How to make money in the reefer business

Knowing how to make money in this biz can be difficult,but it comes down to each individual and the research that they do too be successful.

Step 1 clean and good equipment(no junk trailers).

Step 2 knowing your seasons (produce).

Step 3 knowing truck densities,how many trucks your competing against in a particular area.

Step 4 is rates ,now rates vary greatly.Usually later in the week means more money (cali esp).From past experience i'll sit 1 day to make an extra 1000.00 to 1500.00 more. Running a team seems to be the most sought after, i list my truck TEAM EXPEDITE and make sure they pay for it.

Step 5 is the hard part because we have to deal with brokers finding brokers that wont screw you is difficult,never start a relationship hauling cheap freight you get tagged and will regret it! Some companies that label you are CHR, TQL, i have friends that work in these places thus i do work for them, in 7 years i have hauled only 30 loads from tql but only for large sums of money. Patience, i cant stress how important this is in selecting a load. Just because the load pays well going out or back add the total miles and tolls and your fuel minus out your gross = net my min is 700.00 per day no matter what. Example last week drove 2436 miles in 5 days home and back with gross of 7850.00 with 2 of the loads from CHR how about that! Now we are running loads that pay 1700 to 2000 for 220 -320 miles . So this can be done with time and patience.

I have had 2 claims and with do diligence you can win any claim i have won both my claims both were fraud. One thing to remember is most of the places you go to have cameras these can be your friend and the recorders in the truck. There position is critical knowing were they are and what they are up against ie;(pallet of iced broccoli or any item iced down). Rapping thermal paper around iced items is always wise. Also any leafy type produce that can freeze easily should be rapped at the top to protect from freezing especially the tall ones closer to the chute. Also any produce at the rear should be protected by wrap or plastic its there were its the coldest. Also lets the receiver know you care about their product and less of a chance of a claim.

Step 6 dealing with the brokers now and again you will no doubt will run into situations that will light your fire and piss you off believe me this happened to me recently and to a broker i do few loads for. Got stuck at a dock for 24 hours had freedom to come and go. Patience prevailed got payed 800.00 to sit for 24 hrs was within my 700.00 per day quota no problem i'm sure this doesn't happen to everyone but most will try to make it up to you sometime. Reputable brokers are a must to survive especially if you can't take a hit to your money supply. Factoring is far as i am concerned is a waste of money.Choose brokers wisely research them before hauling there load. Ask questions and yes you can modify any contract.

Hope this helps REMEMBER CHEAP FREIGHT HURTS US ALL!!!! ESPECIALLY YOU

 

yes me and the wife average 700 plus per day. We are really picky about the loads we haul. Weight is the biggest factor, haul light, less fuel, less wear and tear on truck