CORNHUSKER COMBO HOPPER "NEWBIE?"

Jul 28, 2011 at 09:11 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I'm not a "Newbie" where trucking is concerned, as I retired after 43 years with over 3.5 million miles under my belt. However, since retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be, and I miss driving, and I don't think I've become senile, (The operating word is 'think') I have been checking out the agracultural industry to possibly put two rigs on with. One for me and one for my nephew. It's sad to see the rate problems with any part of this industry. I was just one of many who voiced my opinions on what deregulation and the Motor Carrier Act of 1985 would do to trucking if passed. Prior to and almost three years after deregulation was passed, I had secured a two way contract ( two one year and two three year contracts after I proved myself) with two companies where I (and my co-driver) made weekly trips to and from California from Chicago. At that time I ran at $1.60 a mile, which was good money. As mentioned elsewhere in the Forum, deregulation did ruin our industries rate structure. The only way that can be remedied is if everyone started publishing their own rates and stuck together. (Like that's gonna happen!!) A rig is only as good as it is maintained. My first tractor was a (four letter word) Mack. Then I owned two C.O.E. Freightliners and, finally, a W9000. The FL's and KW were all equipped with the Big Cam 400, 13's, and 411 rears. I made good money and had great experience with all of them. The trailer was a 42 ft Utility with a TK on the nose. That was also a good choice. Over the years I've heard all the jokes and jabs about Freightshakers; however, when I heard them I laughed and was glad I had bought one. I'm not planning on paying money on a rig for myself to make me a "Hobby Driver". I'm not thinking of doing this unless there's a chance to make decent money.both for myself and my nephew. So, I am doing a lot of research on equipment and the agracultural industry, products hauled, brokers, rates, etc. Consequently, I have some questions that I hope some of you will be able to enlighten me on. I've been looking at the website information on Cornhusker Combo Hopper trailers and the possibility of using this unit with the ability to change the trailer into one that can handle skids, thus giving me some additional options for hauling. Have any of you had experience with a trailer like this? I plan on visiting the Cornhusker dealership in Decator in the near future. Also, what the heck are DDG's and MIDD's? Thank you in advance. Jerry

Jul 28, 2011 at 09:11 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I'm not a "Newbie" where trucking is concerned, as I retired after 43 years with over 3.5 million miles under my belt. However, since retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be, and I miss driving, and I don't think I've become senile, (The operating word is 'think') I have been checking out the agracultural industry to possibly put two rigs on with. One for me and one for my nephew.

It's sad to see the rate problems with any part of this industry. I was just one of many who voiced my opinions on what deregulation and the Motor Carrier Act of 1985 would do to trucking if passed. Prior to and almost three years after deregulation was passed, I had secured a two way contract ( two one year and two three year contracts after I proved myself) with two companies where I (and my co-driver) made weekly trips to and from California from Chicago. At that time I ran at $1.60 a mile, which was good money. As mentioned elsewhere in the Forum, deregulation did ruin our industries rate structure. The only way that can be remedied is if everyone started publishing their own rates and stuck together. (Like that's gonna happen!!)

A rig is only as good as it is maintained. My first tractor was a (four letter word) Mack. Then I owned two C.O.E. Freightliners and, finally, a W9000. The FL's and KW were all equipped with the Big Cam 400, 13's, and 411 rears. I made good money and had great experience with all of them. The trailer was a 42 ft Utility with a TK on the nose. That was also a good choice. Over the years I've heard all the jokes and jabs about Freightshakers; however, when I heard them I laughed and was glad I had bought one.

I'm not planning on paying money on a rig for myself to make me a "Hobby Driver". I'm not thinking of doing this unless there's a chance to make decent money.both for myself and my nephew. So, I am doing a lot of research on equipment and the agracultural industry, products hauled, brokers, rates, etc. Consequently, I have some questions that I hope some of you will be able to enlighten me on.

I've been looking at the website information on Cornhusker Combo Hopper trailers and the possibility of using this unit with the ability to change the trailer into one that can handle skids, thus giving me some additional options for hauling. Have any of you had experience with a trailer like this? I plan on visiting the Cornhusker dealership in Decator in the near future.

