Question:
Buzzdog, Thanks for the info on the GPS system you own. I picked it up and started using it when I go TDY and it worked really well. My only problem is tring to change the route it programed for me to take. I'm tring take out a section of road I don't want to travel and add one that I do within that route. Do you have this problem?
You posted in the O/O forum a question about a program to track different things. I found two things which you may already be know about. Frist is the spread sheets on the OOIDA site. Second is a company named (The Alliance). Web site is 43truck.com click on products. They have some things that might be of interest to you. Also there are three books not listed on their site. you will have to call the company to get these. The number is on their site. I'm waiting to order these until after the first of the year in order to write them off as a deduction.
1. How to get started as an Owner Operator.
2. 10 Steps to success as an Owner Operator.
3. Financial Planning for the Owner Operator.
Questions to you. Can you tell my if the flatbed pay has increased and by how much?
Know that the weather has changed are you doing more loading/unloading inside of buildings or everything still done out in the weather?
What are your primary type of fright, mostly lumber or steal?
How often if at all do you haul vehicles like farm equipment?
Last but not least whats the average amount of times a week you trap/untarp your loads?
Stay safe.

Answer:
Just wondering if you can help me out with a few questions, thanks.

Answer:
First, thanks for the information.
Now to your questions.
Can you tell my if the flatbed pay has increased and by how much?
Pay seems to have increased by .02 across the board for all fleets. For a new driver Roehl has spaced out the raises every 3 months instead of one at 6 and another at 12. The raises that you get at 3,6, and 9 will be automatic, the 12 month raise will be if you meet the idle and performance requirements.
Know that the weather has changed are you doing more loading/unloading inside of buildings or everything still done out in the weather?
Most loading and unloading is inside, but the tarping varries. Picked up a load at Tectron Tube in DePere,WI last week, and had to tarp it in 20 degree weather. Had to tarp a load of bricks in SC in freezing rain. It just varies from job to job.
What are your primary type of fright, mostly lumber or steal?
Lately I have had alot of steel. Lumber has seemed to have tappered off a little bit, was hauling alot of it during the summer. I am sure lumber will pick back up with new construction in the spring. Just took some machinery pieces up to Green Bay the other day. Had a load of pavers that went to the new Phillies stadium this week. With flatbed you can end up with just about anything.
How often if at all do you haul vehicles like farm equipment?
I personally have never had a load like this. That is not to say that you wont run into it though. We do alot of Prentice loaders though.
Last but not least whats the average amount of times a week you trap/untarp your loads?
It seems to go in spurts. I had 2 loads in the past week that were no tarp, they were the first no tarp loads that I have had in about a month and a half. The most frustrating tarp loads are the rusty steel loads you pick up, green lumber, or when you get to a consignee and they just off load the product in an open field exposed to the elements. Of course you get the satisfaction of all that great "exersice" of tarping and untarping, getting dirty, all for $5 or $11.
Sorry I missed this thread the first time. Things have been kind of crazy for me the last couple of weeks. Hope I covered the questions. Also the tarp pay is going up, steel tarp loads will pay $6 up from $5 and lumber tarps will be $13 up from $11. If you have any other questions just ask.
DRIVER BY CHOICE
Buzzdog