Lone Star Transportation

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by akaDug, Feb 10, 2020.

  1. akaDug

    akaDug Bobtail Member

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    I posted this on the Motor Carriers Questions forum, but figured I might get a better response from the Flatbed specific forum. If posting in both forums is frowned upon, or if it's considered spam, please feel free to remove. I'm just trying to get some questions answered sooner than later. That said...

    I've searched through some older posts on TTR about this company, but most of the information is dated. I couldn't really find anything substantial from after 2015. That said, I'm hoping to hear from some current drivers what the real deal is instead of a recruiter's spiel.

    Though I have flatbed experience, I've been pulling a reefer for the past two years. As such, I'll be started as a level 0 driver. Any insight into what actual miles look like at the moment? The recruiter said 2,500, but I think that number is imprinted into the mind of every recruiter, and I'll believe it when I see it.

    Also, I know tarping comes with the territory, so I'm simply asking to get an idea of what to expect to be able to make some financial comparisons to other companies... On average, how many loads would you say you tarp a month?

    What is the progression system like, and, in your experience, how long does each tier take approximately to complete? What are the dimension restrictions at each level? Do you do much waiting at each tier to get qualifying loads to move you up, and conversely, as you progress, will you still be hauling system freight? I asked the recruiter about this and she gave me a rushed answer and seemed unsure.

    What are the level 0 trailers (I'm assuming you'll pull flats/steps/double drop & RGN) like? Do the trailers have fixed or sliding winches? 45' DD/RGN? 48' or 53' flats and steps? Spreads? Sliding rear axle? I'd like to know what kind equipment to expect.

    To be honest, I'm leaning towards another company at the moment, but my SO saw $95k (for what I'm assuming is the top tier of the super load guys, so at least it's something to work towards...) and the $6k retention bonus on their website and her eyes lit up... so I'm going to do my due diligence to at least get some current info. Anything you share can and will be appreciated, positive or negative.

    Thank you.
     
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  3. cool7035

    cool7035 Light Load Member

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    Well I started here in December 2019.

    So far I'm very happy.

    As far as miles go, its been kinda slow. My first week, I got 475 miles. And seven days layover pay. That was rough but still grossed over $1000.

    As far as tarping, out of 6 loads I've pulled, I've tarped 1 load of sheet rock, and two loads I of steel. (Using 1 steel tarp ea.)
    Leveling up is a time and experience thing, u'r first level up is 60 days automatic. After that its pretty quick. Plenty of op to move bigger stuff.

    Most trl are 48'. I've not seen many 53's. The ones I have seen have sliding r\a. The equipment is pretty nice.

    That 90+ figure is on wind projects. Blades, and such.
     
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  4. asphaltreptile311

    asphaltreptile311 Road Train Member

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    Are you on percentage or cpm ? What type of miles do you run a week 1800-2300 average?
     
  5. cool7035

    cool7035 Light Load Member

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    CPM. Like I said, its been slow. I set at the house for 3 weeks waiting on a truck assignment. Paid!
    Spent two weeks recovering trucks and trailers. Paid! Since I've been in the truck. Its just been slow. When I say paid! If you're available for dispatch, you get $150\day. I'm pleased so far.
    As far as mileage, I've yet to run a full week yet. I started this last week on wed. After 4 days home time, unloaded in Cerritos CA. Friday morning. Setting in Barstow waiting for Mon to load for Medford OR.
     
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  6. asphaltreptile311

    asphaltreptile311 Road Train Member

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    That's pretty dang good , better than running 3500 miles a week to make $1250 at K&B
     
  7. cool7035

    cool7035 Light Load Member

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    Its easy money. Lots of PUBG mobile time.
    Lol
     
  8. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    For what it’s worth our top drivers at spd make right around 100k and you don’t have to stay out for months at a time on wind projects. I know I personally beat the 95k mark last year, and most of the guys I work with did to.
     
    akaDug, stwik and cke Thank this.
  9. akaDug

    akaDug Bobtail Member

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    I'm glad I decided to go the SPD route. The SO is on board too. Just gotta get this truck turned in next weekend and fly on out. Thanks again for all the info!
     
  10. akaDug

    akaDug Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for all the info! Lone Star has been dragging their feet on getting me approved, so I've moved on, but hopefully your information will help someone out in the future!
     
  11. asphaltreptile311

    asphaltreptile311 Road Train Member

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    What all do you haul at spd ? Is it alot of rgn pulling?
     
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