Freight companies

graydog · January 25th, 2006, 23:13

Hello,
Does anyone know of any good freight companies out there? Ones with good airplanes, good maintenance, etc. I have just passed the 700TT mark with 137 multi (not current), and just thought I'd try to get any early start on finding some good companies. Of course I'm in the dilemma of going regional or cargo. Thanks in advance for the help.

Texasspilot · January 26th, 2006, 01:12

I think a place like airnet would be a good shot for you. PM TXPilot and he can give you details.

As far as 135 piston freight goes their one of the biggest and most well respected in regards to planes, pay, and QOL.

They also have a SIC program were theyll hire you below 135 IFR mins, usually around 900 hours, and let you fly with another guy until you hit 1200.
Airnet.com and start applying update monthly....and before you know it you'll be in a baron plowing through the stars.

jml2992 · January 26th, 2006, 03:21

Check with Starwest out of Front Range in CO or maybe if you are interested in Merlin Airways *www.merlinairways.com* They fly Metro III's and SW4's out of SJU...enjoy the sun baby. Also look into DFW area...lots of Cargo out of there but I'm not sure of any of the companies. Mountain Air cargo or running company parts for a small commuter line as you work somewhere else in their company might help. This is all coming from someone in your same situation, so if you hear anything....drop me a line too would ya'?

Hootie · January 26th, 2006, 12:23

Ive heard good things about airnet and flight express. I work for ameriflight and would recommend that as well. If you live on the west coast go AMF. If you live on the east coast go airnet. If you want quick turbine pic come over to AMF. Ive been on the line three months and if I wanted to move to SLC I could already get a BE99. But with your time your better off maybe at airnet because they can throw you into the right seat till you hit the 135 numbers. Good Luck!

falconvalley · January 26th, 2006, 12:40

Yep. At those hours you'll be real competitive with Airnet right now. If you get hired, they'll likely put you into a "pool" until you get to 1000 hours or so. Then you can go to training. They don't want their new hires spending too much time in the SIC program. 1000 hours is more of what they want to start training. I've heard that some regionals are hiring pilots with 700/100 and training them right away. If don't mind lots of right seat time and low pay, the regionals will work, but if you want good starting pay (raises not so great) and great PIC time, the freighters are the way to go.

subpilot · January 26th, 2006, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconvalley

Yep. At those hours you'll be real competitive with Airnet right now. If you get hired, they'll likely put you into a "pool" until you get to 1000 hours or so. Then you can go to training. They don't want their new hires spending too much time in the SIC program. 1000 hours is more of what they want to start training. I've heard that some regionals are hiring pilots with 700/100 and training them right away. If don't mind lots of right seat time and low pay, the regionals will work, but if you want good starting pay (raises not so great) and great PIC time, the freighters are the way to go.

How do you justify your statement?

Ameriflight:
Beech 1900C
1 Year $0.00/hr. $19.45/hr.
2 Years $0.00/hr. $19.59/hr.
3 Years $0.00/hr. $19.74/hr.
4 Years $0.00/hr. $20.03/hr.
5 Years $0.00/hr. $20.31/hr.
Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia
1 Year $0.00/hr. $20.85/hr.
2 Years $0.00/hr. $21.71/hr.
3 Years $0.00/hr. $22.26/hr.
4 Years $0.00/hr. $23.20/hr.
5 Years $0.00/hr. $24.12/hr.

ASA (Typical regional):
ATR-72
1 Year $19.00/hr. $55.00/hr.
2 Years $34.00/hr. $56.00/hr.
3 Years $35.00/hr. $58.00/hr.
4 Years $36.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
5 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
CRJ-200
1 Year $19.00/hr. $55.00/hr.
2 Years $34.00/hr. $56.00/hr.
3 Years $35.00/hr. $58.00/hr.
4 Years $36.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
5 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
CRJ-700
1 Year $19.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
2 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
3 Years $39.00/hr. $64.00/hr.
4 Years $40.00/hr. $66.00/hr.
5 Years $41.00/hr. $68.00/hr.

The regionals pay better than freight and you can get on with lower time. Source:www.pilotjobs.com

falconvalley · January 26th, 2006, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by subpilot

How do you justify your statement?

Ameriflight:
Beech 1900C
1 Year $0.00/hr. $19.45/hr.
2 Years $0.00/hr. $19.59/hr.
3 Years $0.00/hr. $19.74/hr.
4 Years $0.00/hr. $20.03/hr.
5 Years $0.00/hr. $20.31/hr.
Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia
1 Year $0.00/hr. $20.85/hr.
2 Years $0.00/hr. $21.71/hr.
3 Years $0.00/hr. $22.26/hr.
4 Years $0.00/hr. $23.20/hr.
5 Years $0.00/hr. $24.12/hr.

