Hot markets.

What he said. Spot on. That's why I stick to my local area, I know the numbers. Sometimes you make out better on a 150mi run compared to a 350 mi run elsewhere

 

Personally I would not. This job can be really fun or really lousy. I will take average rates hauling what I like to where I like any day over great rates in places I don't like feeling like a fish out of water.

The good thing about this is you REALLY get to know certain areas. Every good shipper, every good parking spot, place to eat, tire shop, trooper hiding place, etc. The bad thing is that if you get set in your ways (like I have) you can get really screwed when you get out of your comfort zone.

 

Lo

Lol, ain’t that the truth!!

 

It’s all about what you want to do as an owner operator and what’s important for you. For me having a small fleet I have to chase the money. If I get complacent then I’m not going to make the money needed to pay everyone and be profitable too. It also sort of depends on where you are based in the country and how much home time you want as well. In the Midwest you can change things up a lot even within a 700 to 1000 mile radius. There is no way I would keep trucks repeatedly on the same lane if it was down and out. Right now there are areas of the country with crap rates and areas with near record rates. Up to you and your comfort zone I guess.

 

I wouldn’t want to be in your area right now personally. And remember... how many other thousands of ops are looking at the weather and staying put or heading opposite direction? That’s exactly where I would head.

Heck the NE had 25 to 1 load to truck the other day. It was nice considering it pays big money getting in. Gettin was good both ways.

 

Quit it MW. If he's doing good out there don't tempt him.

Lol

Seriously though, I'm super glad when I hear of somebody doing well out west. I've always loved the idea of making it work out there but I'm getting more and more lazy and comfortable here running the i81 corridor.

 

Hah I know it. I let that post sit for about 10 mins before deciding to hit post reply.

Nothing to see out here on this side of the country. lol