 Deadhead miles– 7,746 (7.3%) Total revenue- $229,695.19 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.14 Haulin Assets had a profit of $47,211.69. The bottom line number is pretty good, but I think it is a little deceptive. There are some things in the P&L that we expound upon that give a more realistic picture of how things are going. You'll want to listen to the episode to get the full story. Here are the P&L items we talk about in more detail: Revenue Fuel Insurance Repairs and Maintenance

March 2025 was a good financial month, but before we get into that, Craig and I talk about one of our trailers being rejected. It was because of some minor damage that had happened a while ago and hadn't been an issue, so why the rejection all of the sudden? Who knows. I'm also back in the dispatching saddle again. It has been while since I have done that job full time and let's just say, I'm a little rusty. What To Expect From Episode 177 Last month I said February was a pleasant surprise, March was an even more pleasant surprise. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 115,070 Deadhead miles– 7,746 (6.7%) Total revenue- $246,412.65 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.14 Haulin Assets had a profit of $49,849.00. The best month in over a year and the second best month since March of 2022. I hope it's a sign of things to come. The P&L was pretty normal, but here are the things we talk about. Revenue was strong Manageable fuel, 27.1% No insurance payment

Trucking Insurance is tricky! It is also typically in the top 5 expenses for a trucking company. For Haulin Assets it is the 4th biggest expense. There are a lot of factors that go into getting the best policy and the best pricing. In this episode we go over what you need to know as an Owner Operator or a Fleet Owner to make sure you are keeping that insurance expense as low as possible.  What to Expect in Episode 174 We just completed our insurance renewal so insurance is fresh on my mind and now is a great time to talk about it. Here are some of the topics we discuss. The Biggest Contributors To The Cost Of Your Policy Your loss run report Your CAB (Central Analysis Bureau) Report Drivers Who Are The Key Players Insurance Carriers Underwriter Insurance Agencies/Agent We spend the bulk of the episode in this section and go into some pretty extensive detail about who each one is, what their role is and we give some best practices for how you should interact with them. What You Will Need To Provide For A Quote Get everything to your agents 45 days before your policy expires. Here is what they will typically need. 4 Quarters of IFTA Returns Loss Runs for the last 3 years Updated Equipment List Updated Driver List Your Current COI (Certificate of Insurance) The timing of when you sign on the bottom line and bind your policy is critical. Make sure you listed to the episode to know when you should do this and what you will need to do it.  Getting the best price on your insurance is something that does not happen overnight. It takes you being intentional about several things. You have to work on the things we talk about throughout the episode all year long to make sure to get the best price possible and are able to control your costs. Remember, trucking is a low margin business and profits are earned by the penny. A dollar you save in expense is a dollar that hits your profit line.

February 2025 was a pretty eventful and interesting month. We had a truck get in a little skirmish with a BMW. No one was hurt and the vehicles weren't too bad off either, but it was one of those incidents that really make you scratch your head. We'll share some video on social media, I'd love to hear your opinions. I'll just ask the questions, when merging onto the freeway, how many vehicles can squeeze in front of a truck? What To Expect From Episode 175 February was a pleasant surprise. I really hope it's an indication of things to come, because I am really getting tired of low profits. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 103,728 Deadhead miles– 6,730 (6.5%) Total revenue- $227,885.97 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.20 Haulin Assets had a profit of $30,707.01. The best month of profits we have had in a very long time and really knocking on the door of being cashflow positive. The P&L is pretty bland, but here are a few things Craig and I talk about P&L Revenue Fuel Maintenance and repairs

Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com   Before we get into talking about truck driver pay, I talk about a recent incident where one of our trucks had its hood damaged by a driver who decided to make a left hand turn where he shouldn't have. His trailer didn't even come close to making the corner and caused some pretty good damage to the front of our parked truck. There is always something exciting going on in a trucking company. What To Expect From Episode 174 Truck driver pay is a complicated subject. There are a lot of different factors, probably the biggest being if you operate locally or over-the-road. Most local drivers are paid hourly and most over-the-road drivers are paid by the mile. Hourly paid is pretty straightforward, over-the-road, not so much. We spend most of our time talking about that. Here are some of the areas we touch on: Deadhead miles Bonuses (There is a lot that goes into this one.) Why I feel torn about incentive type pay We finish off by discussing how to figure out how much to pay and what are some of the things you should think about in that regard are.

Rinse and repeat is a good thing when times are good, not so much when you're in a freight market like we are in right now. January seems almost like a carbon copy of December. Most of the numbers are very similar. Before Craig and I dive into the numbers I talk about a couple of recent instances that happened to a couple of our trucks over the last week. Hopefully you find them entertaining. What To Expect From Episode 173 Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 119,570 Deadhead miles– 8,559 (7.16%) Total revenue- $247,795.86 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.07 Haulin Assets had a profit of $15,862.03. P&L Damages Fuel Worker's Compensation Maintenance and Repairs Parking Fuel Taxes

This is a super important episode. If you own a truck, are a truck driver or run a trucking company, chances are you are going to deal with an accident at some point in your career. When it happens, you want things to go as well as possible. During this episode, Craig and I are going to help you know how you can be prepared and we will help arm you with some tips to protect you against those who want to take advantage of the situation. What To Expect From Episode 172 We have all been driving down the interstate and seen a billboard that says something along the lines of, “Have you been hit by a semi, give us a call and we’ll make sure you get what you deserve.” Basically, that just means they know there is big insurance money behind trucking companies and they will try to sue the pants off them. Sometimes even if the accident wasn’t the trucking company's fault. We talk about some things you can do to help you get the best possible outcome. Prevention (Before the Accident) Follow the FMCSA rules Make sure you are hiring qualified, safe drivers Maintain up-to-date driver qualification files Keep your vehicles well maintained Don't break Hours of Service rules Install forward facing cameras on your trucks When An Accident Happens Turn on your hazards If physically able, place warning triangles, flairs, etc. (make sure you know how to do this correctly) Take lots of pictures, from multiple angles, including some from far enough away to capture the entire scene Once things have calmed down, call your insurance company ASAP, ideally before you leave the scene, for sure within 24 hours I can't emphasize this enough, I explain why this is so important in the episode Post Accident There are lots of things that need to happen. We aren't going to cover them in this episode, but make sure you do them. If you don't know what to do, contact your insurance company. They should be able to help.

