hauling reefers

I would have to administer the test to myself, random drug test for company owner LOL.

 

When I first started, I dragged a reefer fro a few months. A few years later, when I had a moment where I lost lucidity, I dragged another one. I have no desire to pull a trailer with its own fuel tank or doors on the back, thankyouverymuch.

 

Two things that I read that worry me, or make me think:
1) the lack of intelligence, or understanding, and even open mindedness, among so many new and present drivers or wannabe drivers regarding the need for improvement of conditions for drivers in general
2) the state of the profession as reported by so many older and experienced drivers, noting how bad things really are...

I enjoy driving and know to do what I would like will take a year or two to do what I don't like... as far as driving goes. I have owned my own businesses for 25 years and only once worked for someone else. So I tend to open my mouth and have opinions alot.

If my current business were not being decimated by the #### economy, I would not drive. I make very good money, call my own time, do what I want when I want, and get to ride my motorcycle often... driving will take all that away.

But, I also enjoy driving and if necessary can do that and what it takes to get where I want driving, which is a good local or dedicated job that will have me home while making good money. So we'll see. For some, like me, the economy will dictate what I have to do. I lost everything I had in life at the age of 53 by divorce and diseaster... starting life over at this age, in these times, ########## sucks. Ya do what ya gotta do.

You hiring?

 

My post was relating my personal opinion and my opinion only. The last time I dragged a reefer was in 1996. After that I went back to flatbed/stepdeck freight and later auto transport. I just don't have the patience/mindset for the reefer world. Oh, I can do it, and do it well, but I have no desire to.

He was asking for opinions and, like others, I gave him mine.

 

Single truck O/O's with authority have to follow the same regulations as other carriers . You'd need a driver's file with copies of long form physical , MVR with annual updates , inquiries to past employers , and more including belonging to a random drug pool . You can sign up with a company that will pool you with other drivers for $100 a year or less . Some drivers told me their county health department provides this service .

 

I pulled 45%Reefer 45% Dry Van 10%flatbed. So I really do not care what type of trailer I pull, each has something about them I enjoy.

On here the Forum your going to see 2 different stories alot. After reading everyone else post, I knew mine would be different. This based on my experience and what goes on. Some people just do not like reefers, and think nobody else should also. I enjoy pulling them. Yes you will be going to more Grocery warehouses, and with good planning you can work the long waits into your favor.

Reefer? I have pulled them and would do it again. Different strokes different folks. Not much difference in trying to sleep with the reefer running and the truck idealing. In time, most cases short time, you get use to it. In fact I sleep better with the humming of a reefer.

Running odd hours? None different than pulling a Dry Van or a flatbed.

Stopping to check the load? Some cases they have equipment in the cab of the truck you can watch the temps of the reefer. Flatbed has to stop more and walk around and check each strap, can not do that while going down the road.

With a reefer, if they can not get you a reefer load they can get you a Dry Load. (Flexibility) Dry Van, Flatbeds may have sit waiting on a load to come available.

Flatbed you will be expose to the weather more, try tarp a load in heavy winds, pouring rain, snow or extreme heat. Then having to tarp loads that really should not be tarped. (Example They load you from product outside and they unload you and set it out side.) You suppose to stop and check your securements after the first 20 miles and every 150 to 200 miles meaning you have to check every strap or chain.

Pay per mile average to the truck Flatbed About 2.30 with FSC reefer pays 2.13 with fsc, Dry Van 2.01 with the FSC.

Getting started pulling a reefer, can be good. Trainer to teach you the in and outs of the problems that can arise, learn to operate the units, and what to do when things goes wrong with it.

But yes the complaints mentioned in earlier post, these things do happen, but also with Dry Vans, and FLATBEDs.

No matter you have to keep a clear mind, look at both sides or the full story, not half. No matter which type of trailer, thee are advantages and dis-advantages. Some people can tolerate them differently. I look at the positives and not worry about the negs. None are a rose garden, it all what you make of it.

 

I've pulled reefer for about a year now and the waits are sometimes long but as for buying and selling pallets i only had to buy once in cali and sell once (gave away) in OR. And for reefers if your a light sleeper and that thing kicks on it will wake ya..But after a hard day of driving you'll prolly pass out anyhow
I dont mind it and for some reason i kinda prefer driving reefers now. and the way i look at it you dont have to just pull reefer loads your load window is larger..

GL

 

20 years naaaa I will be just warming up then.All though if I cant find a newer truck later on with a CAT then I will retire.

 

Dont forget less dead headin too. I had to get a load of swingin meat with one dang thats hard to load on a flatbed.

 

Dang it man look at all the quotes we are getting on this one.They think we are being real about this.