Landstar Reefer

Well there's like 50 to 75 van loads for every reefer load.

And from what I've seen, 90% of those are in the Midwest, and A LOT of the van loads pay better, considerably better.

I mean, don't you think you'd see a bunch of BCO's dragging refers if it were better?

 

That's great to hear. I'm nowhere near being able to take the jump but I figured I'd read about it now to have a better idea later.

I watch this guy in YouTube "idiotic ramblings" or something. He bought a decked out Pete and great Dane trailer. He made it at Landstar and now has his own authority. I figured if he can with that truck/trailer and being solo. I probably could also with a freightliner/Volvo (better mpg) while also having my wife as co driver. Maybe not for flat out 1200 miles a day runs but I figured it would take the pressure off "not having enough hours" and would allow us to work comfortably.

Anyhow that's one of my goals/visions. Just need the capital to make it happen. Not in a rush either, we have to see how it will all be once the market settles a little bit more. Everyone and their mothers are buying trucks lately, it seems like

 

Landstar is very competitive.

Agents are also competitive.

They are also very busy.

No way are they going down a list asking if you are available. Do you want this load.

It's too much time.

When a really good load pops up, it's gone in minutes. Even seconds.

And the agents with the superior freight don't fool around with it. It's posted, booked, then they move onto their next thing.

 

I'm starting a fleet.

Van you can book yourself out for WEEKS with good freight.

I haven't developed my little system because I think it makes less money.

 

Yep. I've been at LS for three years. I get my loads either by working the load board or by calling agents I've had good loads from before. Many of the best loads never make to the load board because drivers know about them and call for them in advance. Keep notes!!!

In my experience when an agent calls me it's because he has something he can't move. In three years I've only accepted one load from an agent who cold called me.

 

Actually I know just 1 guy here at LS with a reefer. He does very well. I know a few of the places he picks up at at none of them have anything to do with food. Yet, it is temperature sensitive. He’s been working with that agent for years. The more specialized stuff never hits the board because the agents actually DO have a list or an email list that they’ll email or call. I can’t say that for all agents though. I’ve worked the past few weeks strictly from responding to emails. Part of that is because there aren’t a lot of RGN’s at LS. However I still get emails for stuff needing a 53flat which I’ve pulled maybe 2x all year.

 

I have seen a few (a VERY few) van loads that say "no reefers" in the comments section. Other that that, I have no idea why they wouldnt take a reefer instead of a van, unless they also required an e track, load bars, or similar. Part of your problem could be that "east coast" thing. I (currently) run Minnesota - Ohio and back mainly with a van. Once in a while to TN or NC but mainly 1 day stuff in the midwest. And home nearly every weekend. (oh, and I rarely take anything over 25k weight.

I'd like to hear from other reefer pullers to see if they have similar experiences. I have a broker that says he can get me a reefer load out of the Minneapolis area every week making in the $3-4 a mile range. And I figure in the winter, there shouldnt be an issue getting back either. But this is the first Ive heard of brokers having a problem with reefers, other than like I said the very few I have seen that say "no reefers" in the comments section.

 

There's LOTS of loads that require dry van only.

Hint - "Dry Van"

Many don't like a metal floor either.

 

cr

crap. my new boss is allllll talking about a reefer and temp controlled hazmat....

all he needs to net, is 15k a month to pay me, the truck, maintenance, and his profit...

oh well?!?

seems like van would be easier overall, especially cuz ill be doing regional runs out from the northeast to the midwest, and then back 6 on 3 off...