I've been planning for over a year, getting everything situated and in line. I've had my authority since 2010, but only used on the farm for our own loads. It has taken me over a month to get everything I needed to switch over to for hire, IRP plates, insurance, etc. Booked my first load for Monday. Will be pulling a flatbed. I think I did OK, load about 15 miles from home, it's about a 100 mile round trip, for $650. Just wanted to get a couple of short hauls in to make sure I have everything lined out. Trying to stay regional. Would like to be within 300 miles of home.
I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions from everyone while I've been trying to get rolling.
I've been trying to shoot for $3.00/mile all miles. Keeping an eye on Truckstop, it seems doable at the moment. I don't want to be below $2.20/mile all miles. I figure I can take the law of averages into account. Where is everyone else running? For me, calculating all miles I think will work better, as there is quite a bit of short haul work around me, or loads without a backhaul home.
Made the jump and booked my 1st load
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by W Bench Farms, Feb 27, 2021.
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Vampire, God prefers Diesels and Speed_Drums Thank this.
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Yep, same day drop. Load at 9am, should be home by 2pm. Best part is I need to make a drive pretty close to the drop off for some parts. Win for me.
Working on booking Tuesday load at $2.88. 267 mile round trip. Plus tolls. Same day load and drop.Speed_Drums, bad-luck and OldeSkool Thank this. -
I don’t run off load board so not real familiar with it, but if you figure round trip like that, I think it’s a smart move. I read another guy on here that does that. That way it’s good if you can find a back haul, but even if you dead head home you haven’t don’t too bad.
It seems there’s two ways people run. Some try to stay loaded as much as possible, others aren’t afraid to run empty quite a bit and get better paying loads. If I was to run off a load board, I would be trying the same thing you’re doing. Good luck!!!!Brettj3876, feldsforever, InTooDeep and 2 others Thank this. -
You have exactly the right idea.
If you really want to make more money I find it best to just stay out even with short hauls. I say this because the best loads don't always bring you back to your house. You may go one direction to pick up and go another direction to deliver and then go back out the other way and then pick up another load that takes you back home.
Sometimes you can crisscross your house with loads but I find it best to just follow the money.
What area are you in?Last edited: Feb 27, 2021
Accidental Trucker, Dave_in_AZ and OldeSkool Thank this. -
Good Luck, please keep us updated with your progress.
OldeSkool Thanks this. -
30 miles south of Youngstown, 30 miles north of Steubenville, and 10 miles north/west of East Liverpool.Coffey, Speed_Drums and Dino soar Thank this. -
Congrats! I’d probably pull a van but it’s great your up and running. That’s a huge first step.
Coffey, 86scotty, Cat sdp and 1 other person Thank this. -
I will run for a little less if I'm ready to go home.InTooDeep and Dave_in_AZ Thank this. -
I'll probably try to find a good deal on a van once I put some cash in the bank. Probably try it out next winter, or when the rates flip.
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