Fact: 2019 will have been a very bad year already. Could I be better off as a company driver or not?

I do, but that is my opinion too. I tried dry van for a bit, worse investment I ever made, the only way I could make them pay was to chase miles.

 

Thanks for the thread. I’ve been looking up here for these threads to pop up- because flatbed has been on the decline all year. I keep going out saying “I’m going to see how it goes this time, and if not what I’m looking for, I’m dropping off carrier resumes’ with local customers until things pick back up” ... haven’t done it yet, I’m still swinging about $1.80 all miles and a little north of $2 for loaded. But I’ve probably only drove about 50,000 miles this year.

I find my self going a day or two inbetween loads. If I don’t have a load the day of, I know I probably won’t be booking until the day after I deliver. I keep saying “o I’ll take that $1.70 a mile load if I got to” but then I look at the route, or the weight, or the deadhead, or the brokerage, or the fact that it still needs tarp, and I just talk myself out of it. Especially if it’s not going to a better market. But where is the better market? Lol all my usually markets are plucked dry. Just a head scratcher this year. Truckloads are going for about the same as partials, just weird stuff. I didn’t want to make a thread and seem to be complaining.

 

Flat a little more ......specialty hauls more than that......

 

Not around here........

The little bit of flatbed freight here is spread around to many carriers- And its not enough to keep guys busy.

It may be better in other parts of the country

 

Location does matter, and I found that I upped my revenue over a flat with a step too, but again it depends on where a guy runs most of the time.

 

$200,000 net income
30% tax is $60,000
$60,000 in fuel?
$24,000 in truck payments?
Insurance?
What do you have left for your pocket?
About $50,000 just like a company driver.

 

Well Joe, I’m thinking the same thing. Given all the time invested, it’s hardly worth it. That $26 hr job at homes looking very tempting. Punch a clock, and leave the aggravations for someone else. Things will adjust themselves out, eventually. The problem I have with working for someone else is, they tighten up their belts too. In 2000, many cut pay, after years of gains. Dedicated and local jobs got tight.OTR miles went down for road Drivers, same in 08, It’s a cycle, maybe a long one just beginning, maybe not. I pull a Dry Van also. Looked at reefer loads quite a bit this week. Their rates are as bad, and less loads. Flatbed always has more available, at a better rate. Dry Van, have to run the miles. It’s a toss up. I doubt I could do any better overall leasing to a Carrier. At least I decide how hard I run. In ‘09 I ran 145 k. the most ever, just to keep food on the table. A few yrs later, I reaped the benefits. Soon all the ones who quit, were back in the game, along with a bunch of newbies. So it goes. I see Dealers lots full of Trucks, Truck papers getting pretty thick, prices are falling. It’s just the beginning, soon Capacity will be low again, regardless of what the economy does.

 

Own authority?
Trailer type?
Average loaded length of haul?

I pull reefer and stick to the short stuff. Past 3 months has been in the 2.30s on all miles and still able to hit 20k plus in revenue per month. It’s not easy, it takes a lot more phone calls. I’m also working with Merge Transit. That has taken a lot of stress off my back. They do a good job. If you’re dissatisfied, look into them and give them a try. I’m willing to bet they could increase your earning potential.

 

I've got no skin in the game.
Always drive a newer low mileage Kenworth T680.
I get paid detention wherever I go at $15-$20 per hour.
If they don't dispatch me it's $150-$200 per day pay.
I make a guaranteed $1150 weekly salary..most weeks are $1300 plus.
No worries.
I can drop my truck off and go home whenever I feel like it..
Life is good.

 

Maybe I'm missing something in your math, but seems to me that the tax is after all deductions.