How is step deck freight in and out of Florida?

"In" can be done. "Out"... Hope you like deadhead...

 

There is virtually no step-deck freight leaving Bikini state, unless you get hooked up with some of the heavy equipment dealers. Very little flat-bed stuff also, and if you find either, it is usually very cheap.

 

Man... there are A LOT of unknown Landstar drivers that frequent this forum. Aiken, welcome to the forum. Here's your answer. Platform freight in Florida sucks... period. That said, our HQ is in Florida and many agents are in Florida which gives you access to local sales folks with local accounts shipping out locally. It honestly just depends on the week.

 

I pull step out,of north fl, not a huge problem but not great. I run a lowdeck tridem so i can get a few loads out of here you might not could do with a regular step,and i do a lot of oversized. Last fewe trips out have been regular type freight that was paying 2.25/2.50 range. Might take a day or so 2 put 2gether,but its doable.

 

Rates into fl seem like there in the toilet here lately too

 

There is some freight coming out of northern Florida......sometimes. If you time it right, there are equipment auctions in central Florida. Rates can be good on those since they have a short window to move them from the property. You can usually find something to get into Florida, but rates have not been that great for a while. I just turned down a load today going to Miami. The rate was not good enough for me to take it and then deadhead out. If you plan on hauling into Florida, you should expect to deadhead at least to Jacksonville, Savannah or Charleston on the east coast. You may find something in south Georgia. You can usually find mulch for about $0.80/mile coming out of the Lakeland area. I prefer to deadhead than take something that cheap. It may take time, but you should be able to find some contacts that can help you get out of the state. There is no point wasting a lot of time trying to get out of Florida. If nothing pops up, you may as well as put it in the wind. You could go up to the terminal in North St. Augustine and that will put you in a better position and you won't have to worry about your truck. They have showers and laundry facilities. That is probably where you will go for orientation. It is down the street from the TA. I don't remember the exit number. Landstar is usually pretty good about helping you find a few contacts to get you started. I am sure that they will work with you during orientation to find a few agents.

 

Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I corrected it. I must be getting tired. It is North St. Augustine.