Daily Express out of Carlisle

Assume that both pull OD.

 

no. I went and inquired when I was pulling my flat and wanted to go on to a company that hauled OD
so it was comparing pulling a different type of trailer but I know understand what you all have stated about comparing compensation for either type of hauling.

 

Well if they grossed the same, ran the same loads, same permits, everything was Identical why wouldn't the guy with 95K for the year make more? For starters his fuel expense would be 2/3rds of what the driver who ran 150K miles is. Obviously the guy who ran 150K miles in a year was taking much lower rates then the driver who only ran 95K if they both pulled OD and grossed the same. I know I am probably forgetting and for sure don't know ton of stuff about this but those couple things would be the biggest parts of it to me.

 

Maybe they didnt want me there who knows. But I cant imagine a guy pulling a flat making the same as the OD guy but who knows.

 

I like to consider how much money is left after all costs, as well as forecasted costs in a cycle since all costs are not realized immediately. Whatever that approximate number is, I divide it by days out on the road, since sitting around truckstops or in motels is not exactly time off.

Using this method, which area of trucking is most "profitable", with that quality of life variable being calculated into it?

 

You might be surprised. RORO cargo is popular right now. In my opinion, people are tripping over themselves and hauling step deck freight, including oversize at rates close to van rates. Don't get me wrong, if you know where to look you can do better. On the flip side, if you have flatbed customers that will pay more for good service you can get nice rates. In addition, there are markets where flatbeds are more versatile and easier to reload. In my opinion, you make money when you are doing something different from everyone else. That might be great service, tarping, or just showing up on time. If you are the same as every other trucker out there, the only thing you can compete on is price.

 

That sux that SD freight is in the crapper! That was my favorite thing to pull!

 

I have yet to determine how much you former employer is responsible...I will be interested to see what the next 3 months bring. It seems things might be improving, but I am not sure if it is just because of the terrible weather.

 

I would also be curious to know, I wouldn't think much just from my experience and what I saw but that was a year ago. After I read on here that they started to put cameras both driver and road facing, I am glad I left when I did. If I was there right now and heard that I would be talking to you about a driving position! That's out of my principle!

 

He's right.

You can grab some big tractor that weighs near 50k, over 14 ft tall, 10-12 wide, and it won't pay $1.70 a mile. On the other hand, stretch loads can be lighter, smaller width, but pay 4-6x the rate of RORO freight. Trade off is the time it takes to get loaded and unloaded, and that stretch Rgn is difficult to maneuver on small roads. A nightmare in some small tight towns and goat paths. And it's heavier. So you are limited on what you can pull before you get to the axle weight limits. You will run a lot less miles and make the same money or more.