Instant O/O and Load boards

That's REALLY nice of you dude.

I'm on my way

LOL TX is one place I haven't been yet. I was offered a load to Temple, TX a week ago but passed on it. I don't know where that is anyway.

 

I think it's half way between where yous are and the land where Jesus lost his sandals,.........

 

I'm sure this is a familiar situation... -Pharm

I just wanted to point out this line. I think it sums up all of our frustrations. The reality is I think some of these brokers are looking for the next sucker to get plowed under, while they get their cut. There are an endless supply of trucks and drivers out there, and the rates simply don't support that feeling of "freedom" that OO have.

It appears to me, the more mainstream a company becomes, the more experienced they are at running trucks off the road.

So....the questions is: How do I get back to making money? I think the answer lies in finding opportunities that can only exist for a few of us in this tough economy. I'll keep doing research, and relay what I uncover. I have, for the first time in months, a feeling of optimism.

 

The hoppers are hauling frac sand here in Texas as well as grain and so forth. Not sure what it pays, but if there's any big storage silos in your area...you might look into it.

A couple of old grain silos have been pretty much converted to just sand storage in Ft Worth.

Not sure how the frac companies are getting sand in the other areas where the natural gas is booming, but it might be worth a look.

If they're bringing it in by rail........they ALSO need trucks for the specialty sand and to fill in the short fall when the trains get held up for some reason.

A Google search for shale gas will turn up the areas you're close to and a search for sand storage or distributors will get you the rest if it's something you'd be interested in.

 

Pharm I've been rooting for you since day 1. It sounds like things have gotten a little tight. Don't let that get you down man, stay focused, and gitter done.

 

Thanks for all the support again guys, especially you infrequent posters that have come out of the woodwork, it's good to hear from you!

Well I don't know if its a case of squeaky wheel gets the grease or if I just jumped the gun but my broker hit me with both barrels the next day. 4 loads at once, VA to GA, GA to SC, NC to NY, and NY to NC. All pretty decent rates too, at least for what I can expect with them. I got the first two done and back through home now. I'm loaded and will head to NY on Sunday.



In other news I did my first road-side repair two days ago. I was driving along and ALL my power cut out. Coasted to the shoulder, no dash lights or anything. I popped the hood and did my usual beating of the fuse box, but nothing. Checked the battery box and my pos cable was completely severed, pulled out of the terminal.

It was getting dark so I put on my headlamp, grabbed a pair of plyers and lockgrips, peeled back some loom, stuck it back in the terminal and locked it with the grips leaving it on there. Everything sprung back to life. I was pretty psyched. Made it to Bill's truck stop a few miles later and they redid it for good for $15

I was hoping that maybe that was my general electric problem, lack of full contact for a while, but no go. Still picking my battles between headlights and A/C speed. The mechanic there said my fuse box was my computer? Said I needed peterbilt to replace it. I hope not, that sounds really pricey.

 

Rob. the mechanic where I bought this truck from was #####in up a storm about those 387's. said they are the biggest POS he's ever had to work on. Nothing but elsectrical problems.
there was a guy there the first day I got there who bought an 02 387 andwhen he went to leave he had no power in the bunk at all. they worked on it for two days to figure itout. You know there is a computer that controls the crap in the bunk??? WTF?? they finally found a loose connection on the back side of the fuse box. there is two power feeds there. one for the bunk and one for the cab. the bunk one was loose. unfortunatly you have to dismount the box to find it.

also it took them 3 seerate times to get his CB working. they would get it working then he'd get in the truck and the power would cut out... lmao.. I couldn't help but laugh

 

...and just like that you already felt better about them not having your truck in stock when they said... he's goood!

Probably still true.

 

Thanks buddy. Always helpful.

I never got a chance to comment on your finding a job. That's GREAT! Give us some updates when you can. When do you start?