Heartland Express is doing good

so with a canal being widened is it going to be a possibility of people living west of the big river getting more regional? and western companies going regional?

 

I don't think it will change all that much. Most containers headed east go by train. They will start out from a port closer to their destination in the future.

 

Remember that Mexico has been building a massive port complex also, and Canada is upgrading western ports and rail heads.
I think that much of the freight that is imported that will be used in the west will come in those ports. And freight bound for the east will come in at eastern ports. Some will hit rail. But allot of it can be within 800 miles of destination when it comes in at the port. So you will see allot more of the port town distribution locations. So they can unload and sort the imported freight in the east, near the port. Then truck it to final destination from there.
We have contracts hauling from several of these already. And I think more will come.
If the freight is within 1000 miles of final destination, it will not be worth putting on rail.

For the Gentleman from Florida.
I think that Heartland could be a good fit for you. Go system, which is our OTR. The pay is highest that way. You will not need to stay out 4-5 weeks at a time. And you will not get 5 days at home anyway. So stay out 2-3 weeks at a time. Get the dispatcher use to you being home for the full weekend whenever possible. So you get close to 2 days, and not just a 34.
Everyone needs a break every few weeks. Time to live your life. Otherwise you are living to work. And that will burn you out fast.
We have tons of freight in Florida. So getting home every couple weeks will not be a problem.

 

Jacksonville, Florida, is in the process of having the US Army Corps of Engineers dredge the mouth of the St Johns River at MAYPORT in order to accommodate the super-ships that will be coming thru the PANAMA CANAL.........so I guess anybody that has any sense of commerce is getting on-board.

 

Savannah GA, and the port in SC that is on the same bay has been doing the same for a year. Getting ready. Savannah has had it's highest volumes ever in the past 2 years. With the economy the way it is that says something about the future of the port.

 

"Time To Say Goodbye"
I want to say thank you, and farewell to a couple or "Pro Drivers" Chrome Dome & Truthin.
I'm on my last run for Heartland Express, which I was to finish today, but will be Saturday morning.
I've enjoyed the challenges of this carrier, and like with any carrier nothing is perfect or runs perfect in transportation.
The equipment I operated was good, access to keep your truck washed & clean, I had very little "sit around time" always roll'n somewhere to move freight.
I have nothing but good comments about Heartland, your given the assignment, it's on you to "make it happen" & get there on time.
The 1 "down turn" for me was sitting at shipper's or consignee's waiting to deliver or pickup overnight, without access to a bathroom ?
I'm aware of "da bottle deal", but I'm speaking for those who understand the phrase " in da library"..?
Yes there are ways to prepare in advance, but it doesn't always workout when you have just enough time to get there for the next morning, from a previous "just in time delivery" which was a favor for the dispatcher. lol
My last round ended up in 5 weeks being out, only to get home on the weekend for just 56 hrs. and leave for a Monday am delivery.
But I'm moving on to a Ruan dedicated account with Cryogenic gas deliveries on a 5 day work week, with 2 days off, home every night. Day cabs, no sleeper cabs.
My Best to Chrome, and Truthin, and to all who continue to read these threads for the sake of gaining information, that helps them along with their careers. Heartland was a good fit for me, I've just found something a little bit better, the key I will share..."Hazmat"
The Hazmat endorsement will provide opportunities, in trucking, you have to be wiling to keep your focus when handling the materials.
Be Blessed, Keep Well, Be Safe.....!