What's really going on out there!? Are the prices down everywhere?

Yes, things are a little depressed right now. It's out there, you just have to find it, or specialize.

 

I don't look for loads myself, I go through a carrier for dry van loads, while they manage to find something around $2.40 - $2.70 it takes a while for a particular day, so its out there apparently if you know where to look. Also keep in mind that fuel costs have gone down as well.

 

Going to get a lot worse before it gets better. G-P hardboard plant in my little town, closing after 100 years. May not sound like much in itself, but it's just one more nail in the coffin, and many flatbedders that live in the area, that used to haul that, are screwed. A good investment now would be "For Sale" signs.

 

You need to learn how the spot market and load boards work. Spot market = leftovers, big 3pl take care of their regulars first. Do you think CHR post all 10 billion in freight they do each year? You have to get associated with the right people to get the better freight.
http://www.todaystrucking.com/spot-market-freight-volume-rates-continue-falling

Comparing freight volume to August 2014 by equipment type, year-over-year, vans declined 35 percent, reefers were down 29 percent, and flatbeds dropped 57 percent.

Line haul rates declined only 1.3 percent for vans, while reefer rates dipped 1.1 percent and flatbeds lost 5.8 percent compared to August 2014, but total rates declined by 11 to 15 percent, due to a 49 percent decline in the fuel surcharge over the year, according to DAT.