Since there isn't an intermodal section in the occupation specific section, I figured I would start a thread for intermodal drivers running out of the Norfolk ports for discussion. (I apologize in advance if this would be better suited in a different section).
I run under my own authority and so far it has been decent. Not making a killing but daily home time and regular freight is nice. The ports can be a pain for sure but nothing a little planning and patience can't handle. I would like to talk to other drivers running under there own authority, specifically if they work with one broker or several.
Norfolk-Intermodal Discussion
Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by GreenHorn777, Dec 24, 2013.
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I am very interested in doing this myself. Could you answer a few questions for me?
What is required to pull intermodal freight under your own authority (beyond what is required for van/flat)? Is there any additional expense? Cargo limits?
Is it all brokers that you work for?
Is it difficult to stay busy or find loads?
Is there any money/work running the rail, or do you only run the ports?
I am sure that it varies from region to region (I am near Phila), but could you give me a range of what you think an o/o could make after fuel?
Your help will be greatly appreciated!Last edited: Dec 24, 2013
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very few run under their own authority pulling cans
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I hope that helps a little and I am happy to answer any questions I can. I am also hoping to learn more from this thread and connect with other Norfolk drivers to gain more knowledge.Classic97 Thanks this. -
Thank you for answering each of my questions.
I have been looking for information on running intermodal as a mc, but I have found very little.
I am in a (family) situation that it is best for me to not be gone for days at a time. I have pulled intermodal freight before (mainly rails, some port), and this may be a good fit for me. So, more questions:
With this company that acts as your broker, how are you dispatched/ how do you find loads?
Do you negotiate rates for each load?
Do you receive detention pay?
What limits do you carry for cargo ins?
If I understand you correctly, pulling intermodal loads with authority is about finding intermodal broker(s) or a company that can act as a broker. Is this correct?
To the best of my knowledge, in this area (phila), there is no negotiation with companies that o/os lease on to. Most here pay 70%.
It also seems to me, and correct me if I am wrong about this, but most or all of this freight come from brokers. So being leased on to a carrier means that the load first came from (at least one) broker, then to the mc, then to the leased on o/o.
So if the broker takes (20%?), and the mc takes 30% of the remaining 80%, that doesn't leave very much. -
Im happy to help with any info I can and I am always interested in learning more about the subject. I hope this thread can achieve both.
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There is a way to get to the freight.
A guy that I knew here in Philly had a connection at the pier. I don't know what department the family member worked in, but he has all the freight he wants from the port. He has opened up a few satellite offices now. His biggest problem is finding more owner operators (to take advantage of- he's a shady character)...
I have heard that other drivers pay someone to actually pull the freight from the pier. Are you familiar with how this works? Anytime that I went to the port, we just got our load and left.
Right now, I am looking into the insurance for my authority. I am probably about 6 months away, so I want to get my expenses in order. Even with the research that I have done, I can't really figure what I will make, leased on or with my authority. So, we'll see what happens.
Hope you had a good, safe holiday. -
Also, in my research, I came across a guy that that also is doing this with his authority. He is an i/c for J.B. Hunt and for CSX. He said that he also had another mc that would broker him freight if needed, but I think he mainly hauls for the other two.
Like you, he said that he has no problem staying busy, and he is happy with what he is making.
If I can go the authority route, I think I will do something similar.
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