Before we get into the December 2024 financials, I go on a bit of a rant about truck parking. It is such a HUGE Problem! It causes drivers frustration and costs everyone time and money. I talk about an incident that recently happened to us that cost us a lot of money because of the parking problem. And it is a completely ridiculous situation that happened just north of Charlotte, NC at a Shell truck stop called Charlotte Travel Plaza. Beware of this place. You have to check in to park, if you don't, the parking fine they charge you is beyond RIDICULOUS, it really is a scam and it's legal because of the North Carolina laws. Listen to the episode to hear how much we had to pay to get a boot removed, it's not going to help out our January Financials. Shame on North Carolina for allowing this kind of extortion to happen, it's worse that usury interest on check cashing loans. What To Expect From Episode 171 The numbers this month were good, not great. I am however starting to feel a little bit of optimism that this year is going to see some improvement in the market. I have my fingers and toes crossed that things do get better. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 121,021 Deadhead miles– 7,282 (6%) Total revenue- $253,288.09 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.09 Haulin Assets had a profit of $12,042.27. P&L Items Payroll Fuel Maintenance and Repairs

As I mentioned recently, Brad, our operations manager left us the end of last year and Nate and I have had to divvy out his responsibilities. One of them that I have taken on is safety and compliance, so those topics have been pretty heavy on my mind lately. I feel like as a company, we have a pretty good safety culture, but we aren't perfect, and I want to step it up a notch. Improving safety within Haulin Assets is one of my personal goals for 2025. In this episode we cover some of the things that have been on my mind. What To Expect From Episode 170 I know this is not the most sexy topic in the world, it doesn’t bring in revenue, it’s not a task that requires your immediate attention like a broken down truck, but it will have an impact on your bottom line and can have catastrophic consequences if ignored. Here are the things we cover in this episode: Why does safety matter How do you build a safety culture Where can I find resources to help Why Does Safety Matter There is a lot that goes into this and we cover a lot in the episode, but it all boils down to a few things. We have a moral obligation to the public to do what we can to keep roads safe and the financial health of our companies depends on it. In trucking, profit margins are thin and we can't afford unnecessary expenses. Damage to equipment and injuries are often preventable and are big expenses we can largely avoid. How Do You Build A Safety Culture It starts at the top. Here are some of the topics we cover: Make safety a priority and ensure your drivers know it Show your drivers safety is more important that on-time deliveries Have regular safety meetings/talks Resources Your insurance company YouTube Haulin Assets Academy (Coming Soon) The FMCSA Resources for Drivers Resources for Carriers

It's the end of 2024, in fact, this episode with the November 2024 Financials is getting recorded on the last day of the year, but will post on the first day of the new year. 2024 was a tough year, proceeded by another tough year, that honestly was preceded by the start of the drop in the freight market. With three tough years in a row, we deserve some relief. With dropping interest rates, an economy that appears to be decently healthy, and what is likely to be a more trucking friendly presidency coming into office, there is a lot to look forward to. What To Expect From Episode 169 Sorry there has been a bit of a break since the last episode, with me taking a trip in a truck and the Holidays, I just couldn't get an episode out. November was an interesting month in a few ways, mileage dropped, but revenue increased. That makes for some pretty good talking points. Let's take a look at the numbers: Total miles ran– 109,155 (One of the lowest mileage months of the year) Deadhead miles– 7,147 (7.1%) Total revenue- $236,053.07 (With the holiday, ran fewer miles, but more profitable miles) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.16 (Best in several months, third best of the year) Haulin Assets had a profit of $16,837.14. With as low as our mileage was, profit could have been a lot worse, our saving grace was definitely the better rate per mile. P&L Items Maintenance and Repairs IFTA Payments Fuel, 26.4% of revenue We sold a piece of equipment

Happy Thanksgiving! Some of you will be home for Thanksgiving, some of you won’t, I know what that is like. I want you all to know I am thankful for you. Both that you are listeners and fans of the podcast and that you keep America moving. I am thankful that there is food on my table and a roof over my family's head, both of which would not be possible without what you do everyday. THANK YOU. What To Expect From Episode 168 Revenue dropped a bit last month. I wish I know what caused it. I think there are several factors, one of them just being that the market is still bad and it is volatile. Total miles ran– 119,607 (Higher than last month) Deadhead miles– 8,542 (7.1%) Total revenue- $227,931.30 (Lower than expected, I think partly due to lower fuel prices, brokers are being more stingy on rate) All-in rate-per-mile- $1.96 (Our worst rate per mile all year) Haulin Assets had a profit of $5,062.43. With as low as our revenue was and as bad as the rate per mile was, I am kind of surprised we turned a profit. P&L Items Work Comp Maintenance and Repairs Fuel

Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com   The end of the year is a crazy busy time with the Holidays and everything else going on so taxes typically are not at the forefront of your mind, but they need to be. There are certain things you can do to improve your tax situation before December 31st that you can't do after January 1st, so you need to have a plan. I usually try to have a general idea about what I want to do by the end of October or the beginning of November. During this episode we are going to give you somethings to think about so you can start to build the right plan for you. What To Expect From Episode 167 So you own a business, does that mean you need to file a business tax return? The answer is maybe... We are going to help you answer that question and so much more. Here are some of the things we will cover. Filing deadlines, April 15th, right? Not always. Here are some other deadlines we talk about. Partnerships and S-Corps (March 15) Single Member LLC, Sole Proprietor, Corporations (April 15) Extensions (September 15th and October 15th) Quarterly Tax Payments ( 15th of the month after a quarter ends) One of the most important things you need to decide, is what is more important to you… show a profit or reduce how much you have to pay in taxes. You really can’t do both. No one wants to pay any more taxes than they have to, but to lower your tax bill you have to lower your profit which then hurts when you try to get financing. Tax Strategies Reduce Taxes Maximize Profits Strategies for reducing income: Business StrategiesPurchasing equipment and different types of depreciationUse of accelerated depreciation Expense planningPrepaying expenses Negotiating payment plans or future payments Ensure you capture all your expenses, and account for all your deductionsHome Office Business use of personal vehicle Child Care Revenue RecognitionCash Basis vs Accrual When does it need to be Personal Tax PlanningRetirement accountsSEP Traditional IRA 529 College savings account Health Savings Plans Itemized DeductionsMortgage Interest Charitable Contributions None-reimbursed medical expenses If you have been slacking on your bookkeeping, get caught up now so you don’t have surprises early next year when you can’t do much about it Be ready to provide a summary of your business operationFactoring company statements Business bank account and transaction categorizationSome banks track your spending and categorize expenses. May require specific accounts or Use an accounting firm Multiple years of taxes needed, start with today and filed the current year. Don’t get overwhelmed. Strategically work your way backwards until it’s done. Small wins will get you there.

Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com   It's Halloween, which is a fun time of year. I love driving down the road and seeing how drivers deck out their trucks. It's fun to see their personalities come through. What To Expect From Episode 166 We are still slugging through this unprecedented freight market. I wish I knew when things would turn around, I keep thinking it has to be right around the corner, but I have thought that for a year now. I expect we'll see at least a little relief due to the holiday push, but I don't expect it to blow anyone's socks off. Here are the numbers for September. Total miles ran– 107,902 Deadhead miles– 5,141 (4.8%) Total revenue- $227,931.30 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.11 ($0.02 better than last month, $0.20 better than last year) Haulin Assets had a profit of $16,024.48. Which is more than I would have guessed, based on the revenue number. Still not close to where we want to be, but… all things considered, it could have been worse. Here are the P&L items that we'll talk about. Maintenance and Repairs Fuel

Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com   In this episode we are going to step out of the truck and away from the business and focus on you and your health. This can be a sensitive topic and it's something I have struggled with most of my adult life. I have found something that is working for me better than anything else I have done and want to share it. I'm no health expert, but want to share my story. It a change is something you are looking for, I hope this helps. Before we get into the meat and potatoes of the topic, Craig and I talk about some of the challenges the trucking industry is facing because of the crazy amount of fraud going on. What To Expect From Episode 165 Not everyone cares about their weight. With this and most things in life I take the attitude of to each their own. Do whatever makes you happy in life as long as it isn't impacting someone else. For me, weight is one of those things I love and hate. Because I am in the National Guard, I have to maintain a certain weight standard and it is something I constantly struggle with. I like food too much and I like to eat too much food. I tend to yo-yo. Most years during the summer I lose 20-30 pounds and then gain it back in the winter. This summer I tried something different that is working better than anything else I have ever tried. It is something you can do while on the road so I thought it would be good to share it with you. It's nothing new, you have probably heard of it. I've been counting macronutrients, commonly referred to as macro nutrients. Neither Craig or I are nutritionists so I am not going to go into the science of it, but I talk about my experience and share what I have been doing in more detail. Basically, I figure out what my macro breakdown needed to by, actually a professional figured that out for me. I use an app to track my macros on a daily basis to make sure I am eating a little less than what my body actually needs so that I lose about a pound a week. Like I said, we go into this in more detail during the episode. Here are some of the things I typically eat for each meal. BreakfastGreek yogurt (It's higher in protein than regular yogurt) Cottage cheese I often mix the cottage cheese and yogurt (I like it my wife doesn't) Oatmeal Mix (Oatmeal with water or milk, protein powder, I like vanilla, and fruit) Reese's peanut butter cup protein shake (8 ounces of milk, ice cubes, spinach, half a banana, two scoops of PB Fit, one scoop of chocolate protein power, mix it in a blender) LunchChicken breasts 8-11 ounces, grilled or baked with seasoning. You can cook it with a Road Pro 12 volt stove. Sandwiches using pitta bread and filled with cold cut lunch meats and cheese or healthy chicken salad. Cold cut lunch meat wrapped in cheese for a lower carb option DinnerRotisserie chicken from the grocery store, makes several meals Breakfast burritos or an omelet Fish Shrimp cocktail, if I want to treat myself Tons of healthy dinner recipes, we make a big meal and eat leftovers. I always took as many leftovers as I could when on the road. SnacksProtein drinks Protein bars Snickers, not the king size Beef jerky Boiled eggs Egg muffins Eating OutI still tend to get a burger and fries at least once a week. I just usually don't have the bun, some places call it protein style others call it a lettuce wrap and I only get a regular fry. I make healthier choices. When I go to Texas Roadhouse I only eat one roll instead of five For example, I recently went to Buffalo Wild Wings. I got the traditional 10 piece non-breaded wings, half with a dry rub half with a sauce and I only dipped a few of them in ranch. Tips for being successful Don't let yourself get hungry Focus on hitting your protein goalYou'll feel fuller and have less cravings Don't drink sugary drinksCoffee and diet sodas are good Water is the best Don't beat yourself up if you aren't perfect, you are going to have bad days. If you can follow the plan 80-90% of the time you are going to be successful. Eat for fuel, not for fun

Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com   Holy cow, Hurricane Helene has caused some serious problems. It seems like it has been a while since we have had a hurricane that was this bad. Ashville, NC received over 2 feet of rain and is a zone of devastation. It's not an area we deliver to often, but guess what, we have a load trying to deliver there now. The receiver's parking lot is full of mud and can't take trucks. It could be weeks before they are up and running again. I'll keep you posted on what happens. We are constantly trying to improve. We start off this episode talking about a few things we have decided to do a little different. We hope both changes will improve our bottom line. One of them should also have a positive impact on our maintenance BASIC score and hopefully on our overall maintenance costs. What To Expect From Episode 164 We had a really good revenue month, but overall numbers are still not where we want them to be. There are some positives in the numbers that we will talk about throughout this episode. Total miles ran– 136,000 (That's a new record) Deadhead miles– 10,513 (7.7%, down a little from last month.) Total revenue- $283,586.73 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.09 ($0.03 better than last month, $0.10 better than last year) Haulin Assets had a profit of $5,189.78. With the big revenue month, I was expecting more. There were some P&L items that impacted net profit. Here are the P&L items that stick out, we'll talk about them. Damages Payroll Maintenance and Repairs Fuel

In episode 160, we talked about CSA scores and how they work and some best practices. Managing the safety program for a trucking company is not an easy job, whether you are an O/O or have a fleet. There is a lot to know and do. So, what happens if you didn’t do a good job with those things and you are under the FMCSA’s microscope? In these two episodes, Craig and Chris are joined by Alex from Motor Carrier HQ to pick her brain about her experience with the FMCSA, maintaining good ISS scores, and how to get yourself out of a hole if you find yourself in one. Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com

In the last episode on safety, we talked about CSA scores and how they work and some best practices. Managing the safety program for a trucking company is not an easy job, whether you are an O/O or have a fleet. There is a lot to know and do. So, what happens if you didn’t do a good job with those things and you are under the FMCSA’s microscope? In these two episodes, Craig and Chris are joined by Alex from Motor Carrier HQ to pick her brain about her experience with the FMCSA, maintaining good ISS scores, and how to get yourself out of a hole if you find yourself in one. Get the full show notes at haulinassetsllc.com Check out MotorcarrierHQ.com  Find our courses at haulinassetsacademy.com

Haulin Assets Academy Full Show Notes Haulin Assets T-shirts and More   This year has been better than last year, but we are still not where we want to be. Hopefully, things continue to gradually improve as the year goes on. Here is what July looked like. Total miles ran– 118,563 Deadhead miles– 9,649 Total revenue- $243,804.91 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.06 Haulin Assets realized another small profit of $10,342.41. That continues our profitability streak of 10 months, but cashflow is still negative and we talk about that a bit, including a big change to help alleviate some of the pressure that causes. Here are some areas of the P&L that we highlight. Factoring Fuel Repairs Taxes and licenses

What do peaches and the FMCSA Safety program have in common. You'll have to listen to find out, but I will tell you, understanding the low hanging fruit principle can help you stay out of hot water with the FMCSA. We cover a lot in this first episode of a two part series on the FMCSA Safety program. It can be tempting to neglect safety, especially when you are struggling to survive in a tough market. However, failing to manage your safety and your FMCSA scores can sink your company faster than low freight rates. Listen to the episode as Craig and I share some great tips when it comes to safety. What To Expect From Episode 160 BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front), If you want to have good CSA scores, be safe, maintain your vehicles, obey traffic laws, and don't break the hours of service rules. With that being said, we give a lot of tips about what the CSA scores are, how they are calculated, and some of the best practices to keep them low. Lower is better. Here is an outline of what we cover. What Are CSA Scores Most Motor Carriers receive scores in 7 Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, which wrapped up in a nice little acronym called BASICs. The categories are: Unsafe Driving 65% Crash Indicator 65% Hours-of-Service Compliance 65% Vehicle Maintenance 80% Controlled Substance 80% Hazardous Materials Compliance 80% Driver Fitness 80% Insurance and Other (This one isn't really scored, it's more like pass or fail) The percentages are the thresholds, we explain those during the episode. How You Get Your CSA Score The simple answer to this question is they come from interventions with the FMCSA/DOT Officers. Those can be anything from roadside inspections to an audit. Most inspections occur at Ports of Entry or because of an inspection that happens when a driver is pulled over for a moving violation or obvious vehicle maintenance issue. One of the biggest contributors to the number of inspections you get is your ISS Score (Inspection Selection System). You can check your score and a lot of other important things regarding your company's history with the FMCSA by logging into their system here. Understanding The Scoring System The scoring process is a bit complicated. I am going to over simplify it, but here is the general idea. Every time you are inspected your company receives a score. If there is a violation, you get bad points. If the inspection report is clean, you get good points. The formula the FMCSA uses basically divides the bad points by the good points. If you have more good points than bad, your resulting "measure" will be less than one. If you have more bad points than good points, your "measure" will be higher than one. Good inspections will give you more good points and lower your "measure". Your "measure" is then compared to all the other fleets that are roughly your same size. If you are right in the middle, meaning half the companies have a "measure" lower than yours and half the companies have a "measure" higher than yours, your BASIC score will be 50%. If you are in the top 10%, your score will be 10%, etc. Every BASIC has a threshold, if you are above the threshold you are going to be on the FMCSA's radar. You just became low hanging fruit, if you don't know what that means, listen to the episode. If you really want to nerd out and dive deep into the methodology and calculations, you can learn a lot by clicking on this link and reading the document. Understanding The Consequences Of Your CSA Scores There are several things that happen if your CSA Score exceeds the threshold. You are going to get a letter from the FMCSA saying you need to behave and do better Your ISS Score is going to increase and your are going to get inspected more, when that happens, most scores get even worse If your score stays elevated for a while or if you exceed the threshold in multiple categories, you are way more likely to be audited, that's when the fun really begins Most audits result in a Safety Rating, either Satisfactory, Conditional or Unsatisfactory. In part two of the series we will talk about what happens if you get a bad safety rating or if the FMCSA tells you that you need to complete Corrective Action Plan.

