I love listening to old truckers. You got something to teach us young guys trucking out here. Thank you for the wealth of information. Have a great 2024!
It is the Freedom to choose that I miss. I don't miss the maintenance expenses. Went back to LTL in 2009. Sold my Classic. Been at Estes since then. No way I would be a company OTR dry van driver. April 14 will be 30 years with a CDL for me. You're in a good spot as an Owner Operator. Low or NO Debt is the key.
I’m thinking about flatbed. I’m a big dude and I think climbing up on tall loads to roll them tarps might be difficult. Step deck might be more my speed. I’ve only hauled lumber and roofing rolls plywood before. I live in St. Louis and I see there’s a lot of good paying freight freight from St. Louis - Ohio
St. Louis is a great area, I haul out of there once or twice a week, heck I only live 150 miles south.. Depending on where you’re going to go step is probably not the answer, unless you’ve already got stepdeck Frieght set up, If you’re going to come here it’s definitely not the answer it will cut you out of too many loads, Stay away from lumber it’s cheap junk. Mostly , I only carry 6 foot tarps. No 8 foot tarps. My days of that are over, you can do it big guy I’m 6’1” and 295lbs, I’m in pretty good shape for a guy that size because of this work but you could do it. It might kick your but really bad at first but it might be the best thing for you long-term as well, feel free to reach out and email me if you want to talk on the phone or have any questions… God bless you and have a great weekend. sturgelltruckingllc@gmail.com
I’ve been watching a couple of the Oakley end dump guys, and they get paid empty miles, so they average mid $2/all miles and the people I see complaining about that...I just don’t get it. People just gotta fuss I guess. Glad you took the time. Kids are only young once.
I have 17 years of experience done just about everything. Have my own truck clean license haven’t been otr for 4 years and No company will hire me for that reason?have my own flatbed and equipment
Tennessee in general isn’t the greatest for flatbed, but there is stuff to move in and out of the state with and you’re still right on the eastern edge of the steel belt so it’s not a bad place to be based out of
Great work.. You keep me motivated even tho I’m in a different part of the industry. #Tanker how do I get in contact with you about crst leasing also mentorship.
Loads they paying cheaper that what i expect, i think the brokers they using it as an advantage, for when a driver going into a bad area, for example Florida, they take 60 percent of the load, knowing that you don't have any choice but to take the load, but guess what i drove out of Florida empty, let they carry it on their head, not on my truck
It’s all supply and demand, when there’s more Freight than trucks the price goes up when there’s less freight than trucks the price goes down ,Florida doesn’t manufacture hardly anything. Therefore, the demand for trucks is low and the rates are low.
@sturgelltruckingllc4074 I think that if the shipper price doesn't change, the broker price should never change. Therefore, the carrier price should be stable unless the shipper pays less.
Lp payments at $480 a week?Do yall require a down payment up front? Do you know how much they deduct for the maintenance reserve per week and what year model trucks are available with CRST LP program?
I think it’s $465 a week on the flat bed side, no down payment don’t know about the door swinging crew, best to call a recruiter with those questions… I’ve never done the lease purchase program so I don’t have all the answers. Sorry.
The rated posted is that your cut? Or is that before they take their cut wht is your percentage pulling your trailer or their trailer sorry wanting some info
It’s before the cut however they do not take 25% out of that total amount you’re seeing only out of the linehaul charge, which if you pause the video and look two lines down, you can see the linehaul , you get 100% fuel surcharge, or any other charges billed to the customer Percent is the same whether it’s your trailer or theirs, you can rent a trailer if you don’t have your own and it’s a flat $225 a week and they take care of all maintenance or repairs… I prefer to rent the trailer it’s a 100% tax write off to me and I don’t have to worry about anything it’s not even worth my time to go buy my own trailer, plus a payment on a new trailer would be more than the $900 a month I’m paying to rent the one I have, plus I get a new trailer about every year to year and a half, they don’t let everyone do that, but if you take extremely good care of things, they will be begging you to run a brand new trailer every year so it doesn’t get torn up Hope this helps
Do you think the ab5 law in California will go national i know you do not suggest a single owner operator get there authority but if ab5 goes national this will make owner operators leased to carriers get there own authority peace
I know you're an O/O, but would you consider their flatbed lease program a decent one to give a run? I'm working with an LTL freight company right now, but I want to go after that freedom of my own running and schedule but gotta be wise about it ya know.
Absolutely, it’s the fairest LP in the industry, I used to be opposed to lease purchase programs, but the one here is great and gives you a good look at what it takes to coming on operator, and your payment on the truck is about the same as if you went out and bought a truck on your own but you don’t have to have the $20,000 down upfront or a lot of money and reserves for breakdowns because they take care of everything if something happens with the truck…. it’s a great deal honestly
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074 I appreciate the feedback. I'm heavily considering it, flatbed division obviously, that's what I was doing before I went to the LTL game. Here's a question, do you see the flatbed boards at risk of being oversaturated by drivers trying to jump into that side of the industry?
