Questions you wished you ask before joining Mercer

Have you read the main one that 1200 pages almost? Read that then ask?

 

Yep. Took me 2 weeks

 

Well all of our fixed cost are different. ATM I don't have a truck payment so mine is pretty low. And if you read the main thread I can't think of any questions you might have that haven't been answered. I will say that coming to Mercer via the L/P route has been hard for many. Dealing with high initial fixed cost and the steep learning curve has proven to be just too much for most. It's probably better to buy a cheap reliable truck and learn the ropes THEN get a new truck if your still inclined to do so. Either way I wish you the best.

 

Thank you for the wishes. Before I got into trucking I managed 500k worth of provision for a nuclear submarine. So I have a decent understanding of business

 

By no means was I saying you couldn't do it. If you read the main thread you will remember I argued for the L/P program. I know it can be done I was just pointing out a dreaded fact that many have no idea how to be successful at it or most things for that matter. Being retired Navy myself and now knowing that you served too I know that your odds of success are about 85% better then the average Joe. I really meant no offense.

 

No offense was taken nor was it implied. I know your were just sharing your wisdom with me as a fellow driver and that's how I took it. Most things that are insulting barely scratch the skin let alone a nerve.

 

Trucking is a whole different animal when it comes to business. Yes you should know your numbers but knowing your numbers is only half the battle. There are so many unknowns that it's crazy. I've only been at it since May but I can tell you that Lanes play a big role in this. Also the market will somewhat dictate how you run. This year you do a triangle then the well is ran dry so you gotta switch up your running style. Seasons play a part too. (Snowmobiles are paying good right now) I didn't catch what kinda wagon your pulling. If Van then I couldn't tell you much but if Flat then CJ might be your best friend for battling the dreaded winter for open deck. I'm not sure what he grossed but he had no truck payment so his learning curve was way better being that he could afford to gamble and take more chances

 

I'm not with mercer yet but looking to swing over there around March or April just at the beginning of the season

 

We'll see how the market is by then but generally for flatbed it should get better

 

That's what I'm figuring is kniw with winter approaching the frieght will slow down so starting up now would be a more risky move then waiting till the beginning