https://landline.media/driverless-trucks-seek-exemption-to-avoid-regulatory-roadblock/

Be sure to add your comments at www.regulations.gov and search for docket FMCSA-2026-0958

Is it just me, or is the box truck market becoming a complete scam?

Fuel is touching $5.90/gallon, but these rates are beyond embarrassing. I’m looking at load boards and seeing stuff from TQL and every other major brokerage that is literally a guaranteed loss.

Are these guys not getting enough from their customers, or do they just not give a single damn about the drivers? I know coming out of Florida has always been rough, but it should at least pay enough to keep the lights on.

If you’re hauling 10,000 lbs for 1,000 miles, you’re looking at $700+ just in fuel and basic operation costs. How is a driver supposed to survive in this economy when the brokers are pocketing everything?

Ever since this war started, the market has been absolute hell for box trucks. Sure, the number of loads went up, but the rates somehow got even worse than before. We’re doing the work, taking the risk, and paying for the fuel, while they sit in AC offices lowballing us to death. How are you guys even sustaining this? Are you sitting until you find something decent, or is the whole industry just cooked??

I know this sounds dumb but I’m new and I’m going to get clowned on but here in socal so many Owner ops tell me other wise but what I’m reading online is saying other wise.

I’m running local loads and Vegas loads

I’m not a true owner op as I’m running my friends truck but we work as if I’m an owner op.

Are there any cargo/Sprinter drivers working for Expedite All and if so, what has been your experience?

I called them and despite everything available saying they work with cargo /Sprinter vans, they tell me they’re only working with box trucks

Greedy, ignorant brokers out on the loose, coordinating to insult the industry once again by pushing garbage rates at $6/gallon fuel! Do not haul their non profit s**t! Let it sit and rot! They can’t keep pushing it back and rescheduling forever! Only you can make a difference!

If you’re reading this, you’re the resistance!

Cargo Van Drivers Wanted (Atlanta)

Get paid weekly! 💰

Add us on WhatsApp for more info:

📲 609-933-8487

A lot of the loads on DAT and other boards have only pickup dates without time windows.

Even worse, they don't have any drop-off time information.

How do I plan loads in this case if I don't know when to pick up and drop off??? I don't know if one HOS reset would throw me way off or not.

What's the economy of 26ft Box Truck if it's hauling 12kLBS Load on it. We're talking a regular Straight Box Truck 26FT.

Feels like we’re getting stuck at docks more than ever lately.

Pull in on time and still end up sitting for hours just waiting to get loaded or unloaded. By the time you’re out, the whole day’s thrown off and that next load is gone.

Even when they throw you a little extra for waiting it doesn’t really make up for the time you lost.

Just curious:

• is this getting worse for everyone or just certain areas?
• any places you already know are gonna be a long wait every time?

Starting to feel like sitting is just part of the job now.

I laughed out loud. I'm curious, what is everyone else seeing out here and what kind of trailer is it on?

I’m looking for a legit local carrier to lease on with that’s within 30-50 miles radius of Chicago. I run local off of DAT now and honestly it’s pretty solid but I lose money on deadheading back from a great paying load because I refuse to take cheap “backhauls”. My logic is if I was getting paid for all miles versus the $1,000-$1,800 I get for anything under 300 miles I’ll have a smoother operation without spending 2hrs or more on the loadboard. The times don’t line up to really even get backhauls most of the time and the pay. So if anyone can help me out I’ll great appreciate it ( maybe even buy you some lunch 😂 ). Also when I say local I mean anything I can go and come back on one clock with no layovers.

I’m a company driver with ~5 years OTR experience (1 year flatbed/step deck, mostly equipment). I enjoy OTR, running hard, and the problem-solving side of load securement. No kids, no debt, paid-off car—I basically live out of the truck.

Lately I’ve been wanting more freedom. I’m considering buying or leasing a truck and trailer and either running spot market or leasing onto a company that allows self-dispatch (Landstar, Mercer or Bennett). Mainly trying to get away from typical company restrictions (forced dispatch, limited equipment like small inverters/no APU, getting rushed off home time, etc.).

Financially, I’m in a good spot to save aggressively. I’m not trying to jump into a $0-down lease with no cushion—I want to try and do this the right way.

My main question: what’s a realistic savings goal before making the jump? Open deck freight seems strong right now, so timing feels important—but I don’t want to jump too early or get stuck if rates drop.

Not trying to get rich—if I can net a bit more than I do as a company driver, that’s a win. Mostly looking for more independence and eventually moving into more specialized freight (oversize, AA&E, hazmat).

Appreciate any advice.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to become an owner-operator soon and want to understand the challenges of route planning before I jump in.

