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Hard finding loads

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Nuge31, Oct 28, 2017.

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  1. Oct 28, 2017 #1
    Nuge31

    Nuge31 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2017
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    I am a new owner operator, I decided I would load off of load boards, so I signed up for truckstop.com and started trying to get loads. The first one I called said I don't have the experience they needed for me to haul for them and the second wanted references from previous customers. I was extremely discouraged pretty quickly. I watched a lot of supertrucker Dan videos on YouTube and he drive for Mercer, so I called them and signed on to be dispatched from them. I still have the right to run from boards or anyone else, but they assigned someone to help fund me loads and everything, fuel advances and 2 hour pay.. they seem great, only issue is they don't seem to have a bunch coming out of the Youngstown Ohio, hermitage Pa area. I can still try to runload boards out and try to use them for loads home, but I don't want to have them become less helpful because I am not staying loyal to them. Should I always try to get the best loads or should I be willing to dead head a little ways, stay loyal to them and see where it goes?
     
    Nuge31, Oct 28, 2017
    Nuge31, Oct 28, 2017
    #1
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
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  3. Oct 28, 2017 #2
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    10,911
    23,828
    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
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    Spoken like a company driver....
    First, you do what is in the best instrest of your company. No, not Mercer, but your company.
    Only write and sign cintracts that are in you best interest. Stop doing business with companies that you work with if it's not to your company's profit.
     
    ZVar, Oct 28, 2017
    ZVar, Oct 28, 2017
    #2
    PE_T, back street slider, Lepton1 and 2 others Thank this.
  4. Oct 28, 2017 #3
    Nuge31

    Nuge31 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2017
    0
    Thanks, I am not sure what I got with Mercer, if they are as great as they seem, then taking care of them as best I can is probably what's best for my company... however, I don't know if I got lucky getting an on with these guys or if they are all the same?
     
    Nuge31, Oct 28, 2017
    Nuge31, Oct 28, 2017
    #3
  5. Oct 28, 2017 #4
    Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    14,674
    18,449
    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    Sounds like someone didn't do the homework before buying a truck.
     
    Moosetek13, Oct 28, 2017
    Moosetek13, Oct 28, 2017
    #4
    PE_T, Broke Down 69, Lepton1 and 2 others Thank this.
  7. Oct 29, 2017 #5
    Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    Aug 6, 2017
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    What about DAT LOADBOARD.
     
    Learning the game, Oct 29, 2017
    Learning the game, Oct 29, 2017
    #5
    12 ga Thanks this.
  8. Oct 29, 2017 #6
    Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    Aug 6, 2017
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    It's a lot of load boards out here, is it really that hard to find loads?
     
    Learning the game, Oct 29, 2017
    Learning the game, Oct 29, 2017
    #6
  9. Oct 29, 2017 #7
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
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    It seems to me like Mercer could have a fair amount of loads out of the northeastern Ohio area especially if they are given a few days notice.
     
    STexan, Oct 29, 2017
    STexan, Oct 29, 2017
    #7
    back street slider Thanks this.
  10. Oct 29, 2017 #8
    uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

    3,797
    6,295
    Apr 9, 2009
    Humboldt, Sk
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    I think you are limiting yourself by worrying too much over dead head miles. You’re only 75 miles to Cleveland, 175 to Toledo and a little more to Detroit.
    On Monday my very first load is 90 miles from home to start. On Thursday I went 130 miles between loads, the week before I went 280 miles between loads. Only average 63% loaded and still cleared $71k for myself last year. And that’s a bad year.
    Different segment of the industry but the bottom line is what matters.
     
    uncleal13, Oct 29, 2017
    uncleal13, Oct 29, 2017
    #8
    Justrucking2 Thanks this.
  11. Oct 29, 2017 #9
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
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    It can be. All supply and demand. It takes a while to figure it out, find your niche, and find what works for you.
     
    jbatmick, Oct 29, 2017
    jbatmick, Oct 29, 2017
    #9
    back street slider Thanks this.
  12. Oct 29, 2017 #10
    Justrucking2

    Justrucking2 Road Train Member

    3,211
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    Sep 12, 2017
    Plymouth MI
    0
    If no freight in Youngstown hit the road and head West towards Detroit, Toledo or Cleveland. Sometimes you have to dh to get to the freight. Also, call CH Robinson, they have quite a bit of FB freight and have quick pay. May not be the greatest rate, but you can negotiate with them and get it up. Once they know you there is some good rates to be had with them.
     
    Justrucking2, Oct 29, 2017
    Justrucking2, Oct 29, 2017
    #10
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