New company

Sure, it’s reasonable. Your gross is low though.

Maybe tell us more about how or where you run, how much down time you’ve had, driver home time requirements, etc and it’ll give a better idea. What truck do you have?

If your driver doesn’t know flat bed well then stick with van. Also, you as the owner need to learn the market and switching markets isn’t helpful for that. I’m assuming you are booking the loads and dispatching?

 

Jesus Christ. 5500 a month before you turn the key…sheesh good luck to you.

 

Yeah, I know your not but don’t get down or give up. It took me a few years to really figure things out and it seemed impossible to make much much. But, starting in a downturn like we’re in the midst of will be a benefit to you in the long run if you make it.

@God prefers Diesels may be able to help.

 

Are you a driver?

 

Jesus, good luck with that. Are you working on IRP? And will that van hauler actually be cool with open deck? Not trying to discount the van guys, but flatbed is a lot more work for the same pay. Van is only down recently. With people making the jump, this difference in rates is only temporary. You don't want to cost yourself a driver. Learning is only a tenth of the battle. It's mindset too. He's either got to be all about the money, or straight up enjoy open deck. If he's in between, he'll be crying for a door to slam inside a week. That's my opinion on the matter, and I haven't been at this long enough to formulate a different one. So take it with a grain of salt.

Do you have a trailer lined up if you make the switch?

 

Makes a lot of sense to me. The only ways he’s in worse shape then he already is is to lose the one driver he has.

 

Texas is a tough market for van. Too many trucks. If I was in Texas I wouldn’t pull a van. -But if I did… I would punch out to a productive lane. One that the rates are better and you can move and get them done without the east coast traffic or western states. Am I hinting at @Midwest Trucker backyard? Hopefully he won’t get to mad. But GR, IL, WI, MN, IA and eastern SD are productive. Not saying this will always be the case, even though it’s a good area, stay on top of the market trends. I focus primarily where there is a shortage, but will deviate if a great opportunity presents. I spend about maybe 6 hours a day studying the market. That’s even when I am home. Sometimes I’ll spend 2 hours, the other day 8 hours working on one great paying load. That’s allot of no. I realize I cannot be in business by hauling cheap. So I must put out all efforts. I have had to change my dynamics a few times in the last month. Takes more effort, but it can be done. I have been doing great the last 6 weeks other than some down time for service. You just got to sharpen the pencil.