Broker just quoted me $1.115 / mile

When you are in a typically lower paying area for freight and don't feel that you can afford to sit for a better paying load you may consider doing some shorter runs staying in the state or region while you try to find something that pays a decent rate. For instance, if you are sitting in Texas you may check out loads that stay in Texas or run up to Oklahoma or into Louisiana. Those loads can pay a higher rate than longer runs, especially those heading back east. You might also think about LTL freight to boost rates. You can sometimes find LTL freight that pays the same or nearly the same rate as some of the TL rates in some poor freight rate areas. I would also take the rates posted for specific lanes with a grain of salt. Unless a shipper or broker submits those rates they are not included in the averages. And they are ONLY average rates that are posted. There are always those who offer higher rates. You only need to be willing to make the effort to find them. If you can't get the rate you need then be willing to deadhead out of the area. If you cannot afford to deadhead from a bad area then you went in with a rate that is too cheap. If you want better rates then you need to be willing to turn down cheap loads and deadhead out, if necessary. Things can change one owner and one truck at a time. The cheap freight haulers can't haul all the freight from these bad areas.

 

That's how a buddy of mine runs TX. Gets there and rolls intrastate for decent rates til the interstate load with a better rate comes up. Anyone thinking of doing this in TX take note you need TX intrastate authority which is relatively easy and painless to get.

 

Texas intrastate authority runs $200, which is almost as expensive as interstate authority.

 

That one was on Bill he said it wasn't too much. If a guy's figuring on doing a lots of spot into Texas I'd think it would be a must have. You can make it work down there in some areas doing shorthauls. I went down there once on a good contract load, actually the first load I ever hauled with Bill's company. I'll never go back with a dry van. Texas is cool and all with the independent spirit but they can do like CA and fall into the gulf of mexico for all I care when it comes to dry van rates.

 

Texas can be a bit strange to haul freight. Sometimes, you can go to Houston and get right out with a decent rate. Go a different time and the truck stops will be full with hundreds of empty trucks trying to find a load. You can usually still run back and forth to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. In fact, at one time you could stay in that general area and earn a good living if you wanted. Even running those lanes can be difficult at times. It can be a matter of finding the right brokers, agents or shippers who can keep you busy. Most owners only want to get back out of Texas as quickly as possible and that contributes to the low rates and sometimes lack of available freight coming out of Texas. It is especially problematic if you want to head back east. There usually seems to be a good amount of Canadian freight and loads heading or staying in the western part of the country most any time you want to head into the state.

 

I believe that Texas authority is the most expensive intrastate authority, but if you plan on running intrastate in the state, then you will need their authority. It would not take too long to get your money back if you run a few loads, but it is still on the high side. Their over size permits can also be pricey compared to a number of other states. I haul into Texas a fair amount and a permit that costs $31 in Georgia will cost $210 in Texas. If you want to do business in the state you have no choice but to pay the price. You just build the extra costs into your haul rate.

 

Why would some one haul for this Landstar Broker out of TX for $1.20/mile going north east where there is no good freight to begin with. Please see the attachment

 

More than likely the load is double or triple brokered with the rate being that low. With that low of a rate you would come out better by deadheading out to find a load. Some agents are lazy and only work with other brokers and third party logistics companies rather then knocking on doors and finding their own direct shippers. It isn't just a problem with Landstar, most other major carriers do the same thing. If that is all you can get from them then you are better off finding your own direct shippers.

 

Real simple people.....Don't haul cheap freight....

 

At 3000 lbs, it could be ltl. Why would a driver take a cheaper rate from an agent when another has the same load paying more? I see it everyday.