I have been back on the thread quite regularly as of late as I am seriously thinking of going back on the road. I came off the road about a year ago to work at a Mill on shift work very close to where I live. They are down-sizing so it looks like I will be back on the road soon.
I would like to get some real info and numbers from you folks that have been involved with hauling containers (O/O) on a dedicated lane or otherwise. Since I am retired once (Federal service 26 yrs) I am possibly looking at buying a Tractor (Hopefully cash) that has a good warranty left to last me through 7-10 yrs where at the age of 56-59 I can call it quits and enjoy boating and fishing on my 21 Center console (hopefully it will be a 23 by then on a more regular basis,,, )
I live about 23 miles north of Jacksonville and it appears there will be a lot of container work starting in 2009 as some of the big Jap shipping will start to lease there spots near Dames point.
Can one gross at least 3500 per week (not including any fuel surcharge that may be passed to the o/o) hauling these cans around ? I would like to run up as far north as Virginia, and the possible runs out west to Louissiana or further west if need be. I would like to average 2500 miles per week give or take... I am going to talk to carriers that are hooked up with these outfits. I did talk to one, I think it was road-link but not sure, and I was informed that the drivers were making around 1700-2000 per week after fuel. This was 2 years ago, and I was hoping to do better than this figure.
My thoughts are this and please chime in on your opinions, especially the folks who have done this before. I would like to gross after fuel expense, approx 2200-2600 per week and put away 500 per wk for the so called ''truck fund'', repairs, insurance, reg, etc. That will allow me to earn a decent wage and profit. So I guess I need to gross the 3500 pr wk as mentioned above. Also, I do believe diesel will come down significantly as these inflated fuel prices has strangled the economy.
Looking forward to your expert comments !
Thanks,
Joe (Back on the Road)