@@redfishbandido5755 nope that has already happened and passed, They didn’t last long because like most they way underestimated the challenges and physical work that comes along with being a flatbed’er They threw their hat in the ring, trying to save their bad business model, but ended up tapping out, so I wouldn’t worry about that
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074 well, I'm in the process right now. We'll see what happens I suppose. They asked me what kind of otr experience I have, and I asked them what specifically they meant because I've been all over the midwest with my LTL I work for and they consider me a "road driver" so I don't know how to answer that, I said I do everything an OTR guy would do but sleep in the truck. 🤷
@@redfishbandido5755 I believe they consider anything over 300 miles a day over the road , they should the flip-flop door swingers that hang out at the loves barely run that
Terrible, Texas is not a good area for flatbed and never has been, there’s good loads going to tevas (because nobody wants to go there ) because getting out is extremely tough. You can run around inside of the state of Texas and make a little money but it’s out of the steel belt so the rates are always low…
Ok that’s my comment thank you for that so I’m bringing my uncles truck so I’m be Owner Op but I’m trying to see if good loads don’t come out of Texas where would you recommend
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074and what all would I be paying for being owner op flatbed with CRST , also say if my truck breaks down and I don’t have all the funds does crst help out with that or I just have to pay out of pocket ?
@@breannathompson-pg2tb coming out of Texas under $2 a mile after the cut and they will help you out after you’ve been here a while and you have a proven track record showing that you can make money to pay them back
I made over $100K every year that I worked at UPS, but I lost part of my soul there, when I walked out to get my vehicle and go home on my last day it was like I’d been set free from prison…. I’ve found personal (better late than never) freedom is worth more than money and I wish I’d spent more of my career in pursuit of that, instead of the dollar, but that’s just me
I love listening to old truckers. You got something to teach us young guys trucking out here. Thank you for the wealth of information. Have a great 2024!
Very transparent and straightforward, appreciate the gems you’re blessing us with
It is the Freedom to choose that I miss.
I don't miss the maintenance expenses.
Went back to LTL in 2009.
Sold my Classic.
Been at Estes since then.
No way I would be a company OTR dry van driver.
April 14 will be 30 years with a CDL for me.
You're in a good spot as an Owner Operator.
Low or NO Debt is the key.
I’m with you! I’ve been home since December 21st! Heading out tonight to pick up in the morning
From one Alien to another - thanks for another year of great data and intel that helps folks like me. Happy new year!!
Can you gross $7,000 a week with CRST flatbed?
Thanks for all the videos. Happy New Year and God Bless!
I’m thinking about flatbed. I’m a big dude and I think climbing up on tall loads to roll them tarps might be difficult. Step deck might be more my speed. I’ve only hauled lumber and roofing rolls plywood before. I live in St. Louis and I see there’s a lot of good paying freight freight from St. Louis - Ohio
St. Louis is a great area, I haul out of there once or twice a week, heck I only live 150 miles south..
Depending on where you’re going to go step is probably not the answer, unless you’ve already got stepdeck Frieght set up, If you’re going to come here it’s definitely not the answer it will cut you out of too many loads, Stay away from lumber it’s cheap junk. Mostly , I only carry 6 foot tarps. No 8 foot tarps. My days of that are over, you can do it big guy I’m 6’1” and 295lbs, I’m in pretty good shape for a guy that size because of this work but you could do it. It might kick your but really bad at first but it might be the best thing for you long-term as well, feel free to reach out and email me if you want to talk on the phone or have any questions… God bless you and have a great weekend.
sturgelltruckingllc@gmail.com
I’ve been watching a couple of the Oakley end dump guys, and they get paid empty miles, so they average mid $2/all miles and the people I see complaining about that...I just don’t get it.
People just gotta fuss I guess.
Glad you took the time. Kids are only young once.
I've noticed that as well. Those $2 a mile for deadheading really keeps their pay per total miles up there!
I have 17 years of experience done just about everything. Have my own truck clean license haven’t been otr for 4 years and No company will hire me for that reason?have my own flatbed and equipment
Call Tonya in recruiting she will have that answer
thanks for sharing ... bro..
How is rates coming out of knoxville TN.
Great content, love watching your videos...... you always keep it 💯
Tennessee in general isn’t the greatest for flatbed, but there is stuff to move in and out of the state with and you’re still right on the eastern edge of the steel belt so it’s not a bad place to be based out of
@sturgelltruckingllc4074 Thank you. I'm north of knoxville almost in Kentucky.
Great work.. You keep me motivated even tho I’m in a different part of the industry. #Tanker how do I get in contact with you about crst leasing also mentorship.
sturgelltruckingllc@gmail.com
Loads they paying cheaper that what i expect, i think the brokers they using it as an advantage, for when a driver going into a bad area, for example Florida, they take 60 percent of the load, knowing that you don't have any choice but to take the load, but guess what i drove out of Florida empty, let they carry it on their head, not on my truck
It’s all supply and demand, when there’s more Freight than trucks the price goes up when there’s less freight than trucks the price goes down ,Florida doesn’t manufacture hardly anything. Therefore, the demand for trucks is low and the rates are low.
