Advice on other O/O Hauling Jobs

[Papa Rick]

Has anyone done any hauling for the US Postal Company? Hauling Logs has really slowed down, and just thinking and wanting some advice on what I may check out hauling if the Log Hauling does not pick up.

I know a big drawback would be a Day Cab, but I am looking for advice and suggestions on this.

I like what I am doing, but business is business.

I live 60 miles south of Chattanooga TN, 80 Miles North of Birmingham, 60 Miles east of Huntsville, in Rainsville AL, just to let you know where a market may be at.

I appreciate any comments and advice you have for me.

[Maniac]

Has anyone done any hauling for the US Postal Company

In 1984 I had a postal contract for 1 year, WORST year of my life, money wasn't that bad, But not great either.

You are given strict times to adhere too or you are fined $$$, (the mail must go thru!!) you MUST provide truck service even if you break down, you MUST have a truck and driver at all times or you violate your contract.

Most postal contractors are multiple truck operators, as a matter fact I don't think they deal with solo operators any more.

The day cab would work out OK, just keep in mind you CANNOT log sleeper time with a day cab, and can be asked to provide a motel reciept by the DOT in a scale

[GMAN]

You might be able to get steel out of Birmingham, Chattanooga or Atlanta. I have had opportunities to do short hauls in those areas. You would need a flat bed trailer.

[Papa Rick]

I would buy a trailer if I could get the hauls for this. How and where should I go about trying to find a market for this?

When I started out OO hauling logs, it was very simple and not much to it, no calling on customers etc..., but am willing to learn. I hauled flatbed prior to becoming a OO 2 years ago.

Detailed Advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[GMAN]

Do you want something to run under your own authority or to lease to another carrier?

[Maniac]

How and where should I go about trying to find a market for this?

First you would need your own authority, logs are exempt,meaning anyone can haul them, that's why they are so easy to get in on.

You would need insurance to get your authority.

[Papa Rick]

Not really sure if I would run under someone, or get my own, really looking for advice and suggestions so I can look and think about this.

If I could haul under someone else and get used to doing this, that might be an idea to consider.

I wouldn't know how to lease to another carrier since I would be new to all of this. There is not much to do when you haul logs as far as the paperwork is concerned.

Heck, we use time sheets instead of log sheets and it is legal.

Been driving for 10 years, Flattbed for 5 years prior to 2 years OO hauling logs.

[GMAN]

It will take several weeks to get your authority. You can lease to a carrier in a few days. It would be much easier if you had a sleeper, but you could probably get a room, if necessary to get started. Are you only wanting to do this for a short time or something for at least several months or longer?

[Papa Rick]

GMAN it would be something that would be permenant if the money was right. I bought my 03 KW with the intention of doing it and retiring one day (48 now), but it has really taken a slow down the past month and doesn't look to rebound for quite some time.

I know a Day Cab would keep me from getting some jobs, but I thought that maybe could find something to branch out into and if the numbers were right then go to a sleeper if need be, but for now to stay with my Day Cab.

I am currently hauling logs now, but not full time as I was before.

[GMAN]

You might contact CRST Malone in Birmingham or Tennessee Steel in Nashville.

[infrontofu]

you could also contact old dominion freight lines or delta express there both hiring o/o within a 75 mile radies of huntsville al.both jobs are home every day pulling containers delta requires you to have your own plates and insurance,old dominion will help you with these things in you need them.and i know low pay but still better than most otr companies and home every day and every weekend.they will take a daycab also.im with o.d. now and doing aroung 1.50 to 1.60 a mile with fuel 2500 to 3000 miles a week usually 550 or so miles daily.doing a turn out and back.

[charged]

It will take several weeks to get your authority.

I'm pretty sure it only took my a dad a week or so to get his authority.

[BigDiesel]

It will take several weeks to get your authority.

I'm pretty sure it only took my a dad a week or so to get his authority.

Liar Liar Pants on fire....

[scooter823]

It will take several weeks to get your authority.

I'm pretty sure it only took my a dad a week or so to get his authority.

Liar Liar Pants on fire....

You ain't right

[Stickler28]

you could also contact old dominion freight lines or delta express there both hiring o/o within a 75 mile radies of huntsville al.both jobs are home every day pulling containers delta requires you to have your own plates and insurance,old dominion will help you with these things in you need them.and i know low pay but still better than most otr companies and home every day and every weekend.they will take a daycab also.im with o.d. now and doing aroung 1.50 to 1.60 a mile with fuel 2500 to 3000 miles a week usually 550 or so miles daily.doing a turn out and back.

They pay your fuel or your fuel comes out of that????

[charged]

you could also contact old dominion freight lines or delta express there both hiring o/o within a 75 mile radies of huntsville al.both jobs are home every day pulling containers delta requires you to have your own plates and insurance,old dominion will help you with these things in you need them.and i know low pay but still better than most otr companies and home every day and every weekend.they will take a daycab also.im with o.d. now and doing aroung 1.50 to 1.60 a mile with fuel 2500 to 3000 miles a week usually 550 or so miles daily.doing a turn out and back.

They pay your fuel or your fuel comes out of that????

Fuel has to come out of that...

It seems to me you'd be better off running under your own authority if you have your own tractor and plates and insurance. Especially if you're only making $1.50/mile before fuel and all the other costs. If your break even is $1.30 you're only making $0.20/mi.

[BigDiesel]

Fuel has to come out of that...

It seems to me you'd be better off running under your own authority if you have your own tractor and plates and insurance. Especially if you're only making $1.50/mile before fuel and all the other costs. If your break even is $1.30 you're only making $0.20/mi.

Do not give advice to others, as you are an imbecile and are still clueless...... Thank you.

[mike3fan]

Do not give advice to others, as you are an imbecile and are still clueless...... Thank you.

+1

[infrontofu]

charged u may be better off with your own authority i have mine as well and am better off leased to old dominion.inaverage 1.20 to 1.50 a mile most of the time plus my fuel surcharge..i know im hauling cheap dont need anyone ragging me abought it.it is a choice i made for me and my kids.i actually enjoy seeing them every day.and i do.ive only spent 2 nites in the truck science ive been with them.they are a great company.hiring within 75 miles of all their rail terminals.
atlanta huntsville,north georgia,charolette.harrisburg.and all the ports on the east coast.
im not trying to recruit anyone just posting info to help out someone that asked and it is very close for him.
and charged my truck is paid off od provides my plates and permits at no cost to me my insurance is less than 100$ a week no trailer rent.my biggest expense is maintance and fuel.which by the way i filled up at od,s terminal in white pine tn for 3.65 a gallon yesterday.
my point is my operating cost is apparently much lower than your daddies.i may not have a big new shiny large car to strut around in but my little volvo gets the job done all the same.

[charged]

Fuel has to come out of that...

It seems to me you'd be better off running under your own authority if you have your own tractor and plates and insurance. Especially if you're only making $1.50/mile before fuel and all the other costs. If your break even is $1.30 you're only making $0.20/mi.

Do not give advice to others, as you are an imbecile and are still clueless...... Thank you.

Since when is running a truck for $1.50/mi better than running a truck for more?