Also, what the heck are DDG's and MIDD's?

Thank you in advance.
Jerry

Replied on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 09:18 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. DDGs are Dried Distillers Grain ( these are heavy) and are a by-product of corn/ethanol. Midds are wheat middlings...(these are light)..larger trailer needed for tonage.

Replied on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 09:18 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

DDGs are Dried Distillers Grain ( these are heavy) and are a by-product of corn/ethanol. Midds are wheat middlings...(these are light)..larger trailer needed for tonage.

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:55 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. if you are considering a convertable then you probably won't want to look at hauling ddg and midds. cornhuskers have crossbars thru the hopper portion of the trailer and those particular products will hang up badly in a convertable. i have ran convertables and pulled convertables myself for nearly 23 years. they have their place and are a versatile trailer to run. the only drawback i have found is that they are heavier than a straight hopper. you need to have a fairly light tractor pulling this type of trailer. now, i am sure i am going to be ridiculed and howled down because that is the way this website seems to work, but if you want to talk about running a convertable,,,call me at 877-637-3330.

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:55 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

if you are considering a convertable then you probably won't want to look at hauling ddg and midds. cornhuskers have crossbars thru the hopper portion of the trailer and those particular products will hang up badly in a convertable. i have ran convertables and pulled convertables myself for nearly 23 years. they have their place and are a versatile trailer to run. the only drawback i have found is that they are heavier than a straight hopper. you need to have a fairly light tractor pulling this type of trailer.
now, i am sure i am going to be ridiculed and howled down because that is the way this website seems to work, but if you want to talk about running a convertable,,,call me at 877-637-3330.

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 01:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "if you are considering a convertable then you probably won't want to look at hauling ddg and midds. cornhuskers have crossbars thru the hopper portion of the trailer and those particular products will hang up badly in a convertable. i have ran convertables and pulled convertables myself for nearly 23 years. they have their place and are a versatile trailer to run. the only drawback i have found is that they are heavier than a straight hopper. you need to have a fairly light tractor pulling this type of trailer. now, i am sure i am going to be ridiculed and howled down because that is the way this website seems to work, but if you want to talk about running a convertable,,,call me at 877-637-3330. " Anyone who says anything different hasn't pulled a convertable Duane. This is very true and accurate advice!!!

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 01:47 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "if you are considering a convertable then you probably won't want to look at hauling ddg and midds. cornhuskers have crossbars thru the hopper portion of the trailer and those particular products will hang up badly in a convertable. i have ran convertables and pulled convertables myself for nearly 23 years. they have their place and are a versatile trailer to run. the only drawback i have found is that they are heavier than a straight hopper. you need to have a fairly light tractor pulling this type of trailer. now, i am sure i am going to be ridiculed and howled down because that is the way this website seems to work, but if you want to talk about running a convertable,,,call me at 877-637-3330. "

Anyone who says anything different hasn't pulled a convertable Duane. This is very true and accurate advice!!!

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 02:25 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I'm not sure how the trailer will be suited to your needs, but If you want to see the quality of workmanship that goes into a Cornhusker, visit their factory in Lincoln, NE and speak to Karl, their production manager. I have been pulling their trailers for 40 years. They have modified them to meet my needs and worked with me in every way possible. Tell Karl the guy from Texas referred you.

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 02:25 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I'm not sure how the trailer will be suited to your needs, but If you want to see the quality of workmanship that goes into a Cornhusker, visit their factory in Lincoln, NE and speak to Karl, their production manager. I have been pulling their trailers for 40 years. They have modified them to meet my needs and worked with me in every way possible. Tell Karl the guy from Texas referred you.