@sturgelltruckingllc4074 I think that if the shipper price doesn't change, the broker price should never change. Therefore, the carrier price should be stable unless the shipper pays less.
Just rolled into Blytheville and it is cold and windy!!
Yes sir!!…. We can go back to summer now🥶
Lp payments at $480 a week?Do yall require a down payment up front? Do you know how much they deduct for the maintenance reserve per week and what year model trucks are available with CRST LP program?
I think it’s $465 a week on the flat bed side, no down payment don’t know about the door swinging crew, best to call a recruiter with those questions…
I’ve never done the lease purchase program so I don’t have all the answers. Sorry.
Great video. How are rates in and around phoenix az?
Terrible…. Our customer base is all east of interstate 35
The rated posted is that your cut? Or is that before they take their cut wht is your percentage pulling your trailer or their trailer sorry wanting some info
It’s before the cut however they do not take 25% out of that total amount you’re seeing only out of the linehaul charge, which if you pause the video and look two lines down, you can see the linehaul , you get 100% fuel surcharge, or any other charges billed to the customer
Percent is the same whether it’s your trailer or theirs, you can rent a trailer if you don’t have your own and it’s a flat $225 a week and they take care of all maintenance or repairs…
I prefer to rent the trailer it’s a 100% tax write off to me and I don’t have to worry about anything it’s not even worth my time to go buy my own trailer, plus a payment on a new trailer would be more than the $900 a month I’m paying to rent the one I have, plus I get a new trailer about every year to year and a half, they don’t let everyone do that, but if you take extremely good care of things, they will be begging you to run a brand new trailer every year so it doesn’t get torn up
Hope this helps
220K running relaxed. Probably double that if you were a young buck…
Easily…
Do you think the ab5 law in California will go national i know you do not suggest a single owner operator get there authority but if ab5 goes national this will make owner operators leased to carriers get there own authority peace
Nope, not in my lifetime anyway
I know you're an O/O, but would you consider their flatbed lease program a decent one to give a run? I'm working with an LTL freight company right now, but I want to go after that freedom of my own running and schedule but gotta be wise about it ya know.
Absolutely, it’s the fairest LP in the industry, I used to be opposed to lease purchase programs, but the one here is great and gives you a good look at what it takes to coming on operator, and your payment on the truck is about the same as if you went out and bought a truck on your own but you don’t have to have the $20,000 down upfront or a lot of money and reserves for breakdowns because they take care of everything if something happens with the truck…. it’s a great deal honestly
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074 I appreciate the feedback. I'm heavily considering it, flatbed division obviously, that's what I was doing before I went to the LTL game. Here's a question, do you see the flatbed boards at risk of being oversaturated by drivers trying to jump into that side of the industry?
@@redfishbandido5755 nope that has already happened and passed, They didn’t last long because like most they way underestimated the challenges and physical work that comes along with being a flatbed’er They threw their hat in the ring, trying to save their bad business model, but ended up tapping out, so I wouldn’t worry about that
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074 well, I'm in the process right now. We'll see what happens I suppose. They asked me what kind of otr experience I have, and I asked them what specifically they meant because I've been all over the midwest with my LTL I work for and they consider me a "road driver" so I don't know how to answer that, I said I do everything an OTR guy would do but sleep in the truck. 🤷
@@redfishbandido5755 I believe they consider anything over 300 miles a day over the road , they should the flip-flop door swingers that hang out at the loves barely run that
I’m starting Crst Flatbed next month super nervous but how are rates out of Dallas Texas area
Terrible, Texas is not a good area for flatbed and never has been, there’s good loads going to tevas (because nobody wants to go there ) because getting out is extremely tough. You can run around inside of the state of Texas and make a little money but it’s out of the steel belt so the rates are always low…
Ok that’s my comment thank you for that so I’m bringing my uncles truck so I’m be Owner Op but I’m trying to see if good loads don’t come out of Texas where would you recommend
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074and what all would I be paying for being owner op flatbed with CRST , also say if my truck breaks down and I don’t have all the funds does crst help out with that or I just have to pay out of pocket ?
@@breannathompson-pg2tb coming out of Texas under $2 a mile after the cut and they will help you out after you’ve been here a while and you have a proven track record showing that you can make money to pay them back
Actually , I run a dedicated 5-6 days a week and made 125k 2023. It’s possible. Been with the company 8 years.
I made over $100K every year that I worked at UPS, but I lost part of my soul there, when I walked out to get my vehicle and go home on my last day it was like I’d been set free from prison…. I’ve found personal (better late than never) freedom is worth more than money and I wish I’d spent more of my career in pursuit of that, instead of the dollar, but that’s just me
@@sturgelltruckingllc4074this was me working at McLane. Made 125 a year but was dying on the inside
Keep going👍
Go work for Swift and make a good paycheck.
Swift is above my pay grade😂😂😂