Is it still acceptable to use chain/strap hybrid to secure heavy equipment?

Who makes it a fact? You?

 

Here's my current load, 5 pallets that weigh #17k. Of course it can go on any open deck trailer including a hot shot so according to you, I should be running it at the rate a hot shotter should be running it for just because it could fit on one of those trailers? What am I missing????

 

Backhaul is a term that describes a trucker getting screwed. Example...I haul a load of lumber from Yreka to L.A. After I unload I call a broker and he says "I have a load of roofing from Compton to Weed but it's a back haul rate." Meaning he wants it hauled for a whole hell of a lot less than a carrier from L.A. would charge to take it up there.
"It'll pay for your fuel!" I've actually had them tell me that but never more than once.
My reply would be, "keep your roofing, keep your penny pinching back haul bs, and I'll run home empty before I work for peanuts."
There's also "winter rates." The rock companies are famous for that. In the winter when most of the dump trucks are parked they'll offer work at cut rate prices 'cause they know guys are starving. "Winter rates, boys. We'll take care of you next summer when things pick up."
Yeah, right.

 

Very good explanation.

 

“I’m going home either way: if you pay me my price your freight can go too”

 

Exactly right. I can tell you right to the penny what it costs to bring my trucks home empty. Stack that up against the expenses for a low paying load, a driver on overtime, delay time on either end that kills the southbound lumber or local hourly work for the next day.
A friend of mine hauls two loads of finished pine molding to L.A. every week. He's been doing it for over twenty years...same product, same customers, and it pays real well. Ask him about backhauls and he just laughs. When he gets empty in L.A. he decks his trailer and heads north. Once in a great while he'll pick up something if he knows it pays and it won't interfere with the southbound loads...maybe once or twice a year.
Now, everybody says that running empty is a prescription for failure. He owns a 23 Pete, paid for the day he drove it off the dealer's lot, his wife drives an Escalade, he gets a new F250 every few years. He owns a pleasant home and his kids all went to college. Good colleges, too.
Two loads, every week, and no screwing around with backhauls.

 

A few years ago we got rid of our dry vans and reefers. Not having to deal with brokers any more did wonders for my blood pressure.

 

Oil field is king of the back haul rate