Ma and Pa Shops?

Wow! Ok, then. You obviously think like I do. I have worked on a percentage basis with a local who runs farm tags. That paid really well. So I made the decision to negotiate this deal at 25% of gross in the event that we haul for that same farmer, and we will. There truck was running when I was hauling for the other but their driver was irresponsible and shelled the trani. The problem with that is, it's seasonal and I need full time. I negotiated with them above the national average per mile in exchange for doing my own dispatching. I was hopeing that that would allow me "my time at home" when I need it and I could choose my own lanes. Since I am meticulous about researching these things, I felt like I would have a better chance of survival... and I'm not your average bear. I am a loner and like to do my own thing. Essentially,the loads I get that would be otr will pay at a rate higher than I want to post here. So, it is as if I am an O/O without the overhead and authorities and such. I make them money and they leave me the hell alone... with their truck. The daughter is average looking, single, and dumb as a box of rocks. So, no dice on that one. All the information about brokers is a bit confusing though. There is so much conflicting information and different opinions about them. I did call a few and faked it just to feel them out. Most of them have been rude, demanding and expect you to haul for less than fuel cost. And then they usually finish up by saying that they will find someone to move it at that rate because they always do. My thing is I'm not doing this to be a truck driver. This is the beginning of getting into my own truck and I want to use this company to get through my inexperience without forking out the fundage for my own truck and winging it on my own...and as far as the steering wheel holders you are talking about, I know the type and have no intention of being one. Although, I must admit it is nice to have few breakdowns but I do the maintenance on a few trucks around here and can pretty much hold my own when it comes to mechanicing. Anyway, the deal went like this... I book the loads, I haul the loads, I get a drivers rate per mile that is more than adequate, they collect whats left. They agreed to my terms knowing full well that I would not take advantage of them in any way. I set the standards of what our minimum rates would be and would refuse to haul cheap freight at there expense. Then they book a load without me knowing, which I hauled today. I had to stop off and pick up a check on my way back (no backhaul) for the load and it was at an ok rate for the linehaul but the deadhead killed them. I would have never agreed to that one! When I got back to the yard the boss said he knew he was in trouble when he shot them a number and they jumped on it. Initially, I was told by their secretary that his daughter had done it, but apparently not. It was him. I just let him choke on his mistake and didn't rub it in. Although, I surely wanted to. So that's as far as I have gotten with them. I have to finish up a hauling contract with my father and then I'm ready to take the next step with getting loads for them. I have made some calls and have looked for jobs from shippers but so far nothing has worked out. So, I may be back to the brokers until I can beat the bushes and get something on my own. Anyway, thank you for your response and reading my dumb posts. I appreciate it and value your advice.

 

Because I would rather get shafted by a broker one time on the short term than sign on with a carrier and get shafted every day I get behind the wheel of one of their trucks. But, at the same time, I can't really base that opinion on any of my own personal experiences or knowledge. It just isn't my style that's all. No offense. If you are willing to read my crap and chime in, I am more than willing to listen to your views and consider them. Thanks, even if you break my balls or don't agree with me.

 

Self evaluation is something most people can't do. So I love advice and am not to proud to take criticism. Especially, if it's about me making a mistake or overlooking something. I feel much better about the current situation after reading your post. Thank you and thanks for the advice. One thing that this site has made me realize is that I will surely be making new lifelong friends and that people in the trucking industry are good at heart, at least on this side of the fence. Much love to you x#1.

 

OK, Spider. What's your take on the situation?