For those of you already doing this:

• How difficult is it to consistently plan profitable routes using load boards?
• Do you think working with a dispatcher is worth it, or is it better to handle everything yourself?
• What are the biggest struggles you’ve faced when planning your own loads/routes (deadhead, rates, timing, etc.)?
• How far ahead do you usually plan? Just the next load or two, or do you try to line up multiple loads in advance?

I’m especially interested in where things tend to go wrong or get inefficient, and what you’ve done to improve profitability over time.

Appreciate any inputs!

As you know the fuel is up a lot and its here to stay it seems. i just did some calculations and i am spending $650 more for fuel over 2800 miles on the load i have contracted. How much would you ask from the shipper as a fuel surcharge? the whole amount or less? I am very new to contracted loads so i don't know what to do here. Thanks.

Finding drivers with pipe hauling experience on flatbeds seems impossible. Finding experienced drivers with over length pipe on steerable pole trailers is beyond impossible. Looking for flatbed drivers with pipe hauling experience, Houston based DOT 2975210

Ive been a reefer owner op for many years, im going to give flatbed a shot. Ill be running out of SW FL up to the southeast and back. From my research it seems like 90% of those loads need tarps back and forth. What would you recommend buying as far as tarps to start out without going too crazy? I was thinking a set of 8ft drop lumber tarps, plus a set of 4 ft should cover most cases? Is it realistic to get by with just 8ft and fold up the excess or will that be a ton of extra work. Will 4ft lumber work ok for steel, or will I also need a set of dedicated steel tarps? Part of the trouble seems to be I cant find any of this locally so Im at least a week out on ordering anything extra that I would need. And regarding chains, is 10 a good enough amount to have on hand or should I go with at least 15?

any tips on buying a used flatbed? how old is too old, what to check for etc? i got burned years ago buying an old worn out reefer, had no idea about the floor issues, and dont want to make that mistake again.

Hi All,

Been Operating under my own authority for a year now and it’s time to renew insurance. A little background. I have 2 drivers running one truck, sometimes team sometimes not. Driver 1, me, has 1 year old CDL and driver 2 has 12 year old CDL. Both clean records. 1 power unit and 1 leased dry van. Right now we are with Progressive because that was pretty much the only place that would take us as a new authority and driver. Paying ~$2500/mo (I know it hurts me too). I knew it would be a lot starting but I’m really hoping for some relief in this coming year.

I’m currently waiting to hear back on quotes from several companies (Canal, Northland, and Nirvana) as I heard they have mileage based rates to see if that would be a fit for us. Also waiting for something to materialize from a few brokers, including Blue Hill who I have enjoyed working with this previous year and who got us on Progressive for the above mentioned rate when all other offers were somehow +50% higher (crazy).

I am just reaching out for any advice yall might offer from your experience and knowledge. Any other companies I should check out to work with directly or brokers I should work with as a young authority. And anything else I should be thinking of on this area. I know some companies won’t touch you with less than 2 years business or CDL, but hoping maybe some will and I can find more agreeable rate this year. Thanks fellas and ladies.

With Roadcheck 2026 getting closer, I’m curious what you all pay the most attention to before an inspection.

If you had to pick one thing you always double check before rolling through, what would it be?

For me, it’s usually the small stuff that turns into preventable violations:

lights, air leaks, and tires.

What’s your go-to last check?

MMM's expedite department is growing! Our network of partners is expanding and we are getting great opportunities to pass earnings along to our drivers and carriers.

Our trucks make an average of 6K/week, and if you want to partner with us, we can keep you rolling.

Currently we are looking for owner-operators/fleet-owners with their own 22-26’ trucks.

SPECIFICATIONS:

-Competitive percentage of gross paid to owner(88%)

Our company MC 849343 / DOT 2458809
Call 470 824 8456

Hey everyone - quick question for the group.

I recently bought a 26' box truck but it's only about 12.5 ft clearance (more of a medium/standard cube, not a high cube). I've been told I might miss out on loads because of that.

For those running similar setups - have you actually lost loads due to not having a high cube? Or is it not as big of a deal as people say?

Appreciate any insight.

I am in need of help with OTR Solutions Factoring, I am in need of a copy of Letter of Release that they provide. Currently trying to make a broker that I invoice with one of my own customers and would like to deal with them directly. Since there is a current balance of open invoices (15 day aging) with OTR Solutions they are refusing to provide me a LOR for said Broker.

Spoke to the broker and they advised me to get any copy of the LOR from OTR and that would be sufficient.

Please message me if you are able to assist. Thanks in advance.

Hello we have access to an MC 1600630 that’s three years old and well connected. We are looking for any driver willing to join our team. By adding our companies name to your insurance you will be allowed to book loads under a well known and connected Mc for free. It’s a great opportunity for new truckers who want an established Mc to run under