If I were you I would reconsider running team. I am there as an O/O right now, thinking of leaving. Problem with solo is the delivery windows, they are too far out. I can't get the miles in I need to make this work. And I am not looking for allot, 2000 to 2500 would be nice in a five day period, and I DO NOT need to be home every weekend. And it is not because they do not have freight, they have plenty considering the economy. More than enough to keep me busy. It's just those damn delivery windows.

The team couples I have run into are getting some miles, and seemed to be happy with the situation. I mean, we are out here to make money, no? And I said I would never work for Schneider too. Look at me now!

As far as Schneider as a company, other than their delivery windows, I have no complaints. They have not lied to me or done anything that I would consider rude or stupid. Very nice people to work with. And I really hate to leave, I actually like it here. But the bottom line is $$$$$.

Just my .02

Mike

Are you on Choice or the mileage program Waterloo

The Choice program. The rates are decent enough, but if you can only get in 1 or 2 loads a week (5 days)? I need to talk with them about this, but so far my attempts at changing schedules have been fruitless.

And I can understand under certain situations with appointment times, that is not my gripe. But when you have a drop n hook situation, and sit for a day or two and cannot drop, that is a problem. I can live with their rules and the QualComm, but the scheduling is very frustrating and hurting my ability to make money.

Mike

those Washbash A series can be tough: -need a fair sized locking pliers and a hammer. Rack it up a few times, tension with the locking pliers, rack it up again, tension, then tap the one that is sticking. The multipuller thing is fairly useless and isn't used anymore.

99.9% of SNI trailers have the satellite tracking and inside camera now. -There is no more chasing down trailers. Finding one empty on a lot -yes.

They say team freight is way down. Probably better as a solo.

And let me say this, regarding loads in a week, so no one misunderstands. Yes, they have short runs that are same day or next day. But, the rates really are not there for the majority of them. It may look good per mile, some up to $6 a mile. But when all is said and done, you only make $200 a day or less, that is not worth my time and wear and tear on my truck.

Under normal situations, $1000 a day would be my goal. But, with the economy, I am shooting for $500 a day net. Well, that is not happening. And do the math, $500 a day on my 5 day week is $2500 a week. I don't think that is to much to ask for. Hell, I would be happy with with $2 grand a week or even $1800. I really don't see it happening. And it is not for a lack of freight.

Mike

In regards to the team freight, I wouldn't know, but would expect it to slow a bit after all of the Christmas deliveries. Wish I had a crystal ball. But, some freight is loosening up according to some of my friends with different outfits.

Mike

Mike, when you say you are shooting for $500 a day "net" do you mean after all expenses? Or do you mean "gross" - before expenses?

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Waterloo you have some good infomation thank you. I have been researching becoming an O/O but haven't taken the plunge yet. SNI choice program sounded like a good deal but sounds as if way to many loads w/ miles have to long of delievery windows.....Maybe something they could improve on hopefully it will work out better for you in the coming months. If you lease on w/ a company like SNI, do you use their insurance or have to obtain your own?

$500 a day NET. But I ain't greedy. If I could average $400 a day right now I would be happy. And when I say average, I am cost averaging out over say a month based on 20 days, the other ten are left for resets and time off.

So far I have averaged less than $200 a day net. And that includes taking out my advances, repair escrow account and one truck service. Fuel is not in that figure nor is insurance. I used to make more as a company driver and home every night.

I really don't see myself being here much longer at these rates, or should I say windows.

Mike

Well, I can see why they have the long windows, but I figured it could be worked around. It doesn't look like it though, at least not on a regular basis. And less than a grand a week take home, ain't cutting it either. I figured two grand a week, and I would be fine. But like I said, I do not see it happening, even with a good economy over here.

As far as insurance, I pay for my tractor and bobtail, nothing weird, same as any other outfit. I have an escrow account for repairs at 9% a week. And there workmans comp, but the rate is reasonable, $163 a week or month, I forget. The QualComm is no charge all the way around, don't cost me a dime. And the usual $1000 escrow at $50 a week until paid in full. That is about it. The cost burden Schneider lays on you is not bad. It is less than running under my own authority by a long shot.

But, the bottom line, less than $200 a day, not good.

Mike