Freight hauling increased by 5.7 percent in 2005.   Projections for 2006 are for at least 
5.5 percent increase.   Because of tighter restrictions on drivers by insurance companies,  the driver pool is shrinking.  Large fleets have trucks parked because they do not have drivers.  This void will be filled with owner operators just as it has been in the past two years.  The work is available to the independent  contractor and the competition for the independent operator grows and so do the rates for this way to move freight.  Fuel adjustment is far above the actual  fuel cost increase.   People are buying the goodies regardless of the increased prices of getting goodies to the shelf. A total of 3.3 million trucks were in service in late 2005, an increase of 180,000 trucks over 2004.   All independent operators.  There has never before been this great an opportunity for the independent operator. Freight tonnage is up .06 percent in January over December.  
Think about that. First time in history that January beat December. 

Buying now is important.  New truck manufacturers have orders for new trucks enough - to fill their manufacturing capacity for the entire year.  Why?  The 07 engine standards for emissions.  Everyone is trying to beat the 07 engine because is will be 7 to 10 thousand more dollars,  it is unproven and considered under tested thus more unreliable,  it will use more fuel,  and it will introduce a new expensive maintenance item called a soot filter that will filter soot from the exhaust.  What all this means is that used trucks with the proven engines will be at a premium.  It always follows that the new engine price increase will cause used trucks to increase a proportionate amount   Now is the time to buy.  The closer we get to the end of the year the higher will be the competition for the present engined trucks.  By the way this effects all brands of engines.  These new engines demand the new more expensive low sulfur diesel that will be appearing at the pumps.  The present engines will not need this more expensive fuel.

Trivia points interesting to drivers:  
Who sells the most engines?    

                 There is no question about the opportunity for independent contractors.   The freight is there.   The freight rate is the best it has been ever.  The trucks will never be 
less money.  Buying now is smart.  Click here to apply today!
Truck sales are strong.  New truck sales in  2005  the second highest ever.   252, 793.

Who sold the most?   
Class 8 truck sales volumes by percentage.

• Freightliner	25.9 %
  International	14.8 %
  Mack	13.9%
  Sterling	7.2%
  Volvo	11.1%
  Kenworth	12.3%
  Peterbilt	13.5%
  All others	1.3%

• New truck sales mean more trade ins.  Very good used trucks are available in a never ending variety of styles models and cosmetic decor.  Click here  to see our wide selection of trucks

• The economy remains at an accelerated pace.  Sales are strong.  Trucks are busy.

• New diesel specs for low sulfur fuels (ULSF) in '07 and new engine emission specs make buying a used truck now a smart choice.  The new engines will use more fuel and will experience a period of testing to work out the bugs.  Smart buyers will let someone else do the testing.  Current engines are very good.

• We all know we need better and bigger highways.  More lanes,  wider,  less pot holes,  new surfaces, better snow removal, more rest areas----  The list goes on and on.   But, how do we pay for all these improvements?   Here are the two most discussed options. Which do you favor?     First,  more Toll roads. Second,  increase the fuel tax at the pump.  We dislike the toll road approach.  Owner Operators find it harder to get reimbursed for tolls than for fuel taxes.   Less paperwork is involved.  No new bureaucracy is created to divert money to officials and toll booth operators' pockets.  The fuel tax is easy to pay with the necessary bureaucracy already in place so all of the increase can be spent on roads.   What do you think?  Click on our website and tell us your side.  After all, you are the truckers.  It's your highway.  It's your money.  Click here to tell us what you think!

• Trucking is great.   Become an owner operator and get that independent feeling.  After all,  86% of the freight is moved by owner operators.  It's much more rewarding, both in money and satisfaction, to drive your own truck.  We will help you with everything.  We know the business,  freight companies, government regulations, permits, profitable self management,  insurance and any other matters pertaining to the trucking industry that you need to know.  The whole nine yards.  Give us a chance.  We work for the independent operator not for the big guys.   We work for you.