Going back to OTR with Schneider Lease Purchase!

When I get back (if I get back) I'll definitely pay them a visit, thanks!!

 

Maybe you could call SFI and ask on my behalf why they approved someone with such a dog$#!+ financial portfolio and we'll get either an honest answer (we wanna screw him) or the corporate speak answer (we believe in giving each potential small business owner their own chance at the American Dream blah de blah de blah..)

I think I've come up on a strategy when it comes to running in winter. Late spring through early fall I'll run closer to home in the western 11 picking off as much as I can. There are good paying loads to be found out there, I just never took them because 1, they're scarce, and 2, winter weather often meant chaining up. Once it starts getting cold I move myself east. This might mean spending the holiday season, but I'd rather tackle snow and ice on relatively flat ground free of chain controls than slide on black ice down a hill in Wyoming, 70mins before a chain control in Park City, UT.

 

I prefer longer runs too. I feel there's more "stability" in that corner because the week before last I was screwed trying to do short runs all week. 4-5 pickups delayed me 5+hrs apiece, and one cancelled entirely. At least the weather was dry or wet rather than icy and snowy but I didn't think my luck could turn that sour so consecutively. This week I'm currently in the middle of a Cincinnati-Dallas run, then a Dallas-upstate Michigan run will finish it off. Unfortunately my revenue will take a hit, but my NAL puts me within striking distance of the Midwest and a good spot for freight, even if I have to end up deadheading nearly 2 hours.. probably should have stayed in Texas on hindsight though.

 

When I ran linehaul for Reddaway (YRC) it was the first gig I chained up with. Without the luxury of a sleeper and being able to call someone to shutdown until the snow had gone, I had no choice but to chain up 6-7 times over last winter. I can now chain like a champ, but the whole thing is such a hassle I'd rather avoid it entirely, even if it means truckstop Christmases.