03/11/2022
THIS PIECE IS BORROWED AND TWEAKED.
THESE ARE NOT OUR COSTS SPECIFICALLY, JUST SOME INSIGHT AND PERHAPS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
For those complaining about transport costs lately (especially those who act as though we’re trying to take advantage of them, or we’re being greedy or we’re simply undeserving of such an amount) —
Economics of Livestock Transport
Average cost of fuel $5.75/ gallon
Average fuel economy 9 mpg
Average speed 65 mph
Cost of fuel per hour $41.53
DEF $2.99/gallon
12 hours of driving per day approximately $513.36
Average truck payment $1200
Average insurance $1200
Average trailer payments $1200
Equipment total $3600
Daily equipment cost $120
Avg cost of feed/hay $19*2
Avg cost of meals/snacks on the road $75*2
Avg cost of hotel $120
Daily cost of meals and lodging $308
Daily COST of operating transport service $924
This doesn’t allow for much profit..
No compensation for time, skill, patience, or care... No consideration for maintenance and repairs…No consideration for depreciation of equipment.
I have heard some people making demeaning statements such as, “They chose this business, so quit complaining,” or “Do something else/get a different job”etc. There’s truth in this—We did choose this business. And we invested completely. AND I love what we do (mostly.) I enjoy interacting with the animals in our care (more than some people.🤣) I take pride in being conscientious with all cargo in our care and take the responsibility of ensuring safe transport very seriously. Additionally, we’ve invested much time and effort into cultivating personal relationships with our clients and being compassionate, fair and helpful. Although I don’t like the state of the economy and the effects on my profession, this isn’t a political rant. I’m certainly not asking for a government bail out! It’s not my wish to complain, but rather provide another perspective and encourage everyone to simply be KIND or more empathetic. Few people are or will be unaffected by the state of the economy. Like it or not, we’re all in this together. We didn’t want to raise our prices, and actually held out— at our personal expense— as long as we could. Our rate increase is about being able to continue providing a quality service in a business we love. It’s about survival, not greed!
Bobby & Kimberly Davis
2D Livestock Hauling LLC