Haulin Assets Academy: https://www.haulinassetsacademy.com/ Motor Carrier HQ: https://www.motorcarrierhq.com/    This is a topic I wish I did not have to cover, but fraud in the trucking industry is going crazy right now and it is affecting all of us. Being dishonest is very short sided and will catch up with you in the long run. There is no place for dishonesty in the business world. In my opinion, fraud is one of the worst forms of dishonesty. What To Expect From Episode 159 Why is fraud so rampant right now? I have my theories that Craig and I discuss, but I think it stems from the tough market we are in. Here are some of the more common types of fraud that we talk about: Double brokered loads (We spend a lot of time on this one) Companies that pretend to be the FMCSA, DOT, IRS or State AgencyEmails from government entities should end with a .gov not .com Card skimmers New Entrant Audit scamsWatch out for these [email protected] [email protected] @fmcsa-gov.com @safer-usdot.com Being vigilant and skeptical is your best weapon. Here are some of the things we talk about watching out for: Formatting is off on the rate confirmation Rate confirmation is missing information, like your company name The logo looks blurred or otherwise messed up The rate is well above market rate Email addresses with a domain that does not match the companyGmail, Outlook, iÇloud, Yahoo, etc email domains are a big red flag New domains, you can check the domains age at https://www.whatsmydns.net/domain-age Verify everything, especially when working with someone for the first time Independent internet searchesCall the phone number you find independently, not the one on the paperwork they gave you Your factoring company Get a second opinion from someone you trust or someone who is an expert

Haulin Assets Academy: https://www.haulinassetsacademy.com/ I start off this episode ranting a bit about a couple of challenges I faced recently. One involved being dropped from a load that I think was completely unwarranted. The second situation was because of a strong oder in a trailer that wouldn't go away, even after a washout.  What To Expect From Episode 158 We are not where we want to be, but if you look at June of last year verse June of this year, we are in a much better spot. All the trucks are running. Here are the numbers: Total miles ran– 118,237 (The sitting truck was back working for about half the month) Deadhead miles– 8,806 (7.5%, Creeping up. I have expected this and explain why) Total revenue- $244, 523.12 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.07 (Drop from last month) Haulin Assets realized a profit of $23,521.93, that is the second best of the year. What has me even happier is that it is $46,983.01 better than last year when we had a loss of $23,461.08. We continue to extend our streak of being in the black, that makes me happy. If we continue to see profit through the summer I will continue to get more and more optimistic that the market is finally turning the corner. The P&L was pretty bland this month. Additionally, I explain why we were able to have a lower all-in rate-per-mile, but had a higher profit than last month.

Haulin Assets Academy: https://www.haulinassetsacademy.com/   Throughout my military, business ownership and corporate careers I have held many different types of leadership positions. I have lead groups with just a few people to groups with hundreds of people. I am a much better leader today than I was 20 years ago. I hope this episode will give you some things to think about so you have a leg up to becoming a better leader. Keep in mind that a great leader positively impacts an organization in ways that are immeasurable. Great leadership is a multiplier for your organization. What To Expect From Episode 157 Whether you are a single owner operator or the owner of a fleet of trucks, you are the leader of your trucking company. I want to share some of the things I have learned over the years about being a good leader. Some of the greatest leadership lessons I have learned came during difficult circumstances. Here are a few of the leadership experiences I have had that have helped me gain experience: Army Engineer Company Commander in Afghanistan, starting and running multiple businesses, running businesses in difficult times and learning how to lead at the Army's Sapper Leader Course under extreme hunger and fatigue. During this episode, Craig and I break down and expound on the following keys I feel like are imperative to being a good leader for your trucking company. Here they are: Provide good direction and guidanceGood company policies The type of drivers you hire How big of a company you will be Build a good cultureSafety How hard your drivers run How your drivers are treated Hiring process Be a servant leaderFind ways you can serve your drivers Find ways to give your drivers a win Be self-awareBe honest with yourself, change the things you do that cause problems Leadership is a life-long endeavor. You should always work on your leadership skills. Here are some ways I like hone my leadership skills. Read great books on leadership, here is a list of some of my favorites:Good to Great, Jim Collins Speed of Trust, Steven Start With Why, Simon Sinek BiographiesUlysses S Grant Alexander Hamilton Buffet: Making of an American Capitalist, by Roger Lowenstein Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson Be reflective Get feedback

This month is a really good indicator of what happens when you have a truck sitting for too long. We had a truck sit the entire month and the impact on the bottom line is pretty easy to calculate. Craig and I spend a few minutes of this episode showing the impact that a sitting truck has on your net income. It's a pretty interesting case study. Be sure to listen in. What To Expect From Episode 156 We took a step back this month. Largely because of the truck without a driver. Here are the numbers: Total miles ran– 109,840 (Lowest since September of last year) Deadhead miles– 7,578 (6.9%) Total revenue- $239,743.84 All-in rate-per-mile- $2.18 (Moving in the right direction, three months in a row of improvement) Haulin Assets realized another little profit of $4,688.82. This is a decrease from last month and we ended our streak of doubling every month. But, at least we extend our streak of being in the black. June of last year was the beginning of a really bad streak of losses, I am super interested to see what happens this June. I am crossing my fingers that we can keep the numbers in the black through the summer. That will be a win compared to last year. There were a few expenses to take note of on the P&L, here are the areas we dive a little deeper into: 5 Payrolls Tolls keep going up and up Fuel is 27% of revenue

