Mercer

Pros:

- Potential for great revenue if you do it right (and with a little bit of luck)

- Unlike doing LTL with a dry van, loading/unloading is much more flexible with a skateboard which could further enhance the potential for added revenue. You can keep going by adding stuff as long as your HOS and delivery schedule allow.

- Loads tend to be lighter. On the CA-NY run, I only had 11,000 lbs until I got to Madison, SD. On the return run, the overall weight never exceeded 12,000 lbs. It reflects in fuel mileage. Overall MPG ended up around 6.1 mpg, and this includes A LOT of idling and I was driving at 70+mph where allowed.

- Lots of miles (good revenue despite lower rate) EDIT: I did end up with decent rate this time, and it would have been better if Fresno or Carson City didn't get cancelled. But, there's also a chance it could have been a lot worse - it's a crapshoot. Return trip was what bumped up the rate considerably.


Cons:

- It's a crapshoot. Fresno load got canned, and I ended up DH'ing 300 miles to Sierra AD. Then Sacramento got canned due to the hold up, then Carson City got cancelled as well. On the other hand, you might get lucky like my Tulsa-Blaine example. You have to be at the right place at the right time. You just never know how it's gonna turn out.

- A lot of sitting around waiting for good partials. I personally hate sitting around, but it is a necessary evil and is the key to a successful LTL run. You have to be willing to sit, stretching the delivery dates as much as you possibly can. APU would definetely come in handy, especially this time of the year.

- Since you waste most of day light waiting, you'll end up start driving late in the afternoon and well into the night. I used to drive night time when I was flat broke, but I just don't have inclination to do it unless I absolutely have to (due to road closure, etc). Not so much of a problem if you prefer night driving.

- Lots of miles (more work at lower rate)


Would I do this again?

Depends. Last month, I grossed just as much in a 3-week time frame doing a bunch of short hops in east of Mississippi river.

That sure felt like a lot less work. I'd rather do those while the rates are good, but I can see myself doing LTLs in the winter time when the rates and freight availability go down.


I'll probably think of something else later on, but that's about all I can think of now.


EDIT - random additional thoughts:

- I wouldn't start a round of LTLs just before a holiday weekend like I did this time.

- For those who hadn't been following, this was my first attempt at doing LTLs in case you couldn't tell. I went through a very steep learning curve, but I now have a pretty good idea what to do. With a regular truck load, you get loaded and you deliver as soon as possible. You have to adjust your mind-set a little bit doing LTLs. You have to juggle around revenue, delivery schedule, deck space, weight, etc.

 

Dr. Katz, My numbers don't even come close to yours... But I've been hit hard this year financially & mechanically.

 

Katz da man. . I had hoped to wait till the spring to make my move to Mercer, when freight picks up a bit but my boss man is talking hard about getting a "Mini-Float" to haul some of our loads that only have a joint or two of pipe. Typically those are my bread and butter. ( I like my bread and butter, who dosent).

 

Yeah, you had a rough month. It's kinda like where I was a few months ago, spending a lot of money sorting out/fixing new-to-me truck and trailer. You'll be alright, I'm sure. I'm going to Bonneville for two weeks so that'll give you time to catch up!

Honestly I don't think I would have worked as hard if I wasn't planning on this vacation. I'm just like any other human - my default mode is lazy and I only work hard for my incentives.

I too am liking your bread and butter. Sounds like nice light and easy loads.

I'm pleased with what I've been earning with Mercer. I'm the one who's hauling the loads, but I'd like to acknowledge that Eric the coordinator equally deserves the credit. He's been doing a hell of a job finding me good paying loads while minimizing DH.

 

I just purchased a new-to-me used trailer.

It is a 2006 Fontaine Renegade. I got it for very good price, and it is in excellent shape.

 

Way ta go dude! That looks sweet. Things must be better than I thought. I am still at the point where I am not sure how steady the income will be. I have about fifteen large but that would be everything. I know the the place I am at now will all but dry up around November. I don't have any doubt that I can run hard and long, but I have no clue as to how the load board thing works. Some say that you can pre select, but that only puts you on a list. I guess it's safe to say that I don't know, what I don't know.

 

Is that the same trailer that we've been talking about for the past month?

A few more days & I'll be back out onm the road!


outerspacehillbilly is joining our ranks.... I guess he started orientation yesterday.

 

Yes I did Redd, should be outta here tomorrow!

 

what are you skateboarders averaging per mile over there? I want to see how hard it is to get on with you all. Does having a military secret clearance help out at Mercer?

 

No I have one of those. Having a twic card does.