Is it picking back up?

With no benefits?

 

So, we don't get many full loads. I'm oftentimes running around making multiple pickups and therefore multiple deliveries. I don't think most car haulers are doing this.

 

You are selling yourself short. You get with the right company at the right location and you won’t look back at your current gig. With 2 years hauling cars you should be able to walk in to the right location and company and make $2,000 a week running one or two stop loads. I am sure your truck owner treats you good, but no benefits and $1,000 a week isn’t good long term.

 

I hear that. I guess I've stuck around because he treats me like a partner in the business. Except for one other driver, the business is basically him and I. I see the dispatch sheets and I hear the hassle of dealing with flaky brokers.

We've not been doing this a very long time, so while we've developed some rapport with a few brokers, we don't have any dedicated runs yet

Last week, I got into a 9 car Peterbuilt that he bought last year. It's in good shape, and after the heavy chunk of cash he just invested into fixing up the trailer, it's looking good. The idea is that this will allow us both to make more money, and it will be much easier for me to load and unload.

Having worked for big companies like McLane and Sysco already, I think one of the things I've enjoyed most about working for an owner is the freedom from corporate garbage.

Idon't have a camera watching me all day. I don't get a "coaching" in my employee inbox if I move the truck without my belt on, and I tell the customers when I'll be in their neighborhood.

Pros and cons though. Truth is, I think I've made more money than my owner in the past twelve months. Insurance is extortion and the boards are full of large vehicles wanting to be moved for small monies.

 

It’s not about how much you make in a week, month, year. It’s how much you make in an hour. Unless you’re running local, my advice to you is the same. Don’t sell yourself short!

 

Back when I ran that kind of freight (on that trailer) it was because it paid MORE than straight loads.

I've actually grossed out a 5309 AND kept the axles legal. Well, once anyways! Thing I hated about that trailer was having to move every deck on the trailer to get anything other than #9 on/off the trailer. But you could put some big loads on them, no doubt.

 

As long as you are happy that is really all that matters. What one person likes may be totally different than the next.

 

I can only imagine your boss is more grateful than you lol.

 

Will anyone admit to hauling this cheap overflow crap from these large carriers or do they just put it out here to suppress rates ?

 

don't see anybody talking about the icy loading dangers.

know a couple of drivers who got some serious injuries falling from those trailers.