Decision: Mercer or Landstar?

Hey Bigdubber,I see you made your mind up. I'm curious how you decided.

 

You will do good Bigdubber.

 

You might want to work on a business plan.

 

Well said. I have been reading the Mercer board for a few hours now. Like Bigdubber, I am trying to make a choice. I have decided flat is the way to go - I am convinced of that. I have been contemplating putting some trucks on with Roehl, but Mercer, Landstar and Sammons are also potential choices. My hope is to be able to provide solid jobs for 3 or 4 drivers, so I need to make a good carrier choice if I expect to attract and retain good drivers. So, in an attempt to tag on to what Bigdubber started (and thank you for that by the way), what about the other companies I mentioned. Any insights on those? Bear in mind, I want my units and drivers to be based out of the Phoenix, AZ area. That's what would be considered home. So, does that change anything with regard to flat or step? Someone suggested step can be good, depending on the area. Thanks in advance.

 

I would suggest you change the way you think about things. A truck is based on where the next good paying load is, not where the mail is sent. In Arizona, you will have problems loading home, just not enough open deck freight picking up or delivering there. But with carb compliant trucks, you can load THRU Arizona. For example, pich up in st Louis, deliver in l.a. driver stops in Phoenix and goes home for two days while truck gets service doe, then delivers and reloads to get back east and stays there a couple weeks till a good load comes up going back through the house. Another option is just keep the trucks in the Midwest and fly home every the weeks or so.

 

Spyder7723 - Thanks for taking the time to respond. I had not thought about it that way, but it makes a lot of sense. I had been looking at Phoenix as the center of my world, so had considered carriers with a large terminal here - there is one flatbed carrier who does. I assumed, maybe incorrectly, that would mean they move flat freight in and out of the area. As long as my guys can pass through and get their deserved home time, I suppose it does not matter what really comes and goes from Phoenix, only what passes through. Great insight and exactly why I asked the question.

 

Where are you at, I'm pulling out in a few minutes, but kona is there all weekend. We just got back from lunch. Was good times.