DAT 360 Freight Match

Can anyone tell me about the rate listed in the Broker Spot Estimated All In Rate listed on the DAT 360 load board. Is that rate something you can expect to get close to when you call on the load? Or does it tend to be to high or to low. How close is it to reality when booking loads from that board?

 

So for example if the Spot Rate listed on a short load from Orlando, Fl to Jacksonville, Fl shows $458 its probably low? If bid higher then that "Broker Spot Rate" chances are I can do better?

 

rollin coal... I am in a unique situation in that I am working as a firefighter right now and was planning to start a trucking company upon retirement. I am currently driving part time locally but the income from that job knocked me into a higher tax bracket effectively wiping out benefit from working.

So I was thinking if the numbers work out I could start the company now and run a part time schedule. The unique part is that I have an income so if I make just enough to cover expenses Im ok because I benefit from the revenue by paying off equipment and not adding to my personal income. If it happens to actually make a decent amount of income Id be willing to take it as income so long as after taxes Im still making money.

This would allow me to pay off equipment so when I retire and run full time and really need the income my expenses would be lowered since Id have equipment paid off. When I review posted rates it seems that if I can get two loads loaded and unloaded a day I not only will cover expenses but it looks as though I could make a healthy profit despite the limited schedule. That is, of course if I can negotiate some of these posted rates upward. I am in central Florida and this market isnt exactly known for impressive rates.

I am hoping there are some O/Os operating Intra-State Florida or regionally that might have some real time input. As of right now the numbers look decent but Im a little worried to pull the trigger because I just dont know if two loads a day are possible. One load/day really just means more days of operation to break even but Id be more comfortable if two loads were possible

 

Well the good news is that I dont have to make a profit. But I would at least have to make all expenses. By paying off equipment but showing no taxable income I still would be gaining something for the future of the company. Right now Im driving for someone else to stay in the industry on some level and seeing the extra income wiped out on taxes. A break even as an O/O is actually a huge gain for me.