Flatbed tractor questions

An 8LL is a lot like and 18 speed if you stoped one full gear from the top (direct) and without the ability to split any gears. I ran one local in a straight truck behind a 3406e and it did just fine getting down the highway. Not the ideal transmission but perfectly adequate in my option, as long as you have a fairly high rear end ratio, so you're not gear bound on the highway.

 

IMHO.......unless you have some experience in local/regional flatbed in the tri-state area, working the load boards is going to be a disaster for you! Find a decent truck and lease on with a carrier that works in that area. Get your feet wet and learn the business/industry in the area you want to be in. You won't have to worry about getting paid, getting insurance, buying and maintaining a trailer and securement equipment and long waits on live loading.
Some possibilities include.....
Ho-Ro Trucking
George Hildebrandt Trucking
And there are others.
Both of these companies have dropped trailers at their customers that are preloaded and pretty much ready to go when you show up!
I worked for George Hildebrandt for 13 years, with my own truck and did quite well with them. The last 4 years I had a daycab Freightliner and got home every night and made decent money! @Ruthless worked for them before striking out on his own.
Just my thoughts.............

JD

 

That Truck will wear out 10 Drivers

 

What was the problem with 444 Cummins ?

 

Step timing and low flow cooling. Both were new to the NTC engines and very few understood them at the time.

JD

 

10-4..I have the 444...I think the Low Flow Coolant is the worst thing Cummins did ...Gotta shift sooner than I want just to keep it cool ..I don't know anything about the Step Timing Control..Haven't had a problem with it Yet ...

 

I’ve got no 1st hand experience with them, but I’ve never heard anything good about JRC........

From 200 miles out around the city I’d investigate dump trailer work........

 

Originally the Step timing control had no oiling and would tie up.

 

"Cripple Four"

 

Stay away from JRC and whatever else they might call themselves! Bottom of the barrel! Dump trailer around there...........they're probably going to want you to run heavy.......100,000+ with the permits and most of the better paying freight is union. Lots more wear and tear on your truck. There is alot of good paying flatbed freight around there running local! $3-$4 a mile for all miles is not out of the question leased on to a carrier.
Of course it ain't cheap living or parking your truck around there either!

Out in the buckeye now living the company driver life!
JD