O/O looking

Rates will depend on where you run and what you haul. Rates are lower today than they were a month or two ago. I still see most rates above $2/mile, but have also seen some for under $1/mile. You do need good cash flow, but you also need a fair profit. Cash flow alone will not keep you profitable or keep your doors open. I have seen companies with great cash flow go out of business due to not making a profit. I would rather run fewer miles at a higher rate than running the wheels off at cheap rates. Some people will run their truck regardless of the rate. I happen to believe that I should make a fair profit off of every load that goes on my trucks.

 

I know what the rates are all over the country. Thats what you do when you have a long haul trucking company and able to grow it in this economy. I never said it was impossible to find but unless you get a set contract and haul for the same shipper (again very possible to do) some "ideal steady rates" are just a pipe dream. Parking the truck is fine to do so long as you dont have to pay for it while it sits. If you have truck/trailer and insurace payments due, it takes a healthy reserve to be able to park the truck.

Again I can find local runs for $3.00 a mile here but they are for 250 miles or less and tie the rig up for most of the day. $500 - $700 billed a day is not enough in my operation.... but as you said, what could I possibly know living in VA vs AL since I have been behind the wheel for over 13 years and own 6 rigs....