How to get in the intermodal game as an independent O/O?

I would say stay power only and live longer. The stress related to running cans takes a special kind of person.

 

Haha some guy on the radio said that. Wasn't related to containers tho

 

Perhaps I can help. I did a gig, power only, for a dude in Green Bay. This was 20 years ago, but I did okay. That was a bad time for intermodal, and still had van trailers, in deplorable condition, but rail yards are open 24 hours, and with 75 container ships floating in LA harbor alone, you'll have work well into the next century. Word of note, I did okay, but today everything is container, and if you have to use a "house" chassis, be advised, they are a hassle, many still with no slider, tube tires and no brakes. If I was to do it today, I'd have my own aluminum spread axle chassis, and just do "live lifts". The crane operators are schmoes, but it's better than looking for another chassis every time. Considering what's out there for O/O's today, intermodal isn't such a bad choice.

 

Anyone have their own authority and pull containers?