Landstar So Far

How did you get your own emoji on here?

 

I have 16 ratchet straps, a good crow bar, & a good hammer. I've also carried double headed nails to nail down boards. Most customers nail boards down though. The reason I have so many straps is because sometimes I haul forklifts & tractors.

 

Thanks appreciate the info! Sounds like i need a ton less stuff than I did for my flat

 

I'm getting real good van rates right now myself. I have plans to switch to flat in the spring but that's going to depend on the rates at this point.

 

Oh gosh yes. I only secure about 10% of my loads. Most are just load & close the doors.

 

Same question for you then? What's got you switching to flat? I'm very 50/50 on this decision because I haven't done van in a while and I was with a company at that point so it sucked. I'm hoping being an owner makes a bit of difference but I'm having a hard time quitting the flat because of the great schedule and pretty short wait times.

 

Typically on average flat rates are much better than van. I like the different types of freight hauled on a flat vs. the same ole van freight. However, since I've been leased I where I'm at most of my van freight isn't typical van freight. Should I say bout much toilet paper & shampoo like the "mega" companies pull. Lol.

I'm ready for a new challenge & I would like to get into hauling OSOD freight. But I'll stay with a van for now as long as the rates are where they are.

 

I love running flat so I'm sure if you change you'll be happy with it

 

6 straps would be a minimum. I carry 15, I wouldn't purchase that many to start off with, you will accumulate some doing drop/hooks. Some shippers use them and leave them in the trailer.

Like Scooter said, 2 is usually all you need on general freight, the freight everyone else hauls. I try not to haul general freight, the best rates come on the other loads... Some of the money loads require more straps.

 

One day I would like to have one of each trailer & my own numbers & run more local/regional & just pull whatever trailer I can get the best load with.