ASA (Typical regional):
ATR-72
1 Year $19.00/hr. $55.00/hr.
2 Years $34.00/hr. $56.00/hr.
3 Years $35.00/hr. $58.00/hr.
4 Years $36.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
5 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
CRJ-200
1 Year $19.00/hr. $55.00/hr.
2 Years $34.00/hr. $56.00/hr.
3 Years $35.00/hr. $58.00/hr.
4 Years $36.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
5 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
CRJ-700
1 Year $19.00/hr. $60.00/hr.
2 Years $37.00/hr. $62.00/hr.
3 Years $39.00/hr. $64.00/hr.
4 Years $40.00/hr. $66.00/hr.
5 Years $41.00/hr. $68.00/hr.

The regionals pay better than freight and you can get on with lower time. Source:www.pilotjobs.com

Your post justifies it. Read my post carefully. That's exactly what I said.

bluelake · January 26th, 2006, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by graydog

Ones with good airplanes, good maintenance, etc.

... and since your asking on the freight dog forum...... what do you consider "good"???

graydog · January 27th, 2006, 00:18

Thanks for the help guys. It sounds like Airnet is the only way to go while I'm under the 1200TT for 135 IFR mins. I'll keep building time as fast as I can to make myself more marketable too. What is everyone's future plans after flying freight?

Bluelake, I was just referring to the integrity and reliability of the planes. My current flight school has an excellent maintenance program, and I have never seen any 172N's that start up faster than new cars, and run very smoothly overall.

falconvalley · January 27th, 2006, 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by graydog

Thanks for the help guys. It sounds like Airnet is the only way to go while I'm under the 1200TT for 135 IFR mins. I'll keep building time as fast as I can to make myself more marketable too. What is everyone's future plans after flying freight?

Bluelake, I was just referring to the integrity and reliability of the planes. My current flight school has an excellent maintenance program, and I have never seen any 172N's that start up faster than new cars, and run very smoothly overall.

Wah?!? What, do they keep sparkplugs and starters in their bench-stock or something? That's insane. My school's airplanes would be like "We'll have what they're having."

Flysher · January 27th, 2006, 15:19

When i was at airnet they did a side by side comparison of workin at airnet vs a regional and you will get TONS more PIC time at airnet than you will at any regional, and the pay is equal to if not better than most of them.

Doug Taylor · January 28th, 2006, 10:53

All else equal, I'd do the freight.

Unless, of course, you like getting sneezed on by passengers, having to deal with cranky flight attendants and doing customer service.

subpilot · January 28th, 2006, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

All else equal, I'd do the freight.

Unless, of course, you like getting sneezed on by passengers, having to deal with cranky flight attendants and doing customer service.

I would 100% rather do freight that regional if all was equal but I see a second year freight dog making $20K and a second year regional bus driver making $34K. That is not equal in my eyes. What about the free flight benefit for family, do you get that with freight? My wife and I would use this frequently.

falconvalley · January 28th, 2006, 12:56

That's Ameriflight vs. ASA, though. The first year pay is almost overwhelmingly taken by Airnet vs. most Regionals, but when you look at 2nd year and on, the Regionals run away with pay. I've seen alot of high teens low 20's first year with alot of companies, regardless of who or what you're carrying. But there are first year Gems out there...

DE727UPS · January 28th, 2006, 13:00

At Amflight first year B99 Capt pay is $2500 and second year Metro Capt pay is $3500. I think both are doable if you are willing to move around. Trybysky made B99 Capt in about six months. Also, you are getting to PIC turbine much quicker than at a regional.

The downside might be less flying and more work. Less flying in that if you have a short run, you might only fly 2 to 3 hours a day. Some people like that, though. More work in that you work four or five days a week. However, I think typically your duty times are shorter. Maybe three hours on duty early in the morning to an outstation then three hours on duty back in at night. Some people like that.

subpilot · January 28th, 2006, 13:14

exactly my point. You have to look past the first year when comparing these jobs. Even Airnet only pays apprx $24K-$26K from year 2 to year 5. I did use ASA as an example because I will not , nor should anyone else, ever consider working for a regional such as MESA or Great Lakes.

subpilot · January 28th, 2006, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

At Amflight first year B99 Capt pay is $2500 and second year Metro Capt pay is $3500. I think both are doable if you are willing to move around. Trybysky made B99 Capt in about six months.