We just completed our 2024 insurance renewal last month, so I thought this world be a good time to revisit the subject of insurance. It's been several years since we have taken a serious swing at the topic and high time we do it again. Especially since insurance is in the top 5 expenses for most trucking companies and a little savings on your insurance bill can go a long way towards improving your bottom line. What To Expect From Episode 155 Buying truck insurance is a pretty complicated and sophisticated purchase. The better you understand it, the better product and service you will receive and the better price you will pay. Understanding the players in the truck insurance world is step one in building your insurance knowledge. Craig and I start off the episode talking about the difference between insurance agents/agencies and insurance companies. We also discuss how many agents should you have giving you quotes. I typically recommend that you work with 2-3 agents, because that is usually enough to get you quotes from most, if not all of the major truck insurance companies. It's good to get an early start whether you are getting a quote for the first time or working on a renewal. I recommend you start gathering all the information needed for the agents giving you quotes around 60 days before your renewal. Here is what you will usually need to provide: A completed application, your agent can often take the information over the phone, fill it out and provide you a document to sign. Your equipment list with all your trucks and trailers listed along with their current values. The value you list is critical. Listen to the episode and I explain why. Driver list Loss runs Timing is critical. I recommend you have all the info your agent needs to get a quote to them at least 30 days before your policy expires so you get the quotes back in a timely manner. I also recommend you bind the new policy, that means making the down payment, at least 1 week before your policy ends. That ensures you don't miss out on any loads. About a week before your policy expires some shippers and brokers won't book loads with you because they see your policy is expiring and they want to see you have a new one in place first. How much your policy is going to cost depends on a lot of different factors. It really boils down to risk. We talk about some of the main risk factors that affect your pricing, to include: How long you have been in business How many claims you have had and how much has been paid out in the past Experience of your drivers Equipment values Where your home base is and where your truck(s) travel to Not all insurance policies are equal. Price is an important factor, but you also want to make sure you are getting adequate coverage for the type of operation you run. For example, if you have reefers, make sure you get reefer breakdown coverage. If you are hauling something super expensive, make sure your cargo insurance is high enough. If you haul HAZMAT make sure you have the right coverage at the right limits. A good agent who primarily does truck insurance will be able to help you through all of this. Don't work with an agent just because they are someone you know. If they don't regularly write truck insurance they can get you in a lot of trouble by not providing you the coverage you need.

We keep moving in the right direction, April 2024 Financials were better than March. If you remember I mentioned I would be happy if we can keep doubling our net income for 4-5 months. April is the third month in a row we have been able to do that. We start off the episode talking about the importance of being agile. If you aren't agile in this kind of a market, you are going to be hurting.  What To Expect From Episode 154 Even though we keep moving in the right direction, there is still a decent way to go. Here are the numbers:  Total miles ran– 113,066 (Lowest in a while, had a truck sitting for a while. Larry had to step a way from over the road for a while. He is a great driver, we’ll miss him) Deadhead miles– 7,551 (6.7%, slight increase) Total revenue- $241,614.25 (Decrease, for the number of miles, it’s an improvement) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.14 (Moving in the right direction) Haulin Assets realized another baby profit of $10,565.31. That is also 7 months in a row in the black. Here are some of the P&L items we discuss during this episode: Revenue was downRate per mile was up. Most expenses were pretty normal, but here are the exceptions:Bad debt Maintenance and repairs I did another CPM analysis and we went from $1.97 in October 2023 to $1.87 now

Independent Owner Operator verses Leased Owner Operator is a bit of a controversial topic because you get strong opinions on both sides of the argument. I think that is because being an independent Owner Operator is the right thing for some people, while leasing on to another company can be the right thing for someone else. In this Episode of Haulin Assets the Podcast, I want to talk about the pros and cons of both, along with the things you need to keep in mind and watch out for to help you make the decision for yourself. What To Expect From Episode 153 Let’s define each. Independent Owner Operator, just like the name implies, you are truly independent. You have your own DOT number, you own or lease the truck you drive, in most cases, you have your own Operating Authority (MC Number) with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Leased Owner Operators, own or lease a truck and operate under the authority of another motor carrier. Where things get confusing is the term leased is also used when leasing vehicles, think of that kind of lease as a long-term rental of the vehicle. That type of vehicle lease/rental is different the leasing on as an owner operator, they are two very different types of leases, but often happen at the same time between the same companies and can cause some very serious problems. We talk about that and why you have to be super careful in that type of situation. I'll put it this way, we don't recommend leasing or buying a truck directly from the motor carrier you are going to lease on to. Craig and I talk about why that is. There are pros and cons of both and we talk about each. Independent Owner Operator Pros Truly Independent Higher financial upside You get to decide the type of loads you haul Lots of tax benefits Investment control Strong sense of ownership Cons You have to find your own loads All responsibility falls on youBookkeeping Sales Maintenance Admin tasks MCHQ and Trackin Assets can help you navigate a lot of these Higher stress Takes more money to start Your insurance will likely be higher for the first year or two Isolation Unknown, unknowns  Leased Owner Operator Pros Many administrative tasks are handled for you You don’t have to find loads You will get some cost savings operating as part of a larger fleet Less financial risk Should have access to steady work Training and safety programs Great way to gain experience and use it as a stepping stone to becoming an independent OO Cons You sharing the profit with another carrier You’re working for someone else and have to follow their rules and do what they say, you lose control Some companies will take advantage of you You may be the low man on the totem pole Some contracts can be very restrictive Ownership transfer issues Other considerations Independent Owner Operator Fraud You'll need a bigger reserve of money Leased Owner Operator Talk to several owner operators who do work for the any company you are thinking about leasing on to Make sure you read through the entire lease agreement. Consider having an attorney review it. I know it costs money to do so, but it could save you money in the long run and prevent a lot of heartache. At Haulin Assets we don’t come down hard on either side of Independent O/O vs Leased O/O. We generally advise against lease to own. It’s not the subject of this episode so we won’t go into depth but things just seem to be more likely to go wrong with lease to own. The agreement is riskier, the lessees are generally not starting on a firm footing, and the lessors can have incentives for you to fail.Buy or lease your own truck, from somewhere other than the company you are leasing on tooDo your own truck registration/IRP plan (Another way they trap you) This will take a bit more money, but is a much safer way to do it, less likely to be taken advantage of

