I'm looking to lease my truck on with Mercer after the first of the year.I have talked to a few O/Os with Mercer , they say their doing $1.60 average. Now I don't have a problem running and staying out weeks on end. Is there anything I have to look out for with these guys ? Any info is much appreciated.

 

Mercer is a good company. Most owner operators with whom I have spoken over the years seem to like them. I don't know how well they are doing money wise.

 

i've always heard good news about mercer. i know they have a lot of military contracts.

 

Thanks GMAN.
That's what I keep hearing and in todays world sounds a little to good true. They sure have alot of freight on their broad.
I'm just starting out , so I'm I better off getting a 48X102 steel flat or a 48X96 aluminum trailer?
Hoping to find one in the $6500 to $10,000 range. Any thoughts ?

 

Thanks Heavyhaulerss.
One owner operator told me about the military contracts.He said you have to have a good track record with the company before you get any.
Whats your view on the steel / aluminum trailers ?
Thanks again.

 

wel as far as trailers... if going with mercer.. i would try to go with aluminum. you could then haul more weight. 96 or 102 really dont matter. though i like the 102. i dont have one, but they are easier to walk around & tie stuff down. ive never had a load that i couldnt take because of not haveing a 102''. the only problem with alum is reitinour is about the best. but they are expensive. within the 6-10 grand range, your going to be lucky to find a decent steel trailer. i bout a 94 transcraft in 99' i'm still pulling it. i paid $9,500 for it. i had to do very little to it. & very little welding. if i went with a alum though i would not go with anything but a retinour. good luck.

 

If you want to look at any one else I would recomend my company.
Sammons Trucking.
Call 800-548-9276.
Ask for Robin and she'll explain what we have.
It will give you good grounds to compare.

 

Mercer...Sammons..Jones Motor...Landstar...all fairly similar operations ..all decent.

 

I've always thought Maverick's prices on their used trailers weren't too bad. I don't see any Reitnour's on the website, but you keep an eye on it for a while. They are sure to turn up. The East trailers are good trailers, but the only one's their showing currently are 45'. Here's their website:

http://www.mavericktruckandtrailersa...Inventory.html

 

I doubt that you will find a good aluminum trailer within that price range. Used trailers have gotten a bit more expensive the last couple of years with the higher cost of aluminum and steel. A friend of mine recently bought a 45' x 96" aluminum trailer for around $12,000. I would expect to pay as much as $10-12,000 for a good used steel trailer. With patience, you might find something on the lower end of your figures. There are advantages to both types of trailers, but I prefer steel. You can haul more weight on an aluminum trailer, but I think steel holds up better.