Intermodal O/O

I've not done it or been near it, and if I'm wrong about the rate I can guarantee that i never will either

 

The rates for the containers are different in different places.

You can work for another motor carrier that hauls containers and I think they should give you 90 or 95% of the load. Or you can find Brokers that broker Intermodal Freight. You can also check draynow.com. They have Intermodal loads on there.

The Rail Yards are not always that fast. The ports are even slower. Sometimes you load isn't ready and you may have to wait an hour or however long. Often the chassis that you're pulling will have a flat tire or lights out or something like that and you either have to carry lights with you or go to the mechanic and wait for them to change your flat. You may also have to wait for them to actually put the container on the chassis.

Containers tend to be loaded heavy and tend to be top-heavy. You have to check them very carefully to make sure that they're inspected and they have registration paperwork and often they have things wrong with them that could be a DOT problem. DOT does like to wait outside the Rail Yards and the ports. If you go to the porch you need a TWIC card.

Some guys like cans some guys hate cans. I myself don't think they pay as well as regular Freight, although maybe you'll get lucky. It would keep you close to home though.

 

Judging by all the piece of garbage trucks I see pulling containers it doesn’t pay that well.

 

The reason why people use old trucks to pull containers is because they can. It is not like you are going on a 2,000 mile trip. I see nothing wrong with old trucks pulling containers.

 

I have nothing against old trucks I’m just saying most of the ones I see are pieced together with different color body panels.

 

same is with semi dump truck o/o's, a lot of old end of life trucks pulling dumps, same deal, if a load of dirt is stranded it is not a big deal. So they are not as reliability conscious or image conscious or whatever, just want to haul dirt for money.

 

Most container trucks I see got some sort of duct tape on the hood or mirror... got some zip ties here and there... missing the side skirts... driver doesnt speak a lick of english... so I seriously doubt it clears $280,000 a year... cause if it did then sign me up I'll take it..

 

In Chicago there's money to be made. I I wouldn't work the ports though, lots of cheap carriers running for pennies. There's certainly cheap carriers in Chicago, but there's so much work you can get a better rate. It's certainly not flat bed rates, but there's good rates out there if you're willing to look. Try looking at loadmatch.com or drynow.com

 

I pull containers out of Chicago, $3,000 to $4,000 gross it common at “good”companies.

This varies by season and a LOT by company....also, it seems Chicago is an outlier as far as pay for container O/O.....

 

The info I gave you above is correct. Today I moved three chassis' 21 miles each and was paid $93.75 each. I worked 5hrs. Not the normal hours, but I had stuff to do so it worked out. I got my 3 for the day.