A VERY HONEST OR SINCERE ANSWERS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by SUPERFASTSALEEN, May 26, 2020.

  1. SUPERFASTSALEEN

    SUPERFASTSALEEN Bobtail Member

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    May 20, 2020
    Mc Farland CA
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    Ok folks. Pretty much for all the folks that been doing flatbed for quite some time already. How do you guys see the flatbed industry for this year and of course for the near future as well, considering COVID-19 still here? I understand only God knows for sure what will happen(if you're a believer) but experienced humans tend too have a very good idea of what might be coming or how the road ahead might look...Im thinking about buying my own flatbed, but honestly Im a little hesitant about the current and future economic situation. Thank you fellows.
     
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  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    A little more info would probably help. Running spot market or direct customer? Leased to someone or own authority?
     
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  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    Flatbed season is just starting. Shippers/recievers are opened back up. The rates have been coming up a little bit, but still a bloodbath on the spot market. Ive been real busy this month . Trying to carry that momentum into the peak of flatbed season. Who knows what the future holds . Ya cant win if ya dont play
     
  5. DrFlush

    DrFlush Road Train Member

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    Upstate NY
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    I personally think the rest of this year is going to be pretty bad for open deck, but, if you can weather the storm, this is probably a really good time to pick up used equipment cheap. I'm leased to a mid size carrier so our direct freight is low but there is money to be made, spot market is pretty bad.
     
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  6. zinita17601

    zinita17601 Road Train Member

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    lancaster pa
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    Been running the spot market since january,maybe im down 10/20% on gross income but still making money.
    Just changed where i like to operate and runing more empty miles,fuel is cheap so that helps a lot.
     
  7. cke

    cke Road Train Member

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    Colfax Wi
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    Running local 99 percent direct ship doing very well.
     
  8. SUPERFASTSALEEN

    SUPERFASTSALEEN Bobtail Member

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    May 20, 2020
    Mc Farland CA
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    THANK YOU FOLKS. YOU GUYS ARE FANTASTIC... AHHH IM JUST GONNA PULL THE TRIGGER WITH A FLAT BED, WORSE COME TO WORSE ILL JUST SELL IT AND GO BACK TO DRY VAN...
     
  9. Gliding ProStar

    Gliding ProStar Heavy Load Member

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    Waxahachie, Texas
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    If you do decide to pull the trigger and grab yourself a flatbed dont let the rates scare you right off the bat, It is always a little hard when you are changing your operation especially from a van to open deck. If you can afford to haul some crappy freight for just a little while I think you will be able to put yourself into a better situation by finding a direct customer or two or maybe even a good, honest broker that will pass loads your way. I am not saying all of the freight is crappy. You may have to haul a junk load to get to a better load. Just make sure to hold up your end of the bargain with being on time and delivering their freight damage-free. These two items are paramount to establishing yourself in the open deck market. There are plenty of shippers and honest brokers out there who are dying to find a good, reliable carrier to haul their freight and not have to put up with the hassle of a less-than-suitable one.

    I always tell people who are making a change that you should be financially prepared for 45-60 days of work. If you have to factor a few loads to cover fuel and a few expenses that is no big deal in my opinion. The economy has put alot of owner operators in some very tough positions and I have no problem using my factoring company. I consider my factoring company a special tool from Snap-On or Matco in my tool box, Its nice to have it even though you dont always need it. As our economy improves our rates will get better.
     
  10. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Try to reserve cash for a used gear package. A spot market flatbed has to have atleast a couple grand worth of securement equipment and tarps to stay moving. I had approx 3000lbs of gear on the truck.
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2020
    brianv31 and SUPERFASTSALEEN Thank this.
  11. SUPERFASTSALEEN

    SUPERFASTSALEEN Bobtail Member

    15
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    May 20, 2020
    Mc Farland CA
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    Thank you my man, very wise and humble opinion. Your advice is taken to heart, and I greatly appreciate your time. God bless!!
     
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