Is it possible to make good money hauling containers (intermodal)?

Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by Byrds Eye View, Sep 2, 2012.

  1. Byrds Eye View

    Byrds Eye View Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2011
    Fort Scott, KS
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    I have a chance to start working for an intermodal company in Kansas City. They go out 300 miles max and come right back. The guy told me it's possible to make $1600 a week. I've also heard it can tear up your truck. I have a 2004 Western Star. Can anyone give me some advice before I go any further with this? I mainly need to know if it's possible to make this kind of money and if it's hard on the truck. Thank you.
     
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  3. Real Deal

    Real Deal Medium Load Member

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    May 29, 2012
    Saint George UT
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    how much money is good money?
     
  4. catpwred

    catpwred Bobtail Member

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    Aug 21, 2007
    fair oaks,ca
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    my dad hauled containers for a guy out of oakland and made between 1000 and 1800 a week in 1 of the company trucks.he just bought his own truck and is goin to haul for him not sure what hes gettin for a weekly settlement hes hauled 1 load so far. next week should be a better gauge since he had to get all reg out of the way. not sure about it being hard on the truck he's told me its nice to have a shorter wb since the ports are tight. and he shortin up the over hang in the rear were the flaps and break lights are. didnt really hear the reason why he did it but its easy enough to find out if needed
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2012
  5. BigCheese

    BigCheese Medium Load Member

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    Sep 9, 2011
    CT
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    Can't tell you what an O/O is making a week but I can say that on the Company side the figures are pretty close. Unless the Ramp (rail yard) your pulling in and out of is dirt and full of pot holes I don't see how it would damage your truck any way different then pulling anything else. I've been puliing containers out of the Boston Ramp for 4 months now and see many O/O's in there and those that I have spoken to love it. Mainly cause thay are making good money and home alot.
     
  6. scottscj7

    scottscj7 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 3, 2012
    grand rapids,mi
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    there is great money to be made running intermodal and the bonus of being home everyday is important to me. As far as tearing the truck up i have not been anywhere that could damage the truck, the trucks you see all banged up running out of the railyards are a reflection of the driver operating it, not the condition of the operating enviornment.
     
  7. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Chattanooga, TN
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    As far as money goes it really depends on the company you a leased to and the yards. I have seen rates to the carriers increase. As far as good money, the carrier makes good money but is able to keep trucks filled with guys willing to work long hours for peanuts so they can be home nightly.

    There are some bad places out of KC but tearing stuff up even in the bad areas is an issue with drivers.
     
    Dump 6 axle- 35 and TokyoJones Thank this.
  8. Dice1

    Dice1 Road Train Member

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    Jul 1, 2011
    Bessemer City, NC
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    To answer your question, just look at the number of ragged out trucks that are poorly maintained should answer your question.....cheap heavy freight that tears up your truck and no pay for waiting time on crappy tires to fix on those container chassis.

    Good luck!
     
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  9. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    TN
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    No-one has answered this yet. Likely will never get a real breakdown. Doesn't matter, it's always the same answer. Running ragged for peanuts - but getting home a lot.
     
  10. flc120

    flc120 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 11, 2012
    Miami,FL (yeah i know :( )
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    i do it, i like it plus i love my nightly hometime, gives me time to hobby and bang bang bang....lol
     
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  11. bigjoel

    bigjoel Road Train Member

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    Jan 20, 2011
    Houston, Tx
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    Here in the Houston area, the Mexicans have pretty much taken over container hauling. The rates are very low, and they run some very junky equipment.

    Go down to Port of Houston, or Barbours Cut, and you will see them all day.
     
    bigbyrc, D.Tibbitt, alien4fish and 3 others Thank this.
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