Is it possible to make good money hauling containers (intermodal)?

the math just doesn't add up after all the numbers we have to run and its just becoming welfare on wheels for o/o unless you ride the seasons but to be honest the deregulation has hit us hard... I had this conversation with my wife not long ago about quitting trucking if I get a government job so I can get pension and all the good stuff regular people get... trucking takes a toll on your body and the pay is just not enough most of the time

 

You speak the truth! Trucking IS hard on your body, your back in particular, the up and down is compressing your spine and the constant vibration, no matter how minimal it may feel, is deteriorating your discs.

I run with my own authority and make a respectable living...not getting rich by ANY means. But, this isn't something I plan to do for very long. My wife makes very good money, in fact, more than me right now. She also gets all our benefits. I am working on investments that will give us passive income, more than enough to replace both our incomes so we can retire in a lifestyle that is comfortable.

I hear you on the govt gig...I ran for office 6 years ago, and then again 2 years go. I was too chicken to kick in my own money, but, if you can find someone to back you, getting elected can be a seriously good gig. And, if you know someone inside, a govt job, well, it doesn't get any cushier.

But, you need to get started. It usually takes a min of 20 years to qualify for a pension...and even at that, it might not be enough for you to live on 100%. Don't count on Social Security being there for you. And, even if you do, depending on your age, you won't get that until you are in your 70's anyway. Anyone who thinks they are going to work when they are 70, unless you own a company, have close family who do or will be happy being a greeter at WalMart forget about it. No employer is going to keep you around much past 60 let alone 70. They can't fire you for being too old, but, they have so many ways to either get you to quit or find other reasons to let you go. But, I am getting off on a tangent.

You sound like you have thought this out well and, good that you talk it through with your wife! You BOTH need to be on the same page.

Happy New Year!!!

 

Evidently containers are paying way more then I thought.

 

I almost laughed when I saw the rates but still people are happy they are drop and hooks

 

Because of a shiny KW? I had one of those too...remember? He wont last

 

Wow...the new rates are still awful!

 

He wasn't the only one. While I was on the phone 2 more large car Pete's pulled in. Either they're truck poor or I never hauled the right container.

 

WTH? I'm really hoping those are "1099/employee" rates and not for a guy who actually has a truck. For those rates I'd rather be asking if you'd like a hot apple pie with your order.

 

That's it...they are moving the ones with the Peruvian "Marching Powder"!!!

 

Ha!!! Right on John! Working those rates is a sure-fire way to end up wearing a cardboard hat at work!!!