Best Routes to Make most money??

There is great money in hauling Frac sand but it is a different animal than general trucking. You can make $4-$5 a mile hauling loads and $75 hour or so demurrage time (stand by time , when under a load waiting to be called to blow off the sand at the well site).
The only problem with the oil/gas drilling business is it's boom or bust it does not last forever. There is sometimes weeks off waiting for the next we'll site , you have to live in the truck sometimes in remote areas for days waiting to be called. Not all waiting time is paid for anymore,they don't pay you for your 10 hours off with most companies anymore.You can make great money while it lasts if you follow the drilling activity ,I have 2 friends doing it now. It's not the gold mine it was a few years ago, but it's definitely more profitable than most other trucking while it lasts. I know a lot of people that were guns blazing in the gas drilling in PA a few years ago who's trucks are parked or sold due to the drop in drilling activity and rates due to the drastic drop in the price of natural gas due to over supply,many people getting into the trucking side of the industry and the pipeline infrastructure not in place yet to export much of this gas to China,India and Europe. Many of the trucks parked or sold were trucks that hauled water ,the Frac sand hauling pneumatic tankers seemed to fair better,but the rates are considerably lower than they were 3 years ago, but much better than general trucking.

 

One thing I always hated when at wells is Schneider using their hydraulic blowers. It took them more than 2 hours to unload (with a short hose!). Regular air blower just takes less than 30 minutes (depends what blower you use).

 

If DAT is your only loadboard, I would suggest subscribing to one or two additional loadboard. Internet truck stop (www.internettruckstop.com) is good. Getloaded is another (www.getloaded.com). If you are a member of OODIA, they have their own loadboard which is the same thing as DAT, but for less money for members. It is called www.mymembersedge.com. As far as the best freight lanes are concerned, if you stay west of I-95, south of I-80, north of I-10 and east of I-35, you will usually find the better freight rates.

 

I don't understand the confusion. If two guys are doing 1.85 and one guy had his authority, paying the extra cost involved(insurance being the main one) and the other guy is leased, therefore not having those extra costs, it's pretty simple to see who is making more money. Same gross, yet less costs equals more net.
Also, yes the carrier often pays leased guys more than outside carriers. In a lease you get x percentage, as an outside carrier you get what you can negotiate. I often load next to guys that brokered through mercer, and when we start talking rates, I'm getting nearly three same that they get(and many times I'm getting more than them) without the extra costs involved in having your authority.

 

My thoughts exactly.

Why would I want to put forth that much capital and set up a company, manage 6 or more drivers, have constant repair headaches, and say "I'm happy only clearing $3000 to $4000 a month." ??

I guess it really is a different world for some, if it's not a front for something else.

 

WOW for a business man who has invested a quarter Million into this new venture to make this comment <<"Just stay in your truck man, seems like the only thing you would know how to do">> I find that absolutely insulting to all truckers. A trucking company makes ZERO net income without the hard working drivers that sacrifice their family time, safety driving in all types of weather around four wheelers daily that would rather be on their phones than drive. Nothing pisses me off more than to see someone who plans to profit off the trucking business treat those who really do the work poorly. I understand this comment was directed to a specific poster but how you attacked him with your remark truly tells how you really feel about truckers in general. I hope every potential driver that plans to work for you sees your post. With this attitude towards the very drivers that will make or break you, you are doomed. Good luck with your "investment".

 

Lets be clear. I did not ask for an apology from you. Have a Happy Holiday & good luck.