I understand what you are asking but you are overthinking it.
With 11,000 trailers, they can plan on moving trailers to anticipate a customers needs.
A lot of these megas with regular or contractual customers are using data directly from customer as part of their supply chain, so most of the time they know where the trailers are at, they can easily have drivers with loads move them to a specific location, drop them and pick up empties. It is all a shell game for those in the company.
Drop Trailers both ends multiple cities
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Midwest Trucker, Mar 16, 2019.
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If I am in one of those moods, I should never have become a driver who does not get paid anything like what the Motor Carrier gets paid for everything. -
Bear with me here:
If the megas run 3-4 trailers per power unit, can that ratio work for an independent given they have a contract or preferred lane that they consistently run? I believe I read that @PacManTrap owned 3 trailers that he set up his own drop and hook operation with as a solo OO on a contracted run.
The reason I ask, understanding the inherent cost of multiple trailers, is that with the time constraint of ELD's, is having the ability to drop and hook as an OO make you more competitive and / or profitable (once the initial trailer purchase is covered) and is the return on investment worth it when considering the "hourly rate" of the truck when sitting to get loaded -
@Midwest Trucker
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Are these contracts 3 month deals? Yearly deals? Do you price in a weekly adjustment for fuel fluctuations?
I get some of these offers to bid but I don't even consider it.. What am I going to do with 1 truck and 1 trailer and already steady runs. Maybe once I get my yard and shop together... -
They have an attached fuel surcharge sheet so you can quote as linehaul plus fsc or all in.
There are about 100 drop on both ends lanes with a combined several several thousand loads. Obviously I’ve determined that’s way over my head.
There are about 20 live on both ends lanes that I’m taking a look at though. No idea yet if those are on a bidding system that whoever is currently lowest gets the load or if they are in a certain length contract. I’ll orobably pick out 10 of the 20 that I’m most familiar with and quote them. 5 of those 10 my own trucks could consistently run and the other 5 we could broker. I like to make sure I don’t bite off more then can chew and look like fools. I’d rather walk before running with a new customer. -
You operate just like me but on a bit bigger scale.
Midwest Trucker Thanks this. -
It is a very elastic business. If you have ever been on an airliner and looked out the window as you are on takeoff or final approach in a metropolitan area, take a look down at the number of semi trailers on the various properties. Or do some poking around on Google satellite and zoom in.
Somehow, someone owns the trailers and manages to make money from the arrangement, or else it wouldn't happen.Midwest Trucker Thanks this.
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