[lucky2]

One thing we will have to figure out is what is a decent load pay is and what is not. Where my husband was a company driver he was very rarely told what a load was paying. From what we know right now he will be pulling a flat bed hauling lumber from northern Mi. and they do alot of Tx. Co. Io. lanes. What amount per mile for loads are decent and which are not?

[GMAN]

What is decent to one individual may not be decent to another. Colorado and Texas are not the best areas in which to go with a flat bed right now. It isn't difficult to get runs into those areas but may be challenging to get out. A decent load is one in which you make a profit and takes you to a fairly decent area to get reloaded. When you lease to a carrier you are normally limited to using their agents or dispatchers for your loads. Most percentage carriers will allow their owner operators to refuse loads. Your best bet would be to ask the carrier what they are currently getting in those lanes. I would estimate that you will need at least around $1.60+/mile or more to break even including driver pay. My suggestion would be to see what the carrier is averaging in your travel lands and then compare your estimated travel expenses. Once you start running you will see what your exact expenses will run.