Landstar

You can pick up an extra 7% or 8% with your own trailer at Landstar. After payments and maintenance it should still be worth buying your own trailer. There is usually little maintenance on a trailer. A used van can be purchased for a cheap price unless you buy new. You can find good used vans for $4,500-6,500. I don't see how making more money is ever "fools work."

 

Not saying used vans aren't cheap. But have you really looked at those $6,500 vans? Storage trailers with limited options to move them. We have found the deal now and again but $10-$13k is the starting range for a trailer that you will not have to put money into doors, bushings, pins, etc.

But to the point, $200k gross would add $14k to the truck at 7%. BAM! That is a trailer. Now add better paying loads, not chasing trailers and a significant reduction in trailer breakdowns and you are making more money on less work.

 

It has been a while since I looked at vans. I was thinking about buying about 2 or 3 years ago. There are still good buys around. Some are junk, but if you take your time you can often find a good deal. And you are right about paying for the cost in your first year. There are a couple of local trailer dealers where I have found decent trailers in that price range. Landstar also has a way for BCO's (owner operators) to buy trailers through their LCAPP program. If you have your own financing or cash you can sometimes find owner operators who are leaving the business or trading up to something newer who is willing to cut a deal. I believe that Landstar still has a classified section on their website where BCO's can list their equipment for sale. The Truckpaper also has individuals who list their equipment as does Craigslist. I have never bought anything off Craigslist, but have a couple of friends who have made several purchases through them. Like with any used equipment, you need to check it out carefully before buying. I have seen nice trucks and trailers where the owner recently spend thousands of dollars on repairs only to sell it a short time later. The trick is to not get in a hurry and buy the first thing that comes along. If I were looking for a van I would want to make sure that it had logistics posts. I have a friend who had a nice trailer that was ruined when he loaded some heavy rolls and it buldged out the sides when he didn't have logistics posts. It is worth paying a little extra for them.

 

You could not be further from the truth.

 

What?

 

I have a constant search on Craiglist for trucks and trailers. Bought a dry van for about $5k below low market value. Car dealer who didn't know what he had.

But for what we do I need a source that I trust and can call and say "I need 3 trailers" and know they will take care of me.

 

So enlighten us. What are the rate differences between drop and hook and live load? And I am saying that with some sarcasm but really would honestly like to hear how you are breaking away from industry norms. Far from the one to say it can't be done as we are doing it week after week.

 

The rate difference does no mean anything if, the time involved costs you from getting a schedule in place to work. You are selling time, the ideal is to get the most money for your time. It is like years ago I hauled a couple of loads of food city, and then for kroger, have not hauled anything for either since. In short it will be a cold day in hell.

 

We've personally got some very strong drop & hook rates Bill. It just varies by area. Our issue right now is, not a single person wants to run Dallas to San Antonio 2-3 days a week.

 

Well actually the rate does matter. I'm a numbers guy. And if in general you can get more gross on live loads plus an extra 7% there is a point that it is better to get paid to sit vs drive. I just haven't seen it in the market. Not saying its not available.