Northeast regional flat/step operation
 

Like to get some input on running a 500 mile radius of Baltimore. rank, I know you pay attention to rates in the northeast so I'd like your input on this as well. What do the rates look like coming out of Baltimore for flat or step? There seems to be a lot of loads on GL in Baltimore going short miles and I found loads coming back (not that I'd have to come right back). The guy I bought the truck of off also offered a few contacts for flat freight that stays in the region.

One reason for this is insurance would be cheaper, cutting my fixed cost for start up. By cutting my fixed costs I could take loads that pay well and leave the cheap stuff sit. Also reducing some of the pressure. I'd still have my construction business going for other income but, the truck would have to pay for itself and me and show some growth. I'm wouldn't be starting anything till at least spring or when things pick up, which could possibly be later than that.

I have some other things I'm looking at as well but give me your thoughts on this type of operation. Fire away! :D

Rates are usually cheap, cheap coming out of Baltimore, if you are hauling steel. I have been quoted rates from about $130-1.60 or so. The higher rates will run to the Northeast or Midwest. The lower rates are running South. I have seen rates around $2 out of there going up to New Jersey. The problem is the short miles. There are some decent paying rates out of Pennsylvania that will get you back to the Northeast.

Re: Northeast regional flat/step operation
 

Sorry I took so long to repy Rosty......had my DOT audit today. :shock:

Anyway, here are my last 10 loads, starting w/ Oct 10 and going back to July 2: During the same time period, we also moved approx 25 loads for our regular broker, but they are a long way from Balt, so they are not included.

1. Fredericksburg, VA to Toronto, ON: $1,400 on $525. Legal SD, tarp.
2. Lancaster, PA to Walkerton, ON: $1,600 on 565. Legal SD.
3. Mansfield, PA to Toronto, ON: $1,050 on 273. Legal SD, tarp.
4. Newark, NJ to Toronto, ON: $1,200 on 477. Legal SD, tarp.
5. Seven Valleys, PA to near Ottawa, ON. $1200 on 490. Legal SD.
6. Newark, NJ to Toronto, ON: $1,250 on 477. Legal SD, tarp.
7. Eldesburg, MD to Toronto, ON: $1500 on 661. Legal SD.
8. Mt Holly, NJ to Oshawa, ON: $1710 on 632. SD, wide.
9. Severn, MD to Oshawa, ON: $2000 on 615. Legal SD.
10. Severn, MD to Oshawa, ON: $2000 on 615. Legal SD.

Looks good, but I think the weak link might be finding good outbound from ON.

Thanks guys.

Rank, I figured you were busy with your audit, I hope it went well.
I'm going to keep researching and looking for contacts around the area so if you stumble across anything that might help I'd appreciate it.

I believe one of the best paying loads I have pulled out of Baltimore this year paid $2.25 going to Tennessee. It was a step deck load. I have gotten as much as $3/mile coming out of Philadelphia going to New Hampshire and back. That was also a step deck load. The rate on the Philadelphia load was not the norm. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time with the right equipment.

Rosty, yep all went well. We passed. 6hrs of scrutiny, but a pass notheless.

Gman, my rates above probably reflect crossing the border and Ontario is probably considred a bad freight area.

rank, on #7, do you mean Eldersburg, MD?

Eldesburg is Canadian for Eldersburg. I studied this in 9th grade so I know. Anything else you need to know about Canada, feel free to ask me.

Sorta like rank types using his Canadian accent? :D

we make up for lost R's by adding extra U's here and there.