Central and N. Florida Heavy Haul Companies: Need Some Suggestions Plz!

I am currently (for the past 7+ years) working for a local N. FL. company exclusively hauling OSOW loads. I haul multiple loads a day (usually haul less than 150 miles or so) up to 12' wide, 90' long, and up to 160,00 lbs. gross. I have experience with up to 15' wide, 16' high, and 175k gross. I just found out that my boss decided to hire an Equip. Op. off the street at the same pay it took me almost 8 years to earn (since I'm local, I get paid hourly) pulling that same equip. into and out of some of the most ungodly goat trail roads and jobsites. When I questioned the owner he replied "I feel I'm paying fair market wages. If you aren't happy, you're free to go elsewhere."

Well, this is just the straw that broke this camels back. After killing myself slinging 1/2" chains and binders multiple times a day for years with no accidents and no tickets (except one OW at scale that was just over on one axle) to verbally slap me in the face like this was too much. Not to mention paying a guy to sit in the A/C and drag sticks around the woods the same pay?!?!

I'm wondering if any of y'all might have some ideas in the central or north of FL where I can take my considerable skills and be treated decently. I've had it good being local (home with the missus every night) but if need be, I would consider OTR again. As is, we do have jobs all over the SE from time to time, so have been west to Texas/OK, North to SC/NC and even a stint in NY after hurricane Sandy. I just need to find a place that appreciates me a bit more, and pays me what my experience and skills are worth. Just a note- I currently work 65-75 hours a week, so not afraid of working hard.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Thanks for the replies, esp. Pedigreed Bulldog. You see, that's the funny (ironic, NOT humorous!) thing- NONE of our ops are certified in jack! They are just good ol' boys looking for work, who can operate a specific piece of equipment! (some can operate several different ones- i.e. excavator, dozer, etc.) and some only one or two (like the new guy-he only runs a Skidder pulling logs around the woods....)
I on the other hand, not only can run every piece of equipment he owns, but am also responsible for loading/unloading it, cleaning it off to be road worthy (no rocks, wood blowing off down the road), chaining/unchaining, and then when they are stuck in a spot every once in awhile, I will fill in running whatever needs run for the day! So not only can I do all of their jobs and have, but there's only two of us that haul equipment and they know that they don't have to worry about us killing someone, or whether their expensive equipment will get there safely or not.
You see, the owner is basing his "market rate" statement on what a local steering wheel holder would make- and at that none of them make what I do....However, I'm most definitely NOT just that, so my pay is understandably higher. But for all that I do, it's really not worth it. If not the real possibility of dying of boredom I would consider just becoming an equipment op.....But that's not me.....

As for the other suggestions....Talked to a few Rinaudo guys- heard both good and bad but may check them out. Haven't looked into Bulldog but will. I guess I've just been spoiled a little sleeping in my own bed most nights. Ah well, I guess all good things must end eventually....

Keep the ideas coming folks! And thanks!

 

Also, to add......I make considerably more than the equipment operators.....Until they hired this new guy, and he asked another op why he had so much taxes out of his check and showed him his pay stub.....THAT op was "over" him, and found out he was making 3$ less than the new guy!

Understandably he made sure to let everyone else know what was going on.....