flatbed vs. dry van

Are your guys self dispatched, like I will be initially or do you dispatch them with direct routes?

 

That's pretty darn low. Do you suppose they are doing all they can to follow the money and get the best lanes, or is that 1.64 sort of about right? I ask that because of the few Truckers on youtube that I follow, such as Columbia Glider Dave, HT logistics and Makecents, those guys seem quite credible and are closer to $2.00. That's based on their reports which they detail reasonably well enough to expect it not fluff. I'm just wondering, to get a realistic picture of what I might get, not the average truck driver, who may not even negotiate for better rates. I don't want to seem egotistical, but I've run my own business for 20 years straight, while others come and go... meaning I know how to make money and follow a system. That's all. Naturally, there's only so much there, even for the best of negotiators and planners. I do get that.

I'll have a flat bed, not a Van. I'm hoping that I can see 2.00 plus a mile on the average, hauling steel, lumber, gypsum and coils. Of course, I'll haul whatever will go on a flatbed except cars. The rates are too high for me to start out with vehicles.
Do you think the best strategy is to work with one or just a few brokers, or do what many guys seem to do and constantly search the load boards?
I'm coming the DAT load board. Since I paid my subscription, I'm trying to get a head start by getting a feel for the lanes, how they change and the way to place a truck for best outcome.

 

How does the Conestoga tarp system limit the load? What types of material can't be hauled with one of those systems? Are there other systems that are better than Conestoga, in your opinion?

 

Are you getting your loads of the load board?