Haven't hauled nursery stock since the 80s .

I unloaded 8 stops of trees and bushes to Lowes all around Atlanta one time. I felt like Mike Tyson kicked my ### when I got done.

The washout at the Beacon afterwards was mega-expensive. There was enough dirt to start my own tree farm.

 

I remember a bunch of small snails all on the walls and ceiling after finishing the last one up I did a few years ago which I'm sure the following food grade shippers would have loved that had they known..... Scooped a lot of muck out the trailer before getting to a Beacon and luckily it only cost about $60 to wash out the rest out. I swore that was the last one ever but if I ever get hungry again well that probably goes out the window If I had a flatbed it's probably all I would ever haul. No touch and easy on/off for open deck.

 

Years ago I used to love to haul nursery stock, made good money, once you got in with the right folks.. Would have 3 to 10 pick-ups in south Bikini,as many as 35 drops ( usually around 15 to 20 ), all usually in a straight line. Find first drop and they would call ahead for next stop to be ready for you.Had 7 days to finish drops, stores had to take plants if they were open, and they did a lot of the finger-printing.Paid mileage, pick-ups, drops , and bonus for no problems.One account was multiple pick-ups, only one drop, and they paid in cash. Light-weight loads, easy on unit, receivers were much nicer than produce receivers.Used yard leaf blower to clean trailer out. If I were younger, would go back to doing that.

 

The washouts cant be nearly as expensive as they are after hauling a load of bulk potatoes (floor load)... Ive paid as much as $170 for one... Then the company decides to get a charge account for washout... Miraculously the price on charge account is never over $70... Me thinks Blue Beacon tries to stick it to company drivers... Lucky for me company always reimbursed for washout.

 

You’re right. I’ve paid $178.06 for a bulk potato washout. I felt bad for the guys that had to deal with all the dirt and sawdust..... until I saw the bill. Lol.

 

It's not my first choice, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Usually trailer needs a washout when it's over.

 

My preferred way to haul nursery stock.