DISPATCHING YOURSELF VS USING A GOOD DISPATCHER

Where you near in Appalachia ?

 

South of Knoxville

 

Whoa. I lived in between Lenoir City and Marysville for seven years. God I miss the people of Tennessee.

OP, I started out with a dispatch service. 15% didn't seem that bad, until you realize that's 15 cents lost from every single dollar, and going to a person sitting there looking at a load board. If you're on a good paying load at three bucks a mile, are you comfortable paying them .45 cents per mile, when their setup cost amounts to a computer and a load board subscription? The people here said the best dispatcher is YOU. I've been dispatching myself ever since, and I won't look back.

 

I am originally from WV we both grew up in the hills.

 

I'm originally from Knoxville. I live near Maryville now. Actually, I guess I've been here 25 years. Dang, I'm gettin' old.

What's really funny is that almost none of my freight comes from around here or delivers close to here. I get most of it about 50-100 miles from here.

 

Whatever works for you. I thank you for your post while sharing you experiences. Of course your views are common sense but that is what we all need to hear. Thanks again

 

100%. But that is what he needs to learn. $2.25/mi sounds great, until you notice the load is going to Miami or Denver, now it’s not so great anymore.

hopefully he figures out how to attain customers so he doesn’t have to live off load boards & brokers.

 

I'm not gonna lie.....I hate a dedicated route. When I drive it is to sight see along with making money. From Los Angeles to all points east pay really well. Dead zones are down in Florida. As much as its warm and beautiful they pay crap coming out of there.
But I got into this to experience the road and to see different things.
21 years later I still feel the same. Especially during the holidays.
America is gorgeous and driving thru small towns you see exactly that

 

Personally I have attained 2 customers in 3 years. It's more than I want. Customers equals you work on their schedule. Both of these are very occasional and if they wanted more out of me I would move on even though one is a good friend long before trucking.

The only way OTR trucking works for me is me deciding where and when. Sure, things could get tight and I'd have to give that up and chase the money more but I haven't yet and that's been through lousy 2019 and Covid too.

 

Everybody is different and runs their business to suite their own needs. In the end being successful and enjoying the journey is all that matters.

I gave up otr, most all of my runs are out and back. I’m normally loaded one way and empty the other. While i still make some big milage trips, i’m normally within a 8-10hrs of the house.

i set my business up around contracted freight. I’ve never even filled out a carrier packet for a broker. I have some consistent customers and some that call when they need a truck. I’m happy with this set up & has done very well for me.

You’re 100% right tho, when my phone rings i jump.