The journey begins - purchased a truck.

I'll give you my 2 cents since you've never pulled a flat. Rent a trailer for a couple of months. Make sure you like pulling a flat, make sure you can do the work involved, and make sure you know what features you want your trailer to have. I would only buy a new trailer when you do pull the trigger unless you find a steal like you did with your truck. Pricing on decent used trailers is crazy. As far as the percentage that LS takes, you have the right mindset for sure. I averaged $2.50 per odometer mile last year, after Landstar's cut. I know too many authority holders that can't come close to that, especially here in FL.

 

Congratulations Blair, I hope it works well for you

 

Way to go, Blair, and congratulations! Some terrific responses in here, I'm learning as I enjoy your post. I bought an '08 Columbia 1 1/2 years ago, and haven't had one moment of second thoughts or regrets. I'm sure you'll be pleased with your choice, and the results of all your work. Best to you. And Gretchen. I admit to only a bit of jealousy.

 

I sincerely hope that this does NOT mean that you and Gretchen didn't discuss it and come to a mutual decision on it????????

 

I have a buddy leased to Landstar, he started with them pulling a van, but switched to flat, said the rates he's been getting isn't much higher than when he was pulling a van, but agree with just renting at first (flat), winter is here, and you may find pulling a flat is something you don't want to do, if you do pull a flat, there are some things you will need to get before heading out, straps, equipment bar, edge protectors, chains and binders, some scrap padding, and tarps

 

Congrats on the truck! Ima bout to jump the gun soon, probably early or mid next year. Looks really good for what year it is. How long did that detail take? 10 hrs at least.

 

... and gloves...

... lots of gloves...

 

The heartbreak of osteoporosis, sorry to hear it.