Finding Quality Carriers...and driver Broker Agents

We are a small Florida-based motor carrier with broker authority. We have been fairly successful in finding freight - primarily produce and plants, however we have been unable to recruit and maintain quality and reliable owner-operators. We have also contracted several broker agents over the past six months who have great resumes and say all the right things during interviews but no one seems to have what it takes to get out there and produce. Any thoughts?

PLEASE, post specific loads - or example of loads you are looking for!

IOW, if you need freight heading back to Florida - what city/state do you need the shipper?

We mostly load vented vans and reefers...we have freight going to the Northeast...Boyd, WI, Detroit, MI, Fort Wayne, IN, Massillon and Brewster, OH..but backhauls have been difficult. Our loads have been seasonal, so at times its hard to get dedciated lanes. And again, these O/O drivers out of Florida aren't always reliable. We actually had one try to hijack a load to negotiage higher rates. If there's so many disgruntled drivers out there with the larger companies, then you would think they would work more with the small and medium-sized companies who can get them better rates, etc. We have a handful of direct shipper nurseries and farms, so our rates are above average for loads leaving Florida.