Decision: Mercer or Landstar?

Discussion in 'Mercer' started by Bigdubber, Mar 9, 2014.

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Yep, I quit driving in September. Right now we're in China. Just returned from a high-speed train trip running 300kph. Sometimes we take the slow train on trips; dining car and sleeping companrtment with a picture window to view the scenery with some hot coffee. Is the little wife riding with you?
     
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  3. Bigdubber

    Bigdubber Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
    Colchester, VT
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    Could/would you elaborate on that? I've not seen/heard anything of this sort of issue with the two companies... just that one needs to have at least a year or two current experience as an OTR.

    Thanks and God bless.
     
  4. Bigdubber

    Bigdubber Light Load Member

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    Colchester, VT
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    So are y'all calling China "home" since you're now off the road?
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2014
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    We bought a house in Nevada and have a condo in Beijing. I love the Orient, cheap cost of living. Would rather live in Manila, Shanghai, Hainan Island or Shenzhen but the wife won't budge; has to be Beijing and Henderson/Las Vegas. The air is filthy in Beijing but clean in Hainan Island which is just like Hawaii. She wants to spend winters in Beijing and summers in Las Vegas. Our home is 10 minutes from the Las Vegas strip and the little Chinatown there. It's nice to have choices and not have to work a regular job anymore. Still some restrictions because I have a 12 and 7 year old.
     
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  6. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Chattanooga, TN
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    We run two flats and one step. And you are correct, we really don't focus on open deck. The drivers that I have doing this are VERY independent and do well that way. But someone coming in green to our company wouldn't do well.

    We do crush it on the dry van side, in my humble opinion. ;)
     
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  7. Bigdubber

    Bigdubber Light Load Member

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    Colchester, VT
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    Please forgive my "thick headedness" but could/would you clarify? Are you saying that y'all do better (freight and pay wise) on the dry van side vs the open deck?

    Thanks for your time and sharing your opinion(s).

    God bless and be safe out there.
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2014
  8. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    Almost There
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    Just the combination of new to flatbedding and new to being an owner operator. Some companies think that would be alot to cater to. Lot to learn becoming an owner operator and flatbedding. It used to be hard to get on with a flat bed company without flatbedding experience.

    But you should ask the recruter about this, I'm sure they will be honest with you at Mercer Recruting.
     
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  9. Bigdubber

    Bigdubber Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
    Colchester, VT
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    Maybe it would be wiser of me to go into this (staying with) pulling dry van for a spell (until I learn "the system"... ) then, if I still feel the call, I could make the switch to open deck??

    I sure appreciate y'all helping me think this thoroughly.

    God bless and be safe.
     
  10. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    Almost There
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    Either way, I look forward to seeing you overhere at Mercer.
     
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  11. Tweetskillet

    Tweetskillet Light Load Member

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    Mar 6, 2010
    Louisville, Ky
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    I have no flatbed experience and im coming over after spring break. But im gonna work for a contractor.
    Sure hope I pick this flatbedding thing up quick so I can concentrate on staying in good freight lanes.
     
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