CRST Malone, maybe they're having a bad year, or maybe they are just bad

I don't really want to disrespect them, but they do operate as if they are the primary concern here, believe it or not, a good part of our entire economy has to do with how smoothly freight moves. We don't need negotiators involved, we need simply supply and demand to do it's work. If Truck drivers and shippers had a much more direct link, it would do the whole country some good. People who are number hungry can really lose track of the true purpose of their job, and that's to be a productive part of society. It's hard enough to be a productive member of American society as the spirit is decayin. add in that doing what the people who have power over you want you to do is actually supportive to the decay more than working to change it, then you feel like you are working to build hell. The design is a failure, and it needs to be changed, a reality that exists in all corners of the way or country operates.

 

If you want to give me $1.30/ mile that's fine, actually I'll feel good about that because the majority of what I deliver is either goin to create more freight, or going to be used to build a world where people can live comfortably without more freight, I'm fine with that too, let's build a jellystone park big enough for many people to live in year round, and I'll bring my guitar to the camp fire when its done, we won't need an economy in that lifestyle will we? However, so long as people making 100k a year are using those resources to build 5,000 square meter homes instead of family oriented neighborhoods, then we need freight to keep moving as much as possible. If you DO pay me $1.30/ mile, I'm going to need 3,500 miles per week tho , and I'll be happy to help you hellians build your big fancy homes, where only people who reject everyone without money can live. So that at least I can create a balance by helping those who are building for peace, and sustainability, by investing my money in the kind of neighborhood where families meet families, and neighbors are friends. Even if that means I have to invest in a different country.

 

I could make it on much less than that once I get my filipina sweetie here with me and don't have to worry about paying for her immigration anymore, and proving my income is high enough to support her as part of that. I'd even make it on much MUCH less than that if the Philippines would allow ME to immigrate and get an $8/day job. As long as I had enough dough to buy a sustainable home (to make up for not having heritage in that country) I'd be ok with $8/ day. However, while going to the Philippines is an easy task, being allowed to legally work there on a low paying job is a whole other story. Life has no balance for me.

 

Its not worth the risk for me, if what you're saying is true, then it is still a fragile situation as the more people doing that, the less freight per person. I'm not really trying to express that I hate Malone here, or that other drivers should stay away, but you've made it very clear that the are specific things, in detail that drivers must do, aND that allowing a fleet manager manage you is a poor option. So, with that in mind, the value of leasing as a flatbed driver just isn't there. If every driver followed your example, you'd lose too because those loads you're talking about would get devoured. The supply of otr flatbed drivers is just too great now, and the demand is down. I will do you all the favor of getting out.

 

I'm crossing my fingers for a local job I've seen that pays $520/ wk and you only work 6-8 hours 4 days. Also flatbed, I'll be making more than my current average.