I have been hauling small shipments under 11K for a trucking company with an Isuzu FTR for a little over 3 years now. Here lately I haven't got much work at all, even thought the company is staying busy. I am the only small truck there and they don't haul anything other than full truckloads. I hauled some carpet to a company that does expediting only and they were impressed with how fast I go it to them and want me haul for them. They want me to get my own USDOT number and insurance and be a contract carrier as I understand it.

I have two questions, would it be wrong for me to talk to customers of the company I work for now since I would be hauling loads smaller than they fool with anyways. One of these customers is who actually told me the other company is wanting to hire me and a lot of times he contacts me directly instead of calling the company I work for.

Also should I get rid of the Isuzu and just haul with an enclosed trailer using my dually. The break even point with both trucks using the Isuzu to do most of the hauling is 2300 miles per month. The break even point with just the dually is 1400 miles. That is figuring in fuel mileage, truck payments and insurance.

Nobody has an opinion?

I have two questions, would it be wrong for me to talk to customers of the company I work for now since I would be hauling loads smaller than they fool with anyways. One of these customers is who actually told me the other company is wanting to hire me and a lot of times he contacts me directly instead of calling the company I work for.

I'd talk to your company first and find out what's going on w/ the work load. If they don't see an increase in work for you tell them you've got to change companies or something to make money. if they still can't help then move. but they may still want you to haul for them so don't burn bridges.

I'd talk to your company first and find out what's going on w/ the work load. If they don't see an increase in work for you tell them you've got to change companies or something to make money. if they still can't help then move. but they may still want you to haul for them so don't burn bridges.

I thought about maybe using my Isuzu with the company I work for now, and use the dually for the new company, but expenses would be higher, but freight would be more abundant. Six of one, half a dozen of another.

If you are an independent hauler as it appears, I would not see a problem with hauling for other companies. If the main one has issues, tell them you will prioitize their loads. You need to stay busy enough to put food on the table and can't afford to sit around waiting for them and they need to understand that. If they object then tell them to keep you busy.

If you are an independent hauler as it appears, I would not see a problem with hauling for other companies. If the main one has issues, tell them you will prioitize their loads. You need to stay busy enough to put food on the table and can't afford to sit around waiting for them and they need to understand that. If they object then tell them to keep you busy.
:exactly:

Update-first thanks for the replies. It seems the company I work through is having financial troubles and will be absorbed into it's sister company. that may not be a bad thing as my father-in-law works at the sister company and will be able to get me more loads and I may get a higher percentage of the pay. So we will have to see how it goes and the option of me doing it through my own authority is still there.