Finally got my own truck

@BoyWander a lot of these problems would go away with a different trailer.

 

You are working WAY too hard, and WAY too CHEAP.

You will figure it out soon, or die trying. There is a better way to earn a good living at this. Hauling broker loads for free, or logistics loads for "direct shippers" for $2.00 per mile is not the answer.

 

DOES anyone have an answer, even a hint? everyone seems to know the wrong way, noone mentions the "right" way....

 

Tanker companies prefer mid roofs.

 

Ya, I think most require a mid roof so you can clear any overhead pipes at many facilities.

 

I spoke with him a time or two last week. Booking a load with what appears to be a "good posted rate" without asking for any fine details is a big no, no. Loads with posted rates like that are typically a lot of BS. Booking any load without getting details is a no, no.

What I advised he do was to give that load back to the broker and tell them this is not what they were advertising nor selling as a posted 1 pick 1 drop that actually had 3 drops. What they did was very underhanded. Basically they lied. So that contract was null and void. They do this because they hope they get someone who will just take a problem load they have been trying to cover all day and that carrier will just do it. Luckily they found him. I told him give it back and if they begged him then tell them more money $1,350 at a minimum or shove it up their ###.

They came back begging with only an extra $100. He took it. I'm sure he left money on the table. This is on my lanes. I know of this shipper. That said, I'm not knocking him for it. However I will point out this as a fine example is the difference between having no truck payment and having $800 a week truck payment. The pressure to make that payment will make you leave money on the table.

I told him the way he is running now was a good way to run a couple of months ago when freight and rates were scarce. He was doing it then and pulling it off as well as anyone. But now is the time to be patient in that market. Running like two months ago is not how to run there now. But the pressure of that payment is a lot. Something for any wannabe to consider before signing up for a brand new truck and trailer. Also, you can lead a horse to the water but you can't make him drink.

 

Maybe, maybe not. Running off the spot market with a flat is not all wine and roses either. It's easier to get better rates for sure, but not everyone wants to put the effort in required for open deck work.

This is my opinion from this thread. The OP seems to really think that churning out the miles is the way to go. Miles are important, but the rate per mile is more important. There is a balance between the two that there is no one size fits all. He needs to find that balance, as well as the patience to hold out for better rates.

I can see his desperation in his posts, I can only imagine the desperation that a broker picks up on over the phone.

 

I would have told them to shove that water up their aces.

 

Idk man, while nothing is easy in trucking, in my experience flat rates on the spot market average 50% better. And its banker hours (with the rare exception) so you get a shower every day and sleep more than 3 hours a night. But even reefer makes it so much easier to get a solid rate. Just ask @rollin coal

Either way, i think its clear the op is in way over his head at this point, and is the poster child for a guy that could really benefit by leasing to a good solid owner operator company like landstar, mercer, bennett, etc. A good 3 years or so learning lanes and dealing with agents while under a carriers umbrella would put him so far ahead of the spot market game if he wanted to strike out on his own later. As it is now, im not so sure he will still be trucking in 3 years.

 

Dude I'm pulling for you and your thread is awesome. I will say it takes some balls to admit you went a week without a shower, but come on man, they ain't no reason to go that long out there. Do everyone a favor and Wash yo ###!!! I have always a found a good hot shower does something for your moral.