I think what you're saying is exactly spot on. I'm referring specifically to the loop thing. I had that very same situation between Toronto & Michigan a few years ago. I'd take a run to Toronto, then the next day or 2 head back to Michigan. Sometimes 2 runs in a day.
I ended up renting a place in Toronto. I had a place to stay on each end. I don't recall exactly, but my dead miles were 8% or something. Extremely low is the main point.
We were paid 73 cents/mile which was real low on the pay scale. Still, it worked out great until they started sending me from Toronto to Wisconsin, Iowa, etc. I took the runs. Bad business decisions, but I wanted to be one who took the bad w/ the cheries & it was also "we really need this covered" from dispatch. I never got anything back until I got to at least Chicago. Live & learn I guess.
Weird how memory changes things. I recall really despising the border agents on the US end of things. One time I was in transit from Toronto & planned on going thru Sarnia/Port Huron. Dispatch called me shortly after I left & told me they needed me to head to their office, which was in Windsor. So of course I cross into the US in Detroit. Facing a (I think) $5,000 fine. Maybe it was $10,000. Either way, a lot of change.
For a long, long time, I wanted nothing to do w/ Canada.
Recently though, I came across some checks for those .73/mile runs while spring cleaning here. Checks of $2800, $2300, $3200, etc. These were 2 week checks, but again, no sitting & no DH. Times those amounts by 1.5 ($1.00/mile today) & I'd be happy as a pig in mud.
So yea, I'd think if there was consistant freight in ANY 2 areas, I don't really care what they are, it would be awesome. I've been looking for that very thing here. I had planned on Toronto again as my 2nd area, but my mom wants to get into this business too. She'd like to stay in the US for other reasons. So I'm looking for a US city.
If a US based area doesn't pan out, I'd be open to doing Toronto again.
So yea, I definately see what you're referring too. For those that haven't modified their vehicles to travel, a quasi dedicated route is the way to go IMO.
ps: I haven't been trying to keep a lid on it. Just when I bring it up it seems to get shot down.
I see a lot of runs going from, Ohio into, MA and a lot of loads going from lowell, MA back into, ohio. I suspect someone with a keen eye for business could run a loop between, Ohio and, MA and make a pretty decent amount of money with very limited deadhead/and layover time!
Some people have been trying to keep a lid on this secret pattern for a while now; but the lid is about to get busted wide open. Also, from what i've been seeing, the south and is pretty bad right now. I'm not taking any loads past the Nashville line, or into Texas for that matter unless the run pays me enough money to be able to deadhead back out of there. I'm done with the long "home run runs" into desolate areas. I'm gonna take a much more regional approach to this business when I head out on the road in a week from now.
That's just my 2 cents. Whatcha think Col? lol!