Although we saw a slight improvement, the March 2024 financials turned out to be more like February than I would have liked. Considering the extra payroll, it really could have been worse. Hopefully we continue to see improvement as the year goes on. What To Expect From Episode 152 Our trucks ran harder in March than they ever have, setting a new record for the most miles ran in a month. The high miles, however, weren't enough to give us a meaningful profit. Here is how things looked: Total miles ran– 130,151 (New Record) Deadhead miles– 7,615 (5.9%, about the same as last month) Total revenue- $261,567.02 (Better than last month, but not as good as January) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.01 (I would have liked to have seen a little better number, hopefully we do in April) Haulin Assets realized another baby profit of $4,199.19. That is double what we did in February, if we can double our net income every month for the rest of the year, I’ll be happy, okay, that's not realistic, even we can do it for the next 4 months would be fantastic.  There wasn't much in the P&L that really sticks out. The only thing outside of normal is an increase in fees for legal and professional services. That was mostly a payment to do the Haulin Assets taxes for 2023.

Who didn't like marshmallows when they were a kid and how do they relate to trucking? We'll try to answer that. Before we do, I want to rant a bit. I can't wait until I'm like Walmart and companies just have to do what I say, whether they like it or not. We talk about a new decision Walmart has made that affects us. To be honest, I can't argue with their logic, but I don't have to be happy about it. What To Expect From Episode 151 In 1972 psychologist Walter Michel of Stanford conducted a study on delayed gratification with some kids. It was called the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment. We talk about the experiment and how it relates to trucking, especially business ownership. The study largely focuses on self-control and willpower and how those two skills or traits have an impact on a person's ability to be successful. Listen to the episode as Craig and I talk about the study and how important those two skills or traits are. We also attempt to answer the questions whether those traits are something you are born with or can learn or develop as you age.  Here are some interesting additional readings about the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment. UCLA Anderson Review University of Colorado Boulder

Sign up for information about Haulin Assets Academy here: https://haulinassetsllc.com/2024/01/23/finding-loads-the-process-episode-146/ Check out Fuelstream here: https://www.fuelstreamservices.com/   Traditionally, February is the low point of the year for the trucking industry. If that is the case this year, we have reason to celebrate. Although we didn't rake in huge profits, we did a lot better than we did during the really tough period we had during the middle of last year. Before we jumped into the heart of this episode, Craig and I talked about two different situations we ran into recently. The first is about a frustrating receiver we regularly deliver to in the Miami area of Florida. The second is about a ruptured reefer fuel tank, that's a new one for me. What To Expect From Episode 150 The numbers this month are pretty bland, nothing to write home about, but what more do you expect in February? I am actually fairly pleased with how things turned out and I expect things to get better and better as the year goes on. Here are the numbers: Total miles ran– 114,044 (Lowest miles we have had in 5 months) Deadhead miles– 6,474 (5.7%, about the same as last month) Total revenue- $234,532.17 ($56,426 less than last month) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.06 (If this is the low point of the year, which I think it should be, I’ll be happy) Haulin Assets realized a baby profit of $2,046.87.  Here are the P&L items we talk about: Revenue A new expense category Fuel

Sign up for information about Haulin Assets Academy here: https://haulinassetsllc.com/2024/01/23/finding-loads-the-process-episode-146/   We start this episode off with a funny story about Cruella de Vil the truck, it makes for a good listen. Finding the right loads is one of the most important things to do well with your trucking company. It is also one of the most challenging. That is why I decided to do a series on the subject. This episode is going to wrap the series up and tie it all together with a neat little bow. If you have not listened to the previous three episodes, go back and listen to them first. As a reminder, they were: Episode 144, Finding Loads, They Systems I Use, Episode 146, Finding Loads, The Process, and Episode 148, Finding Loads, Relationships. What To Expect From Episode 149 The spot market, that mostly lives on load boards, has its purpose in the trucking industry. However.... if that is all you are using, you probably won't last long as a company and you definitely won't be as profitable as you could be. There is both a science and an art to find the best loads available. The the science is the systems, processes, and number crunching and art is the relationships and negotiation. We break down the science and art and talk about the following keys to success: The Science Having good systemsLoad board TMS File Storage Tracking weather Having a good processEarly to bed, early to rise, makes a dispatcher successful and wise Don't wait Be efficient Know your numbersVariable and total cost per mile Target rate per mile Revenue per day is as important as rate per mile The Art 80-20 Rule It's about relationships Where to find the best loads How to negotiate

