Good Flatbed or Stepdeck Rates

We evidently aren't talking about the same people...

 

I was just wondering whatbsome of the best step deck companies are?any info would be helpful thanks.

 

I was actually thanking about landstar, I live very close to one of their offices. Plus it seems like they have a pretty good setup for finding loads. Anyway I work hard and like to run about the same , peace.

 

So what your saying is if you need to get all new computers for your office and you do some shopping around at lets say three different stores. Store a is selling the computer for $1200, store b for $1300 and store c for $1325. Now keep in mind that in your eyes these three computers from different stores are exactly the same. So what you are saying is that you would buy from the store that is selling the computer for $1325?

That senario is no different than what the vast majority of shippers see as far as trucking companys are concerned. They look at it as "why should I give company x more money to do the exact same thing as company w." It is no different than what you do for your day to day operation than what they do, or what I do.

The only thing that you and I hope is that company x will some how urinate the customer off and they will agree to pay company w(you or I) more in hopes that with a higher price that they will get the service they want.

 

I was looking at some of the loads posted on one of the "FREE" load boards and the rates were just too cheap...

NC, Armour TO OH, Williamsburg ........571 Miles........... $850.00........... ($1.49/mile)
NC, Armour TO OH, Canton...................622 Miles........... $750.00............ ($1.20/mile)
NC, Armour TO KY, Erlanger..................638 Miles........... $775.00............ ($1.21/mile)
NC, Armour TO OH, Canton....................622 Miles........... $760.00............ ($1.22/mile)

Are these normal rates out of NC?

 

Considering that I'm very computer savvy, chances are that the three computers aren't exactly alike...and I'd probably go with the middle priced one based on specs.

Have you looked at the load to truck ratio coming out of Ohio right now? There's 196 loads for every ONE truck. It's like anything going INTO Memphis.

 

I see both sides here, with one exception.
We aren't selling computers, or anything else for that matter.
All we as drivers, provide, is service. This leaves too many variables open to compare it to computer shopping etc IMHO.
Empty weight, attitude of drivers, type of trailer, deck height, on time pickup and delivery, no damage, not parking in their driveway at night and having them wake you up just to get in the gate, and so on, all matter to customers.
Granted they wont pay double just to see your smiling face, but most will pay a premium for a hassle free transaction. I know we get more $$ than the competition at times when we turn up, due to most of the guys here not getting stressed when stuff goes wrong.
Weighs more than they thought? We'll deal with that.
A small piece needs a tarp draped over it? We can do that.
Machine wont start? Not a biggie we'll wait.
Wrong attachment on the machine and it needs to be changed? No problem, got coffee?
So on and so forth.
The above examples are NOT taking it up the rear, they are providing good service to a customer. Sure they pay extra at the end most of the time, but when the stuff happens, it isn't a yelling match from some stressed out driver who thinks the world is against him/her. I haul for companies that ask for me by name due to my attitude. It sure as hell isn't my shiny new truck, thats for sure
I know I have bought stuff where it didn't go smoothly. But it is the employees attitude that will either make me never go back, or be a repeat customer.

Martin

 

There's your problem, you are looking at "free" load boards. And the majority of guys who use free load boards are broke and going under or just too cheap to pay. Hence the loads are basically being shipped for FREE as well. The saddest part is those loads will get gobbled up by those above mentioned drivers.

 

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