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Containers for Dummies

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Mooseontheloose, Jan 27, 2018.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Jan 27, 2018 #1
    Mooseontheloose

    Mooseontheloose Light Load Member

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    236
    May 25, 2014
    St Louis, Metro East
    0
    I’m a company driver (3 years experience) delivering foodservice in St. Louis, MO. I never see containers overnight, weekends, or holidays when I’m out. Is this the way to go to drive local and be an owner operator? I bumped into a dispatcher outside of a container yard and he supported the observation of the schedule. He said most of the o/o are clearing $1500 to $2200 a week. It looks like a low entry cost because the tractors never look new. I talked to a mechanic that works with container owner operators and he suggested a pre def freightliner/Volvo. I try to read everything that I can get my hands on and listen to YouTube videos (mostly people that like the sound of their own voice). I’m considering driving for a container company to learn the ropes and would ultimately want to be an owner operator. I’m apprehensive about jumping in cold but don’t want to take a pay cut to start with a new company. Where am I wrong and where am I right here? What is a good business plan to make an informed decision?
     
    Mooseontheloose, Jan 27, 2018
    Mooseontheloose, Jan 27, 2018
    #1
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  3. Jan 27, 2018 #2
    Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

    7,313
    36,058
    May 3, 2011
    Redding,CA
    0
    To me to be a good container hauler, you mustn’t wash your truck for at least three years. It must have parts broken and missing off of it. And your chassis must have at least three wobbly wheels that look like they are going to fall off at 70 mph. And at least 2 lights out
     
    Rugerfan, Jan 27, 2018
    Rugerfan, Jan 27, 2018
    #2
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  4. Jan 27, 2018 #3
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    13,376
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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Lol!

    My reply was going to strictly address the title -

    “Yes, they are”.
     
    blairandgretchen, Jan 27, 2018
    blairandgretchen, Jan 27, 2018
    #3
    Bean Jr., not4hire, DieselDrivinDaddy and 2 others Thank this.
  5. Jan 27, 2018 #4
    bigkev1115

    bigkev1115 Road Train Member

    2,364
    3,618
    Oct 23, 2009
    Alexandria, AL
    0
    Also, must have a mix matched paint job, and have chicken lights, chrome, and tent that costs more than the truck is worth. Lastly, make some stupid moves that make most entry level mega carrier drivers seem like they have 30 yrs, 3 million miles under their belts
     
    bigkev1115, Jan 27, 2018
    bigkev1115, Jan 27, 2018
    #4
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  7. Jan 27, 2018 #5
    bigkev1115

    bigkev1115 Road Train Member

    2,364
    3,618
    Oct 23, 2009
    Alexandria, AL
    0
    Certified container hauler

    truck.jpg
     
    bigkev1115, Jan 27, 2018
    bigkev1115, Jan 27, 2018
    #5
    Mooseontheloose and Rugerfan Thank this.
  8. Jan 27, 2018 #6
    not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

    7,142
    26,957
    May 16, 2012
    Calgary
    0
    Title 49: Transportation
    PART 393—PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION

    §393.125 What are the rules for hauling intermodal containers?

    (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of intermodal containers. No motor carrier shall permit or require any driver used by it to drive an intermodal container-carrying commercial motor vehicle, nor shall any such driver drive an intermodal container-carrying commercial motor vehicle, if they speak, read or understand English.
     
    not4hire, Jan 27, 2018
    not4hire, Jan 27, 2018
    #6
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  9. Jan 27, 2018 #7
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    13,376
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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    This quickly turned into a bash fest of container haulers, but unfortunately - it’s not a stereotype if it’s true.
     
    blairandgretchen, Jan 27, 2018
    blairandgretchen, Jan 27, 2018
    #7
    stwik, not4hire, Streetroddreams and 1 other person Thank this.
  10. Jan 28, 2018 #9
    7seriestv

    7seriestv Light Load Member

    230
    144
    Jan 28, 2016
    0
    Its good to kmow that's how you guys feel about us container haulers
     
    7seriestv, Jan 28, 2018
    7seriestv, Jan 28, 2018
    #9
    UncleB1225, blairandgretchen, Mooseontheloose and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. Jan 28, 2018 #9
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    10,911
    23,827
    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
    0
    If the stereotype wasn't true....
    And that's not to disparage the individual too much. Where I deliver there are two cans that dock at the some time I do. Great guys to talk to, but they still fit all the stereotypes. Junk trucks both inside and out. Aggressive driving. etc...

    You may or may not be different, but when 999 out of a thousand match the comments.....
     
    ZVar, Jan 28, 2018
    ZVar, Jan 28, 2018
    #9
    stwik, Mooseontheloose and Rugerfan Thank this.
  12. Jan 28, 2018 #10
    HalpinUout

    HalpinUout Road Train Member

    7,074
    18,165
    Oct 2, 2011
    0
    I did container work in Chicago for awhile. The railyards are open 24-7. The best time to get in and out fast is during the night. During the day they can be very very busy with wait times between 4-5 hours. Yes most of the trucks you see are all junk. The railyards chassis are absolute junk. If you find a company you like make sure they have their own chassis and keep them in good condition.
     
    HalpinUout, Jan 28, 2018
    HalpinUout, Jan 28, 2018
    #10
    Mooseontheloose Thanks this.
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