fairly new authority

Hi All,

Been trucking long enough now and feel I can add a few things to those considering their own authority.

First a little history. Started this new position last August. We leased on to a carrier with some very good paying freight. It was, however, they were unable to get me out when I needed to run. Long story short, the guy I work for decided to get his own authority on the trucking end with an entirely new DOT number. This was all complete on February 11th.

Since that point in time I have dispatched myself entirely with zero input from the truck owner. I run where I wish and when I wish. I'm very fortunate, I understand that.

Myth number one that I've read repeatedly on here is that you will not get any good paying freight as a start up. Simply untrue. As a company driver, do the best job you can for anyone you haul for. This comes in handy. They remember both the company and the individual who drove the truck.

First week out I hauled back for a direct customer of produce. I did a good job before and continue to do so.

Myth number 2 that I read here is that many brokers will not load you. I've honestly not found that but have primarily called my lists of people from years past.

Myth number 3 is that it takes some time for brokers to call you with their better paying stuff. Maybe true that I've been nowhere near the top end of rates but set our bottom dollar at 2 bucks a mile and have yet to be under that.

Bottom line is, do the best you can at all times for whomever you haul for, period. It pays. Do not be afraid to make phone calls, lots of phone calls. Have no fear of the word NO when offered a rate that you cannot haul for. It is not an insult, its only business.

Do exactly what you say you will do in each and every dealing with brokers, shippers and receivers.

Averaged 1.87 on all miles week one and over 2.00 each week since then. Payed on percentage so hoping for more but if these are out of the gate numbers I have already exceeded year one averages as per our goal.



Jay