Long haul OTR O/O

There are lots of angles to consider. We are based in Eastern Iowa. In our area, it is possible to get premium rates to go to the East Coast (1000-1500 miles). Loads from the Northeast to anywhere don't pay well. So you work your way back in stages. Find a load from the NE to Western NY, Western PA, or Ohio. This way you limit the number of miles at a low rate and reposition yourself in a better area. Good paying loads are usually available from NE Ohio to Iowa, but if you can't find anything you can always load to Chicago/Northern IN. There are always good loads from Chicago/Northern IN to Iowa. Running this way has a few advantages. Usually, you end up with more miles/revenue at a similar RPM. It is usually easier to limit the percentage of empty miles. Lastly, when you are running shorthaul (like rollincoal trying to get 5-8 loads per week), one detention situation or under utilized day can really limit the revenue you secure for the week.

A couple important notes...we are mostly an open deck company. Flatbed rates are not quite as affected by length of haul. We do use a similar strategy for our van trucks that go to the East Coast, but it doesn't work out quite as well.

We have trucks that run shorthaul (2-3 loads per day), regional (5-8 trips per week), and long haul (3-4 trips per week). Just because I feel there are ways to make long haul work, does not mean I think it is the best way to operate.

 

You do have to be selective and careful with the shorthaul stuff because most of it is not "load it, run straight thru, then deliver ASAP". If you pick up a 200 mile load and have more than 6-8 hours in it by the time you're empty you lose. Taking a 10 hr break under that load makes it a loser. The only way you take a break under that load is if you finished one or two loads before picking it up in late afternoon or at night.

 

I would forget about seeing the country. Make sure making money is your number one priority. If you can make $800/day without leaving time, why do so?

If you are pulling open deck, you should definitely be able to make money running regionally. I don't know van rates as well. I would have to assume you could with the amount of manufacturing done in your area.

Are you planning to lease on to a carrier?

 

Hello All!! I have been a company driver for a lil over a year now and I was interested in being an O/O. Does anyone have any advice for me? I was planning to lease a truck from KLLM and cant really find any negative reviews about them on here. ANy and all opinions are greatly appreciated!! Thanx!

 

Why do you want to be an L/O? Do you think you will make more money than you do as a company driver? Have you considered the huge risks you are taking for the small (if any) increase in earnings? My advice would be that you take you time. Save some money. Get some more experience. When you have $10K in the bank you can start thinking about BUYING a truck if you still think that is your best move.

 

My ultimate goal is to start a small fleet. I want to be a lease operator with a walk away lease first just to get a taste of the business side and not really lose anything if its not all its cracked up to be. I have a couple thousand in the bank to fall back on if it doesnt pan out....

 

It is generally an expensive way to get that taste. Why not stay a company driver for 2-3 more years and continue to build that start up cash? You will learn very little as a L/O that you wouldn't learn as a company driver. There is a good chance you will lose what you have saved if you go the L/O route. I haven't read of many L/O deals where drivers make more than they would have as a company driver.