Busiest Cities for Linehaul work

Discussion in 'LTL and Local Delivery Trucking Forum' started by TheJU312, Aug 23, 2014.

  1. TheJU312

    TheJU312 Light Load Member

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    Hey what's up guys, I'm a long time reader of the truckers report threads but first time posting. I have a few questions regarding Linehaul/LTL work and moving.

    I'm in Chicago but strongly considering moving south to perhaps North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or anywhere warm. I know that I'd be leaving a great city for LTL but who could blame me considering the high cost of living and winter weather!

    Would someone be able to tell me what are the busiest linehaul/LTL cities or hubs that are south/southwest/southeast? Also what are the busiest times of the year for LTL companies?

    I'm particularly interested in specifically doing linehaul work for OD, Saia, Estes, FedEx Freight.

    Lastly, will I face some red tape applying for a LTL gig in a state I currently do not reside in? Any thoughts and help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I think Atlanta is one of the busiest places I've been through, if you could handle living there, that is. Louisville is pretty busy too. Good luck, remember, down south is not like up north. Winter sucks, but anytime I went down south, I couldn't wait to get back up north.
     
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  4. TheJU312

    TheJU312 Light Load Member

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    Thanks, semi. One of the reasons I didn't list Georgia was because I'd never be able to convince the MRS. To move to ATL. Perhaps savannah, but never Atlanta. Too many reasons to list resulting in a separate thread topic.
     
  5. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    If you wanna live in the Southwest I know ABF and OD have a lot of runs between Phoenix and Los Angeles area which is a pretty easy ride
     
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  6. TheJU312

    TheJU312 Light Load Member

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    So would I be able to position myself in either city? Preferably Phoenix since LA would be too rich for my blood. I here linehaul pays good, but so good to live in LA? :biggrin_2556:
     
  7. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

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    Louisville= ups

    Memphis=FedEx

    They are in those cities for a reason.

    Smack in the middle of all freight.
     
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  8. TomOfTx

    TomOfTx Road Train Member

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    Dallas/Fort Worth (LTL, Intermodal and distribution hub)
    Oklahoma City
    Houston (Major port city)
    San Antonio (USA to Mexico trade route)
    Little Rock
    Memphis (LTL, Intermodal and distribution hub)
    Nashville
    Knoxville
    Charlotte
    Atlanta (LTL, Intermodal and distribution hub)
    New Orleans (Major port city)
    Birmingham
    Jacksonville (Port city)
    Tampa (Port city)
    Miami (Major port city)

    Of the cities listed, Dallas/Fort Worth has one of the most diverse freight bases and a rapidly growing population. A lot of distribution centers in this area, and more being built. This is beneficial for LTL and private carrier work.
     
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  9. Oi!

    Oi! Road Train Member

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    Atlanta and Memphis would be top picks.
     
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  10. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    The guys that I was talking to were from Phoenix and ran nights over to Fontana and were put up in a decent hotel for their 10 hours break.. they worked for ABF and another guy works for OD and had been there 14 years. But Dallas or any of these other areas would probably be bigger markets for you
     
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  11. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    In this case, why don't you take a look at the websites for the companies you are interested in. It would NOT be a good idea to "relocate and look for a job." It would be a VERY GOOD idea to find a job, and then relocate. When you first move to an area, it can really suck in trying to find work. You don't have a network in place and you are on your own. Secure your job before you move, and you then have a network.
    Not at all. DOT law, requires you to have a CDL in your state of residence. So if you already have your IL CDL, it shouldn't be a big problem for you to get a CDL in whatever state you go to work in. Companies deal with this all the time.
     
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