These are much better figures than what I have found on my own. Now I would have no problem working for this salary.

DE727UPS · January 28th, 2006, 13:40

http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/a...0050924166.htm

Minnesota_Flyer · January 28th, 2006, 16:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by subpilot

You have to look past the first year when comparing these jobs. Even Airnet only pays apprx $24K-$26K from year 2 to year 5.

Except upgrades are pretty fast. So by year 2 or 3, you should be in the right seat of the Lear, which is about $30K base, and by year 3 or 4 you'll have a good chance to be in the left seat of the Lear, which is about 40K base. And I understand from our resident Airnet folks on this board that those numbers are base pay, which can be increased with OT and such.

That said, after about year 5 or so, there really isn't any comparison between the two -- at the point, the regionals really would be running away with it. But, since I would plan to be moving on to the fracs after about 5 years, it doesn't really matter for my preferred route. Your mileage may vary.

MF

pkrgod · January 28th, 2006, 21:29

what are the fracs?

wheelsup · January 28th, 2006, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

Maybe three hours on duty early in the morning to an outstation then three hours on duty back in at night. Some people like that.

Tell it like it is - don't sugar coat it. You fly to an "outstation" early in the morning, sit/sleep/chill/work a second job until the evening when you fly back. Just because they count those split shifts as not being on duty I'd wager that most of us would consider it being on the job. Not very condusive to family life at all - sitting at an outstation all day.

Heck, if you don't consider that part of your work day, then I worked 2 days out of the last 11 sitting on reserve (at home nonetheless!).

With freight flying you'll be rewarded for the hard work with quicker advancement later on in life. You're "investing" so to speak in your future by getting that turbine time. If the majors were hiring right now I bet these jobs would be extremely competitive. If I were single, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Quote:

At Amflight first year B99 Capt pay is $2500 ...

First year B99 pay is $2170 according to your supplied link...why the exaggeration? That's almost $4k/year difference. With no perdiem if you don't fly off your normal route, I'd guessing it can get expensive to eat at the outstations?

DE727UPS · January 28th, 2006, 23:13

"First year B99 pay is $2170 according to your supplied link...why the exaggeration?"

I missed a line.

If you're the type that defines work as days away from home and family, then Amflight is more work. If you're the type that defines work as number of hours in the seat per day, you might think Amflight is less work. To each his own. The good news is you don't have to put up with MAPDer's in 135 freight....

wheelsup · January 29th, 2006, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

The good news is you don't have to put up with MAPDer's in 135 freight....

Ain't that the truth. Had I been single and had 300 more hours, I would've tried to go to Airnet or AMF (probably AMF because I love those '99's). Plus I'd be in much better shape with all that exercise. Ah well. Maybe I'll get furloughed (I can't believe US Air is still in business, it's only a matter of time me thinks) and give it a shot.

~wheelsup

Minnesota_Flyer · January 29th, 2006, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkrgod

what are the fracs?

fractionals -- NetJets,etc.

pkrgod · January 29th, 2006, 16:54

what are MAPDer's?

January 25th, 2006, 23:13	#1
graydog Newbie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 7	Freight companies Hello, Does anyone know of any good freight companies out there? Ones with good airplanes, good maintenance, etc. I have just passed the 700TT mark with 137 multi (not current), and just thought I'd try to get any early start on finding some good companies. Of course I'm in the dilemma of going regional or cargo. Thanks in advance for the help.

January 26th, 2006, 03:21	#3
jml2992 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Buck Owen's Guitar Shaped Swimming Pool Posts: 546	Boxes don't complain... Check with Starwest out of Front Range in CO or maybe if you are interested in Merlin Airways www.merlinairways.com They fly Metro III's and SW4's out of SJU...enjoy the sun baby. Also look into DFW area...lots of Cargo out of there but I'm not sure of any of the companies. Mountain Air cargo or running company parts for a small commuter line as you work somewhere else in their company might help. This is all coming from someone in your same situation, so if you hear anything....drop me a line too would ya'? __________________ CSEL, CMEL, CFII

January 26th, 2006, 12:23	#4
Hootie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Zona Posts: 1,172	Ive heard good things about airnet and flight express. I work for ameriflight and would recommend that as well. If you live on the west coast go AMF. If you live on the east coast go airnet. If you want quick turbine pic come over to AMF. Ive been on the line three months and if I wanted to move to SLC I could already get a BE99. But with your time your better off maybe at airnet because they can throw you into the right seat till you hit the 135 numbers. Good Luck! __________________ Whatever happened to catching a good old fashioned passionate ass whooping?

