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Flatbed vs Step Deck for So. Cal based o/o

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by The Challenger, May 27, 2012.

  1. May 27, 2012 #1
    The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

    7,127
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    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
    0
    Hi guys,

    I have a friend of mine based out of So. Cal who pulls reefers under his own authority and is thinking about switching over to a flatbed to start out in the winter to see if he can make some more money. Questions he has:

    1. Would it be beneficial to start out under his own authority or run under a company like Landstar or Mercer
    2. How much would the equipment be for someone starting out
    3. Which type and length of trailer would you run if you were based out of So. Cal
    4. If he were to go under his own authority, would company offer flatbed securement classes

    Any advice is appreciated. I am hoping experienced members like WCP, MMM, and SHC might be able to give some good advice.
     
    The Challenger, May 27, 2012
    The Challenger, May 27, 2012
    #1
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  3. May 27, 2012 #2
    cpape

    cpape Desk Jockey

    2,151
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    Jul 15, 2010
    Dubuque, IA
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    Unless he has some contacts that will provide him with loads, he would probably be better to lease on somewhere, but maintain his authority. I don't really know how the big guys do off the West Coast. Seems like I have read a couple posts about Mercer and Landstar drivers getting out of California. Maybe that would be his best option...relocate!
     
    cpape, May 27, 2012
    cpape, May 27, 2012
    #2
    The Challenger Thanks this.
  4. May 27, 2012 #3
    The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

    7,127
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    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
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    Cpape,

    He will not relocate. I suggested Landstar to him. Sammons could be another option being that they are based out of MT. I just want to see him succeed. Appreciate the input.

    My next question would be to the Landstar and Mercer guys,

    How are the loads coming in/out S. Cal.

    KH
     
    The Challenger, May 27, 2012
    The Challenger, May 27, 2012
    #3
  5. May 27, 2012 #4
    DMH

    DMH Medium Load Member

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    Jan 9, 2012
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    Mercer has a west coast board or something like that I think. Dont know what kind of money they make though. I would talk to alot of people if I was him.
     
    DMH, May 27, 2012
    DMH, May 27, 2012
    #4
    The Challenger Thanks this.
  7. May 28, 2012 #5
    Displaced Yooper

    Displaced Yooper Light Load Member

    152
    49
    Oct 18, 2010
    Detroit, MI
    0
    I have a couple friends running flats, not stepdecks, for mercer. The consensus I get from them is that loads going into Cali pay decent, but they get raped trying to get out. Usually containers paying barely passable rates.
     
    Displaced Yooper, May 28, 2012
    Displaced Yooper, May 28, 2012
    #5
  8. May 28, 2012 #6
    cpape

    cpape Desk Jockey

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    Dubuque, IA
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    So if reloaction is not an option, maybe running Western 11 is an option. Just a thought...

    I really don't know enough about the Left Coast.
     
    cpape, May 28, 2012
    cpape, May 28, 2012
    #6
  9. May 29, 2012 #7
    MM71

    MM71 Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2008
    AZ
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    deleted post ...
     
    Last edited: May 29, 2012
    MM71, May 29, 2012
    MM71, May 29, 2012
    #7
  10. May 29, 2012 #8
    Mommas_money_maker

    Mommas_money_maker Road Train Member

    1,122
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    Oct 2, 2011
    North Carolina
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    The loads coming out that pay well are few and far between, He would be better off with the reefer as that is the better paying gig there. I have seen some good paying loads that were coming into So Cal area by ship not come into the area anymore, they moved to WA. Everything getting hauled out of and inside there seems to be right around the 1.75 cpm range and that isnt good.
     
    Mommas_money_maker, May 29, 2012
    Mommas_money_maker, May 29, 2012
    #8
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