Slow in Texas............

Azcot · Dec 10, 2011

Hi everyone....

I was wondering if anyone is having the same problem as us...today is Saturday, and we have only had one 600 mile run this week...!!

We realise that sitting is part 'n parcel of this business...but this much seems a lot.

Is this typical close to Xmas or is this what it is like in Texas..?

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60MPH · Dec 10, 2011

Azcot said:
Hi everyone....

I was wondering if anyone is having the same problem as us...today is Saturday, and we have only had one 600 mile run this week...!!

We arrived in Dallas for a delivery on Monday morning....there were 8 D units here plus multiples of the others. We got a couple of good load offers over Mon & Tues and accepted only to have them given to another truck - which I understand as there dwell was most likely longer than ours. Anyway got a 'A' load offer on Thursday (3 days later) going to Mcallen, accepted it - got it and it delivered Friday....and here we are sitting and waiting again...there has been one local run offer in Laredo and that's it....we realise that sitting is part 'n parcel of this business...but this much seems a lot.

Is this typical close to Xmas or is this what it is like in Texas..?

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So you went further south for a A rate, are you in a D unit?? Texas has been slow for a while and going further south would not be the smartest thing to do, but you may get lucky and get a load out. I would of went to north into OK. or AR. less trucks, better rates. I hope you get out of down there this week.

cheri1122 · Dec 10, 2011

Azcot said:
Hi everyone....

I was wondering if anyone is having the same problem as us...today is Saturday, and we have only had one 600 mile run this week...!!

If Mama didn't tell you there'd be days like that, EO did - we've all been there. [And it bites!]

We realise that sitting is part 'n parcel of this business...but this much seems a lot.

Is this typical close to Xmas or is this what it is like in Texas..?

The issue isn't Christmas or Texas, it's your carrier. Do they tell you how many loads they typically ship from a given area [Dallas] on an avg day? If so, you have to weigh that against how many units are competing for those loads, and decide if it's better to wait your turn or DH to a likelier spot.
Every decision is a gamble, but the more info you have to base it on, the 'luckier' you get.
Hope you get out - I'm in south Tx too, and the rain is just dreary.

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Azcot · Dec 10, 2011

Thanks for the all the helpful info...we are new to this business and are hitting a few potholes along the way..~lol~

With Texas being so big I would have thought it to be a busy hub....well we know now...~lol~

I love this weather - overcast, rainy and cold - just wish it was a little colder... yeah I know I'm a little weird...~lol~

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LisaLouHoo · Dec 10, 2011

Where in Texas? Sometimes it's due to competition for available freight.

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cheri1122 · Dec 10, 2011

Azcot said:
Thanks for the all the helpful info...we are new to this business and are hitting a few potholes along the way..~lol~

Welcome to our world - where the scenery [and regional foods & accents!] make the potholes worth experiencing.

With Texas being so big I would have thought it to be a busy hub....well we know now...~lol~

Size doesn't matter in this context, it's about production. [Florida being well known as a place where little is produced that we typically haul, therefore a place you expect to DH out of most times].
Texas is busy - but it can still be hit or miss.
I'm assuming from your comment about accepting loads that went to other trucks that you're with FedEx - the best thing you can do is find some seasoned FECC people to advise you, kind of like mentors. [When you become the seasoned ones, you can 'pay it forward'] I know teams who enjoy doing it, but I'll let them volunteer themselves, lol.

I love this weather - overcast, rainy and cold - just wish it was a little colder... yeah I know I'm a little weird...~lol~

Aren't we all: I just posted a photo on facebook of Santa cooking on a grill, under a palm tree, captioned "How to cook Christmas dinner"
Best part? In this line of work, we can!!!

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LisaLouHoo · Dec 10, 2011

It was 15 degrees with a windchill of 7 when I left Flint this morning. Come on over...ooh, wait, going up to 31 tomorrow; too warm? LOL

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Monty · Dec 10, 2011

As some of you may know, I delievered Eagle Pass last Monday ... (fool me!) ... I spent the entire week in various parts of Texas. There was no freight to be had ...

A call to my favorite agent told me they don't even try for them anymore, vanners are coming out of there as cheap as .50 a mile ....

More power to them. I find myself in Nashville this Saturday evening ... all the way empty!

Anothwer New Years resolution ..... do NOT go west of the Mississippi River!

LisaLouHoo · Dec 10, 2011

Notanewbie said:
As some of you may know, I delievered Eagle Pass last Monday ... (fool me!) ... I spent the entire week in various parts of Texas. There was no freight to be had ...

A call to my favorite agent told me they don't even try for them anymore, vanners are coming out of there as cheap as .50 a mile ....

More power to them. I find myself in Nashville this Saturday evening ... all the way empty!

Anothwer New Years resolution ..... do NOT go west of the Mississippi River!

Yes, having spent 4 glorious days in the Eagle Pass WalMart parking lot last year I know this one...because my boyfriend wouldn't compromise and run a load in the red. Finally got out, having to dh to Del Rio, but the carrier secured a good rate to make it worth his while. Texas is a tough one.

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blizzard2014 · Dec 10, 2011

LisaLouHoo said:
Yes, having spent 4 glorious days in the Eagle Pass WalMart parking lot last year I know this one...because my boyfriend wouldn't compromise and run a load in the red. Finally got out, having to dh to Del Rio, but the carrier secured a good rate to make it worth his while. Texas is a tough one.

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There is a nice little truck stop in Eagle Pass with a small televition room and some decent food in there. I would have never camped out at the wal-mart. My Ex-girlfriend lives there, but i'm not sure she would allow me into her house to take a free shower. lol.

I have one simple rule for Texas. They teach it in elemantary school.

1. Stop!

2. Drop!

3. Roll...

cheri1122 · Dec 10, 2011

I don't like to gloat, but the dispatchers at Load One might be offended if I don't point out that I delivered yesterday in Brownsville, and am now loaded for Chicago. [I KNOW which side my bread's buttered on, ok?

And they ARE pretty good at what they do.]

Seriously: some days you're the windshield.....