0/o with universal am can

Most carriers find it difficult to get out of the Northwest with decent rates. You just started with UACL and already want to move on? It takes time to learn any carrier's system. My friend who is leased to them has been running a lot of NW and California. He made just over $200,000 to the truck last year. He is on target to do better this year. He had a difficult time the first couple of years with them until he made some solid contacts. He has been doing loads with them that pay $3+ to the truck. Not all pay that well, but he is doing very well with them. If it were me I would stay out of the Northwest. If you run the NW you may need to run south into California or take some loads in the west and then work your way back to the east coast. I believe in running where the best paying freight is rather than where I want to run.

 

I agree with G/MAN, you have to realize that flatbed lanes are nowhere near the same as dry van lanes. If you want to run coast/coast then you may want to go get a van or a reefer for steady freight and lanes from left to right and back....

I do not go to the northwest much (Billings and SLC are as far as I usually go) but if I were to go to Seattle, Portland or the likes, I'd have to get $3 mile to the truck, that way when I couldn't find a descent load I could justify the DH to California or SLC area. And I would haul a load for $1.50 mile from there IF it was light and easy, like say a few pipes or a couple pallets. i will not haul for $1.50 out of an area if it is over 20,000#, so it's hard to find loads sometimes due to MY needs.

 

Good advice.

 

If I was not so impatient or set in my ways, I could make at least double what I do. so don't no one follow my example. Don't do as I do DO. as I say DO!

 

Well great advice as usual from you guys out there. I know everyone says stay out of the nw but this is where I live so I have to figure out a better way. I always appreciate the info and advice so please keep it coming.

 

At one time I used to get decent rates hauling containers into California, but they aren't always available. I did have a truck that I kept busy primarily with one account that stayed in the western U.S. It does take time to build relationships. When you lease to a company you are usually confined to their freight. You can often find lumber to haul, but rates are normally cheap. With your living in the NW, you will need to establish some contacts. I had more flexibility since I run my own authority. You may want to see if you can find agents or brokers with whom you can work and get good rates. At one time I was getting $2/mile coming out of the NW, but those loads are not always available and it took me time to find those contacts. It is much easier to find a load coming out for $1.35 than $2/mile.