Looking for advise. Am I Crazy?

I have read some of the truckers on here who flatbed complaining about getting stuck in areas with no loads going out unless they do it for almost free. Also can you afford the winter months when flatbedding is in short demand?

Having weekends off may cut into what you make in the long run. If you are just picking up loads to where ever with no consistency, I would imagine it is just like any other company, you get home when you get home. Are there any other companies in the area that do flatbed work who would have a dedicated route you can get on?

Does the 250 miles get you back home during the week?

 

Why do you have your own insurance if you are leased to a carrier ? I didn't even know you could do it that way.

 

I run regional for a local flatbed co., but they have 48 state authority. I run under my own authority and do well but on occasion will run a short run in the Saturday morning. I'm in the So. Cali area where flat bedding is in demand at the moment. You find politics(favortism) just about anywhere you go. YOU have to establish yourself to providing Quality service to be recognize before you get the better paying loads. Owners ops sometimes get to comfortable at a certain company and believe they get the cream of the crop for there seniority at that company and then slack off with there service, and then the New owner op shows up given it 110% and does well. In my honest opinion, I go with the flow, keep my mouth shut and provide the service. You have to go with the good and bad at times BUT if I keep getting pushed with the low paying loads(usually the contract loads) I will stay home. Eventually(a day later) I will get back in the picture(They got the message).

 

Knowing where freight is and having customers that will use you are two different things. There is also the possibility of working MORE just trying to keep the customers happy and using you. Line up the freight and the rates, and if it works for you, file for your authority.

 

I don't know anything about what you posted, I am just gonna say you are crazy

 

Being Minnesota based but less famaliar with flatbed stuff, I'd predict it difficult to do what you're asking. Easier this time of year but darn tough come December in Minnesota. I do know a guy who does exactly what you want to do but he has been at it for 25 years and gets by(didnt say getting rich) gets by.

I've found the more one self limits oneself in this industry the harder it is to get top notch rates. Good luck in whatever yu choose.