Have any of you actually tried this? The further explanation we have received is that it will be used to help driver's get out of difficult areas and to allow FDCC to aggressively pursue backhaul freight for you. Problem is they don't want to allow driver's to use it. I now have 3 friends who have tried to use this option. One tried to get out of FL, was told they didn't need trucks in the northeast where the load was delivering, one in OK, told needed to serve their customers first, and one in KS. The last one then got a load offer from Chicago which is where the backhaul was taking him and he would have been able to deliver the backhaul in time to pickup the other load. That was a claim of shortage of trucks. I don't think they should have advertised it so proudly if they weren't going to allow us to use it. Also, I believe it has something to do with the new flat rate. For those who have not called this will be $1.16 per mile plus a $.10 fuel surcharge and accessorial fees. Then if you own your own trailer you get another $.05. Maybe they are going to use backhauls to keep the newer contracts busy. I can say that a few months ago I received a call asking if I would like them to look for a backhaul load to get me out of Omaha. That surprised me because I've never waited long to get out of Omaha. I said no because typically backhauls are more headache than they are worth. Turned out well because I got a good load later that afternoon. Additionally someone said something about reefers and produce. If you have a reefer with FDCC it has a wooden floor in it, therefore, you cannot legally haul produce for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Even with a wash out bugs and bacteria are a problem. You can try for cheese or ice cream (if your reefer will hold a low enough temp for ice cream).
I'd love to hear if anyone has success with using the backhaul.
