The art and theory of deadheading. Thoughts and Opinions.

In a perfect World Yes......

Who's paying $1200 from Chicago to Columbus? (353 miles)
Who's Paying $600 from Indy to Chicago? (140 miles)

Direct Spot Freight Maybe- aint No Broker or Contract freight Paying that much- I've Yet to see a Broker pay more than $900 from Chicago to Columbus For a standard Dry Box

 

Granted I'm a flat and one had 3 deliveries but his numbers are under what I got off the board this round. So far this week no tarp and lite. Indy to Chi CAN be difficult to get the money so I may just bounce up to Chicago area sometimes if I can't get what I need. But I do get lucky sometimes.

Last week was 3 rounds from Chi to Columbus and Columbus back to Chi. Total deadhead was 156 miles.

 

Fact, deadheading is part of the game. If you can't build it into your bottom line, you're in the wrong business.

Opinion, if you can't figure out how to mitigate deadhead costs by using different methods of leverage, then you need to rethink your policies.

 

Think your kinda getting of point .the discussion was about deadhead the rates were just reference points.

 

Chicago to Columbus 1000 is very realistic but so is 1200. I see an 1100 load posted right now. That's not even calling. Frankly if your leaving Chicago right now for anything under $3 no matter if it's 700 miles or less, your making a mistake.

Columbus to IND 500 has been standard for years.

IND to Chicago I have a $650 ratecon in my inbox right now...

I figure 200 miles to Chicago ALWAYS no matter what. I also figure 200 IND to Columbus always as well. Therefore, I figure 400 miles to Chi to Columbus.

You have to build little advantages and "profit centers" in at every corner to help offset unforeseen expenses or time delays. Not all the best freight hits the boards, but good freight and even great freight does Make the boards. Your job is to recognize that and lock it down for future hauling. That way it never hits the boards in your favor!

 

Hang On- Let me go search the Romper Room in the DAT for CHI-to COL for $1100.....I'll post anything over $900..If you don't see any posts- Well...............

I Get $1000 to Dayton- But that's a Flat, Direct and Heavy.

 

The 1100 is gone. However I see a streator to zanesville for 1200. See a worthington IL to Col for 925. I see a Chicago to Springfield for 950. All dry van and all posted, no calls. During hot hours of the day there would be more options.

Hell through our brokerage I've paid 800 Chicago to Columbus IN!

I do understand what your saying, it's not easy but quite doable. Besides, say you end up with 400 less for the week then you'd hoped... so you did 5400 on 2200 miles max. I guess 2.45/mi will do!

This is how you make money folks. I'm sorta ####ting in my own nest saying this stuff, but what the hell. Maybe it'll drive rates higher if people demand more.

 

Almost all good freight areas are like this. Your either going to dead head or take something for less money to get into the hot lanes.

I've worked out a strategy to minimize my dead heads and avoid taking cheap loads. But I still come across times where you have to take the lessor of two evils. If my brokers have nothing,.. or nothing paying, and the loadboard has nothing but insults. I have to choose,.. swallow my pride and take the cheap load,.. or dead head.

This is trucking. The wheels need to roll. The days of me parking and camping for 3 - 4 days waiting on a load thats not insulting are over. I'm much more profitable taking that cheap load and keeping the truck rolling. I dont care who says I am the problem doing cheap loads. Piss off. My weekly NET settlements have never been higher. You do yours and I'll do mine.

Hurst