Is it possible to make good money hauling containers (intermodal)?

Really, i have 2 trucks and looking to go for it. What could i expect as far as a headache?

 

Could you refer a few sources to get freight?

 

troubles to start with....
workload:
1. unless you are doing long loads you need atleast 2 to 3 loads to keep running.
2. rails and bad chassis lets say you book a load with a 6 am appointment your driver goes and pick it up at 3 and it has a flat tire, expired inspection or is not placed correctly.. now if is a small railyard you have to wait until the shop opens usually around 6.
3. csx requires a 10k bond cash
4. you have to drive, do paperwork and negotiate loads all at the same time unless you are driving overnight
5. driver is late (see #2) and the customer will not accept the load now you have a load that needs a new appointment and is taking space in your yard and screwing your plans.
6. insurance is expensive in this area.
I much rather take a paycut than deal with paperwork and the rest of bs that comes with that.
best place to get work from is jbhunt, swift, mode and hub the bond is not that high but they have plenty of work.

 

Im actually looking to pull from the port and my driver and i prefer 600 mile runs, doing just 2 loads a week a piece. Im just not sure what sources to use ro that. I spoke to chrobinson and them alone would be good enough im looking for other brokers to work with that handle port freight.

 

ohh ok I got that info for you too
chassis new one you can lease it for 20 to 30 dollars a day or you can buy one for less than 10k in good shape... have seen some 40ft for less than 5k in decent shape http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/...?Manu=&mdlx=Contains&Cond=All&CTRY=&ST=&LS=30
twic card is a most
port waiting is what set the pace for your day(if in a port location)
it should be easy to set up but talk to the steamship companies they have a load sheet and their pay per load.

 

I was told the steamship lines only deal with bigger reputable companies, didnt know that was an option. Also thanks gor the link.

 

I have worked for a few intermodal carriers as a driver and O/O. There are many considerations to think about.
1. Is the freight steady and year around?
2. How often do they pay?
3. What are the working conditions and moral within the company?
4. Are they user friendly towards there drivers?
5. Home time?
6. What is their market share of the industry in the surrounding area.
Some of the larger companies have greater benefits for their drivers and O/O's such as discounted insurance, and more opportunity to make good money.
With all of these considerations, don't shop companies by rates per mile or move only. It is always the bottom line of how you work, opportunities which you can use to improve your take home money each pay cycle.

 

Hey Ruckie, I live in Easton PA & was thinking of going over & checking out HUB. Are they any good

 

Hub is one of the biggest companies in the intermodal side, it has its drawbacks but just the fact that is elogs and I like the small business feeling I didn't go with them.

 

Anyone have experience with ASF out of their Columbus Ohio yard? thinking about getting into intermodal.