which trailer is easier to find loads for?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by asphalt-cowboy, Aug 8, 2010.

  1. double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

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    Why not? Everything's paid for -- at this point it doesn't cost me anything to sit. If I'm not going to make any money, why not do it at home with friends & family? I'm thinking next year I might park Jan-Feb and flip a house or otherwise do something productive.

    If rates were fantastic somewhere else, I might take a cheap run to get there, but the only decentish rates I'm seeing are going to/through active winter weather. I'm not really interested in dealing with severe weather for OK rates...
     
    tommymonza Thanks this.
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  3. Aleeex

    Aleeex Light Load Member

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    That makes sense when you're home... it doesn't make sense when you're on the road..
     
  4. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    who the hell is running for these cheap rates ? And how are they affording to do it.?

    I would think the big company's have so much debt and overhead with waste to support that they could not possibly run for those rates.

    So right now who is doing it?

    Is jan and Feb typically this slow every year?
     
  5. Aleeex

    Aleeex Light Load Member

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    Speak numbers.. everyone is crying cheap rates, but no one is saying what they consider cheap...
     
  6. Aleeex

    Aleeex Light Load Member

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    Luckily Im not one of those people with a payment on a 140k truck.. so that makes things easier.. but I still have bills
     
  7. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    I have bills too,.. but I refuse to run my truck for what I feel are unreasonable rates. I sit and wait. Something will and always does come up.

    I dont know van rates,.. but for flatbed I set my rates based on where its going, weight, equipment I need to use, permits/expenses etc to haul their freight. If they wont pay, I say think you, have a nice day.

    I dont like sitting while away from home anymore than you do. Its frustrating and aggravates me to no end. But my truck is paid for. I'll park my truck at home and drive for someone else before I take anyone's load for less than what I feel is a fair price.

    I'm looking at rates that are $500 - $1000 less then what they should be. I dont know about you, but I'm not saving $700 on fuel, pulling a 46k load 1000 mi based on what fuel prices are right now. For a broker to think I can be gouged like that is absurd.

    Dont feel bad,.. its hard to find reasonable paying flatbed loads right now as well. I took a load of 5 golf carts for the border patrol at $1.96 mi. I feel my time and equipment are worth more. I sat for almost 2 days before I took that. I felt the light load I should be ok and considering the area I was at, swallowed my pride a little a took it.

    I'd like to know who in their right mind thinks moving 46k for $1.44mi is doing anyone any favors? Thats what a broker told me he was moving his loads at. That had my blood boiling the other day.

    Hurst
     
    double yellow Thanks this.
  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Hurst, there will always be some guys willing to pull for that rate. You and I both know they aren't making money, but they think they are and you won't ever convince them otherwise. The weather is beautiful down here. Just enjoy your break for what it is. Something always comes up with a decent rate. I just loaded my first Load since before xmas today. 2.18 to the truck. Less than 5k lbs. Heading back to the house till Sunday when I'll head north to deliver it. Bonus is I already booked my trip back for 2.41. When it had to be moved even Florida has good rates :)
     
  9. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    This is the most awesome post I have read in months. Best part is it was completely matter of fact honest without being snarky.
     
  10. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Maybe a little snarky. Sometimes I wonder though maybe I should change my outlook? I could certainly generate a LOT more revenue on MANY more miles if I was at $1.75-$1.80 a mile on the hub miles.

    The thing is when I first started and the rates I pulled always had me there or, really much worse than that, I was always questioning every single load - did I do my best on that? Could I have somehow gotten more? Now I never find myself wondering if a rate was any good or not. Regardless if it was high or not. After a while you just know it.

    But that doesn't change the fact if rates aren't there, they just ain't there, so nothing you can do will create any demand. It either is there or it isn't. Like a friend of mine was saying most times the great ones you find yourself booking are just the dumbest of luck. You think to yourself how lucky was that I can't believe they actually paid that much.

    But without being aggressive and somewhat reckless in the first place those really over the top rates would never materialize. They don't just give it away and it doesn't fall from the sky. You will be insisting every time or it will be ordinary every time.

    Which will always have one wondering if they could have done better instead of knowing they did well. But even so, I guess if a guy is making $3,000 settlements 45 or 50 weeks a year on $1.75 all miles, then who am I to say it is no good? More miles lower fixed costs.
     
    Tennesseahawk Thanks this.
  11. Verdel

    Verdel Medium Load Member

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    I am pulling a dry van, when going to some " hard to find load places" I always check what is available for reefer and flatbed. If there are 20 dry van loads, the flatbeds are about 120. The prices are like $0.15 - $0.30 better per mile. Make your own conclusions.
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2015
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