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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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