If you want to hear about the worst experiences I have had with a repair shop, listen to this episode. All I can say is never take your truck to the Freightliner Northwest in the Seattle area. As time goes on, I get more and more comfortable dispatching. One of the best parts of dispatching is the relationships I have been able to build. Relationships is one of the biggest keys to being successful finding loads. What To Expect From Episode 148 Anyone can find loads, it is a lot more difficult to find loads that are profitable and keep drivers happy. The biggest difference between finding just any load and finding consistent, good paying loads is building good relationships. When I first started dispatching, I was getting all of my loads, that weren't direct shipper loads, off load boards. Last month I booked 41 loads through brokers, I only got 20 of them came from a load board. The other 21 were all via a few broker relationships where I was able to reach out directly to the broker and get a load before they had posted it. The meat and potatoes of this episode covers some of the things I have been doing to find and build those relationships. This may seem like a simple thing, but it's not easy. It takes time, commitment, compromise, and a good attitude. Doing it right can have one of the biggest positive impacts on your trucking company. Like many hard things, it's worth the time and commitment it takes. Being willing and able to do hard things is one of the biggest factors that separate the successful from the unsuccessful. THE CHECKLIST Whenever I book a load with a new broker I... Make sure I communicate well throughout the entire load Do everything they ask Follow through with what I commit to them Send a follow up email thanking them for the load. If I think they are someone I would want to do more business with, I follow up with a phone call: 5a. Try to guage if we are a good fit for each other. Common lane, are their rates good enough 5b. Make regular contact 5c. You might have to take a load that fills a need for them, but might not be the best for you

January was a good month, it seems like it has been a while since I have said that. It's also been a while since I have told a good "Chris is stupid story" from my adventures on the road. This episode starts with a good one. The silver lining is that it was a good learning lesson that shouldn't cause any serious harm. What To Expect From Episode 147 The last 4 months have been some of the hardest months of my career. They have been tiring and stressful, but it is so nice to see positive results and it is making all the sacrifices feel worth it. With that being said, we still have work to do. Like I said in the story I told at the beginning of this episode, we can't get complacent and we can't settle into a routine. If we continue to push, good things will happen. I feel like we need a drum roll. I'm really excited to share this month's numbers, so without further delay...... Total miles ran– 120,930 Deadhead miles– 6,347 (5.2%) Total revenue- $290,958.59 (New Record) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.40 (Best number we have seen since August of 2022) Haulin Assets realized a good profit of $59,546.22. Last month I said I was not going to feel good until I see our net profit number in the $50-60k range. I feel pretty good. We haven’t seen a number like that since the height of the market at the beginning of 2022, right before the crash started. I think we have made a muckle, at least for this month. Most of the expenses on the P&L were pretty in line with normal so we don't talk much about those. The only exception was fuel, which was only 24.3% of revenue. That is the best we have seen since the beginning of 2022. Hopefully, fuel stays relatively low and revenue stays high. We finish off the episode by talking about some of the changes happening that have produced good results.

This episode is jam packed with tips to help you find loads for your trucking company. We hone in on the process of finding and booking loads. We also start off this episode by introducing a new project I am working on that is going to be a game changer for many of you. It's called Haulin Assets Academy. It is an online, video based learning system that a team and I have developed to help you take your trucking education to a whole new level. Whether you have 1 truck or 20, Haulin Assets Academy is being built to take what I have learned over many years of trucking and condense those lessons learned into easy to digest modules that will help you sprint to a high level of success without losing your breath. You will be able to get to where you want to be faster, with a lot less headache. Stay tuned, Haulin Assets Academy will launch sometime in the next few months. What To Expect From Episode 146 Dispatching is not an easy job. It's busy, hectic and requires you to be detail oriented at a very high level. Having a well defined process and following it is critical to keeping your trucks rolling efficiently with high paying loads. One of the keys to success is starting your day early. Load boards see their highest level of activity between 0800-1100 Eastern Time Monday-Friday. Activity on load boards tend to see another uptick around 1500 (3:00 PM). You need to be up and glued to the load boards during those hours if you are looking for loads for a truck. Here are some of the other things we talk about: Staying ahead of the game Your company information Sending a driver out When to start looking for the next load Relationships Take notes Impact Tip Register for the Haulin Assets Academy email list. Go to haulinassetsllc.com and look for the popup on Episode 146's page.

Happy New Year!! I am so happy to kick 2023 to the curb. I am optimistic that we will see some good things happen in 2024. Regardless of what happens with the economy, I think the changes we are making will help Haulin Assets continue to improve and become stronger as a company. One thing I know for sure is that this challenging year has taught us lessons that will make us stronger and more profitable than we would have been otherwise. I hope you follow our journey and that some of the lessons we learn will be valuable for you too.  Craig and I start this episode off with a funny story about one of our drivers crossing a scale while pulling a reefer trailer full of bulk liquid totes.  What To Expect From Episode 145 This was another month that did not produce the results I was hoping for. On a good note, we were slightly in the black. Here are the numbers for December.  Total miles ran– 123,557 (315 more miles than last month, you can’t say we aren’t constant) Deadhead miles– 7,455 (5.1%) Total revenue- $268,143.84 (Second best ever) All-in rate-per-mile- $2.16 (One of the better all-in rates of the year, but still not where we need it to be) I am really happy with the total number of miles ran, total revenue and our all-in rate-per-mile is moving in the right direction. The net income did however disappoint me. This month Haulin Assets realized another small profit of $1,633.76. There were several contributing factors that kept us from better numbers. Here are some of the areas we dive a little deeper into: Bad debt Payroll Fuel compared to revenue Repairs, especially Truck 02, our only active truck that we bought used Tolls I also spend some time talking about a new goal I have regarding working with brokers. I have already seen some good benefits. Listen to the episode to find out what I am learning and what I am trying to do different that is bearing fruit.