mercer transportation

Think it would be a bad idea to run my new work lights into the old wiring for back light? Or should i just run a new toggle switch for it lol.

Edit: I have 1 Toggle for Dump valve. my 2nd Toggle will be for OD. Don't really wanna drill another hole but eh if i got to so be it lol

 

As long as you aren't overloading the circuit it will be fine. I assume you are talking about the two lights in the back of the cab and not the wiring for the single back up lamp at the rear of the frame.

 

If you are considering Mercer, please do yourself a favor and invest the time necessary to read through this thread from the beginning. It will take you a while, but it is well worth it and will give you a great overview and big-picture perspective as you ponder your next steps. I just finished. It took a while, but I am glad that I read it from the beginning. Thanks to @spyder7723 , @mtoo, @CJndaTruck, @TruckerPete1990 and so many others who have contributed.

 

After reading through the entire thread, I have a few questions.

1)I live near Knoxville, TN. Is this a good area for Mercer? (I believe I noticed a reference in the thread to an agent here.)

2)More specifically, from time to time I could see myself being interested in doing the type of shorter work @spyder7723 does in Florida. Would this general area/region support that strategy very well in the Mercer system?

3)It is mentioned several times in the thread that a step deck can often be more difficult to keep busy than a flat (especially in the winter). Having pulled both, and having pulled a double drop more than either, my personal preference would be a step. In various other threads where "step vs. flat" is debated, those who prefer step decks often note that there are very few flat bed loads (sheetrock comes to mind) that cannot be hauled on a step deck if you use load levelers. In the Mercer system, what are some examples of specific loads or shippers where a step wouldn't be an option. I am just trying to quantify to some extent how much I might limit myself with a step. (I totally understand the "everyone and their brother has one so they don't command the premium necessary to justify the additional cost" argument, and it makes sense to me in that context. However, I just prefer to work with and pull a step so I might be wiling to pay a bit more to satisfy that personal preference--within reason of course. I also want to have the option to be legal in areas where laws make a common spread axle setup illegal, so I would lean toward a sliding axle step deck setup.)

I am sorry for the long winded post, but I am hopeful that you all can give me some good feedback. Thanks in advance!

 

I've pulled both here by far flat is better for me , shorter deadhead miles, more freight, less cost. While you can pull flat freight on a step some times with levelers sometime not . It pays the same. Except step only freight sometimes pays more.that area is not bad I live in Atlanta and do alot off southern stuff , but make my money in the winter on 80 where the snowbirds aint.good luck

 

I think that would be $11.

 

Thanks. Can you think of any specific examples where they just will not put flatbed freight on a step? I am just trying to understand that a little better. For example, if a particular shipper close to me (Alcoa in Alcoa, TN for example) refuses to load a step, that would be relevant to me in particular in the context of getting a load when leaving the house. Likewise, a regular receiver of freight in my area that requires a flatbed only for deliveries might be relevant. I know there are a lot of variables, but I'm sure you understand what I am getting at.

 

Knox is a fine area. There are shorter runs in that area but FL, TX and West coast are all a lil different just the way they are setup. You can pull more localized freight out of Knox but it might not be like Spyder has been doing.

As for flat vrs step? I've never pulled a step here so I will leave you with what @Bucktrucker said. I can think of a few customers that need flats due to the loading dock. I also know some that needed steps for the same reason. But many/most loads are listed as Step or Flat.

Best of luck to you.

 

Auto lifts in Louisville pay very well but won't load a step. There's more just can't think right off.

 

I will just add a tidbit that might be relevant to anyone looking into Mercer. I am (potentially) interested in hauling a specialized freight that Mercer doesn't currently get involved with. I asked the recruiter about it and inquired whether I would be able to discuss it with their agents in the relevant areas. He not only encouraged me to do that, but he also provided me with their contact information. He also gave me some history regarding several of the Mercer agents, many of whom were with Mercer as long-term employees prior to becoming agents. I was just impressed with the openness. I had a pleasant interaction with not only the recruiter, but also with the agents to whom I spoke. I'm not certain how I will personally choose to proceed, but I would definitely offer positive comments about my interactions with Mercer thus far.