mercer transportation

We haul Kool Aid snow cones in the Winter

 

Flatbed freight is always very slow in January & February regardless of where I've been leased.
Just go back to that time period in the Mercer threads and you'll get the idea.
There just isn't as much construction going on in the north half of the country at that time of year due to the weather and there isn't as much Government freight moving at that time of year either.

 

Some guys take a month off (like me). Some get them a dry van and keep on trucking.
Some just run cheaper and less miles.
It's not pictularly slower here than almost any other flatbed company, just flatbed in general is slow those months.

 

So, the koolaide tastes better in hot weather than cold weather.
Or, in winter that koolaide seems weaker.

I did call Mercer about pulling a van. He said van rates had dropped to an average of $1.35 for all miles. I assume that's figured on short miles. But, the average length of haul is a little over 1100 miles for vans. And i'll need to acquire a trailer. Flats are averaging $1.65 with an average length of haul of 650 miles.

I am thinking about going back to Crete. Shorter hauls, but higher rates (mileage) and lower costs (don't need a trailer).
But less freedom and more work due to short hauls. Dang these lousy tradeoffs.

 

I surprised to hear those low rates, but not surprised the recruter spoke the truth.
I've been averaging right at $2 mile with average haul 400 miles and home once a week if not twice.

Yes the koolaid is weak in the winter, but theirs always the ups hauls we do. And some make out real good on that.

 

January was my highest grossing month the last 2 years. just got to work it right.

 

Sounds like working it right is the key. My only problem with learning to work it right often costs me so much. I hate learning curves.

 

Well....I lost a load a load paying $2.74 on 1250 miles due to the web being really slow so I called my coordinator, but he wouldn't answer his stupid phone I missed that load by 10-15 seconds.
Now I see a load coming from the same town going 1100 miles at $2.33 a mile the next day. I'm pissed

I wasn't even matched to any loads. I really want to set my own preferences.

Each time something like this happens, I used my coordinator less each time. Straight to the agent!!!!

 

And why wouldn't you call the agent first, if it's that good of a load and concerned about timing?
Also why don't you commit yourself on the load if you see it on the board? You don't need your coodinator or agent to commit to a load.

 

The web was slow.