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:13 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Stephanie, Duane, Ken, and Jeff Thank you for your imput. Duane, I'll probably be giving you a call. Jeff, I'm a partially disabled Vet and can't stand for long periods of time. Consequently, Walmart is out! Actually, I am hoping to build a company where I will eventually "sit" and manage from my office. However, since this part of the transportation industry is new to me, I want to learn all that I can within a year after I get started, build up a client base, etc. I hope to have at least a dozen trucks working for me in the future. Since we are in the era of "Change" I am hoping, and will do all I can, to help this industry receive "fair and balanced" (sounds like Fox news) rates in the future. I already had enough experience with companies like Swift and Knight undercutting me prior to my getting rid of my last rig in favor of a company job, which I retired from a few years ago. I would not like to see the likes of them, or anyone else who is stupid enough not to fight for their own business/truck, continue on that road. Maybe instead of bitching about them we should spend a bit more time educating them. If that's possible. I hope I'm not just "Pipe dreaming". Anyway, now you know my goal. Once again, thank you. Jerry

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:13 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Stephanie, Duane, Ken, and Jeff

Thank you for your imput. Duane, I'll probably be giving you a call.

Jeff, I'm a partially disabled Vet and can't stand for long periods of time. Consequently, Walmart is out! Actually, I am hoping to build a company where I will eventually "sit" and manage from my office. However, since this part of the transportation industry is new to me, I want to learn all that I can within a year after I get started, build up a client base, etc. I hope to have at least a dozen trucks working for me in the future.

Since we are in the era of "Change" I am hoping, and will do all I can, to help this industry receive "fair and balanced" (sounds like Fox news) rates in the future. I already had enough experience with companies like Swift and Knight undercutting me prior to my getting rid of my last rig in favor of a company job, which I retired from a few years ago. I would not like to see the likes of them, or anyone else who is stupid enough not to fight for their own business/truck, continue on that road. Maybe instead of bitching about them we should spend a bit more time educating them. If that's possible. I hope I'm not just "Pipe dreaming". Anyway, now you know my goal. Once again, thank you. Jerry

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 10:09 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Jerry: Thats a great idea.. but they are like kids..They just don't want to listen to us old farts..They think they know better..Good luck with any venture you go into...How about getting a flat bed...and a nail gun and a stapple gun...You pick up chickens in the north..staple their feet to the floor so they stay on...go to the border...unload..Pick up illegals and nail their feet to the floor so they don't fall off and head north..Good paying...about the only good paying loads..

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 10:09 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Jerry: Thats a great idea.. but they are like kids..They just don't want to listen to us old farts..They think they know better..Good luck with any venture you go into...How about getting a flat bed...and a nail gun and a stapple gun...You pick up chickens in the north..staple their feet to the floor so they stay on...go to the border...unload..Pick up illegals and nail their feet to the floor so they don't fall off and head north..Good paying...about the only good paying loads..

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I may be a pup compared to you guys but here are my 2 cents. You didnt like big companys like swift & knight how about werner im guessin not well they are all startin to have their own ag divisions at least i can say werner and scnider do werner has trucks pull tankers ive seen and heard they have belt now also runin out of adm in columbus ne. and they ant small rigs to they the big ones trucks with pushers pullin spreads or triples. so if we went our own worst enemy now were gettin big co's going to help us out and how long till they get normal hoppers alls they care about is making their excutives money not about us the man trying to make a livin and feed our familys and support them. our basic plan repet basic not full is do what we can in a day and try and make everyone happy and at the end of the day thats all we can do. and try all over again the next well im bettin a dead horse good luck to everyone and hope we all can survive and provide for our familys have a good weekin everyone and if i miss spelled something sorry i ant know for grammer or spellin

Replied on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I may be a pup compared to you guys but here are my 2 cents. You didnt like big companys like swift & knight how about werner im guessin not well they are all startin to have their own ag divisions at least i can say werner and scnider do werner has trucks pull tankers ive seen and heard they have belt now also runin out of adm in columbus ne. and they ant small rigs to they the big ones trucks with pushers pullin spreads or triples. so if we went our own worst enemy now were gettin big co's going to help us out and how long till they get normal hoppers alls they care about is making their excutives money not about us the man trying to make a livin and feed our familys and support them. our basic plan repet basic not full is do what we can in a day and try and make everyone happy and at the end of the day thats all we can do. and try all over again the next well im bettin a dead horse good luck to everyone and hope we all can survive and provide for our familys have a good weekin everyone and if i miss spelled something sorry i ant know for grammer or spellin