January 26th, 2006, 12:40	#5
falconvalley Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: KMKE Posts: 1,945	Yep. At those hours you'll be real competitive with Airnet right now. If you get hired, they'll likely put you into a "pool" until you get to 1000 hours or so. Then you can go to training. They don't want their new hires spending too much time in the SIC program. 1000 hours is more of what they want to start training. I've heard that some regionals are hiring pilots with 700/100 and training them right away. If don't mind lots of right seat time and low pay, the regionals will work, but if you want good starting pay (raises not so great) and great PIC time, the freighters are the way to go. __________________ British Airways flight asks for push back clearance from terminal. Control Tower replies: "And where is the world's most experienced airline going today without filing a flight plan?"

January 28th, 2006, 10:53	#12
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 40,430 Blog Entries: 1	All else equal, I'd do the freight. Unless, of course, you like getting sneezed on by passengers, having to deal with cranky flight attendants and doing customer service. __________________ Doug Taylor http://76school.flyblog.com (old!) http://30west.flyblog.com (updated 11/28)

January 26th, 2006, 01:12	#2
Texasspilot Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2,077	I think a place like airnet would be a good shot for you. PM TXPilot and he can give you details. As far as 135 piston freight goes their one of the biggest and most well respected in regards to planes, pay, and QOL. They also have a SIC program were theyll hire you below 135 IFR mins, usually around 900 hours, and let you fly with another guy until you hit 1200. Airnet.com and start applying update monthly....and before you know it you'll be in a baron plowing through the stars.

January 27th, 2006, 00:18	#9
graydog Newbie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 7	Thanks for the help guys. It sounds like Airnet is the only way to go while I'm under the 1200TT for 135 IFR mins. I'll keep building time as fast as I can to make myself more marketable too. What is everyone's future plans after flying freight? Bluelake, I was just referring to the integrity and reliability of the planes. My current flight school has an excellent maintenance program, and I have never seen any 172N's that start up faster than new cars, and run very smoothly overall.

January 27th, 2006, 15:19	#11
Flysher Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LCK Posts: 444	When i was at airnet they did a side by side comparison of workin at airnet vs a regional and you will get TONS more PIC time at airnet than you will at any regional, and the pay is equal to if not better than most of them.

January 28th, 2006, 12:56	#14
falconvalley Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: KMKE Posts: 1,945	That's Ameriflight vs. ASA, though. The first year pay is almost overwhelmingly taken by Airnet vs. most Regionals, but when you look at 2nd year and on, the Regionals run away with pay. I've seen alot of high teens low 20's first year with alot of companies, regardless of who or what you're carrying. But there are first year Gems out there... __________________ British Airways flight asks for push back clearance from terminal. Control Tower replies: "And where is the world's most experienced airline going today without filing a flight plan?"

January 28th, 2006, 13:00	#15
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,515	At Amflight first year B99 Capt pay is $2500 and second year Metro Capt pay is $3500. I think both are doable if you are willing to move around. Trybysky made B99 Capt in about six months. Also, you are getting to PIC turbine much quicker than at a regional. The downside might be less flying and more work. Less flying in that if you have a short run, you might only fly 2 to 3 hours a day. Some people like that, though. More work in that you work four or five days a week. However, I think typically your duty times are shorter. Maybe three hours on duty early in the morning to an outstation then three hours on duty back in at night. Some people like that.

January 28th, 2006, 13:14	#16
subpilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 685	exactly my point. You have to look past the first year when comparing these jobs. Even Airnet only pays apprx $24K-$26K from year 2 to year 5. I did use ASA as an example because I will not , nor should anyone else, ever consider working for a regional such as MESA or Great Lakes. __________________ Together We Served "Helicopters don't actually fly. They just beat the air into submission." -Firebird2XC

January 28th, 2006, 13:40	#18
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,515	http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/a...0050924166.htm

January 28th, 2006, 21:29	#20
pkrgod Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 83	what are the fracs?

January 28th, 2006, 23:13	#22
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,515	"First year B99 pay is $2170 according to your supplied link...why the exaggeration?" I missed a line. If you're the type that defines work as days away from home and family, then Amflight is more work. If you're the type that defines work as number of hours in the seat per day, you might think Amflight is less work. To each his own. The good news is you don't have to put up with MAPDer's in 135 freight....

January 29th, 2006, 16:54	#25
pkrgod Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 83	what are MAPDer's?

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