Skateboardman,
I don't know anything about running out of the ports. The only people I talk to run out of Memphis and West Memphis rail yards. Its all computerized so there isn't a lot of waiting. I have talked to owner operators from various intermodal companies, and they all seem to be in the same range. Settlements average between $1500 and $2000 a week after deductions for fuel, insurance, qualcomm, escrow, etc. Most of them run about 2000-2500 miles a week, a majority of drop and hook. The man who does multi-stop loads goes to different distribution centers and makes $50 per stop. Sometimes he has 5 stops on his trailer, so it can really add up if you pull several of those a week.
I know which companies are more likely to pull heavy loads, and I am still just trying to evaluate my options. I know I could make a decent living do it with the right outfit, and since I pulled multi stop furniture loads, I don't mind taking those type loads that pay better. I wouldn't even consider pulling out of the ports if I had to wait all day.
I run across the same trucks everyday running between Jackson, Ms and Jackson, Tn and you can set a clock by the trucks I see pulling containers going back and forth.
Opportunity Knocks: Should I Become an Intermodal Owner Operator?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by philjo, Feb 2, 2012.
Page 3 of 3
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
If you don't do it you will regret it later and if by chance you can't make it work you won't regret it that you tried.
SHC Thanks this. -
my humble opinion is go for it.I live 120 miles west of Baltimore and I see a lot of nice tractors pulling containers and rail trailers out of and into Baltimore Newark Nj and Norfolk Va. Why some think intermodal tractors are junk I will never understand.I know several container haulers and they all seem to have money and nice homes and vehicles. Many years ago I pulled containers and made a very good living as a matter of fact I paid 5 grand for a tractor ran it a year and had to overhaul it that was in 1992 I think Overhaul was 84 hundred dollars and I had the cash to pay for it. also had a non working wife and two kids cars motorcycles and what have youand still made a hundred grand to the truck. Give it a try
TmGM Thanks this. -
i pull from baltimore,md to columbus,oh and with my FSC im making 1.70 a mile and im home all but 1 night a week.
-
hey redneck75 what company are you pulling for? are they decent ?
-
Sounds good
-
Go for it. Like u said put some money aside for repair every check and u will be good. Ive been in intermodal for 6 years o/0 for 4 it has been difficult when fuel prices were 5 bucks but if ur smart u can survive and u can't go wrong if ur a beginner, some people might discourage u but try not to pay any attn to them, if ur a hard worker pretty much self oriented u will survive trust me I've been there, afraid of getting a truck and go into intermodal but like I said before, it's the best way to start. Ur truck brakes down ur not far from home to fix it some companies offer fuel card, plates, ins, ext... So u don't have to put money up front an that's even better. Don't get me wrong but u will not get rich or drive a ferrarI not even In 10 years driving one truck in intermodal but u will make more than if u would be a driver and u will make a descent living depends on ur personal expenses. Im thinking about testing new waters but that's only to move up and try to make more money. If that doesn't work out I cal always come back I'm only 28 plenty of driving in front of me. Hope that helps
RubyEagle, Mooseontheloose and TmGM Thank this. -
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 3 of 3