30+yr trucker looking for a change...

[jansiemoo]

I need to make a change and am seriously considering expediting. Trying to do some homework before making the move. Have very dependable 3 axle Pete Cabover Sleeper (90" bbc) with 24 feet of clear frame behind exhaust if I remove 5th wheel.2001. Has 435 cummins that is 370hp but 435 when worked. 30 years driving exp. Good work ethic, willing to run 48 states and Canada and stay out 4 weeks then 3 days home. Pulled hazmat tanker 14 years.What Can I really expect financially. Can add 24 box for $5500 which I can pay cash for. What are the negatives ? Thinking expediting so wife can come on as team in 2 years(she has NO driving exp)

***This is what my dad asked me to post. I set up an account for him, and you can reply to: bigstickjr or me: jansiemoo, as we are both looking into expediting. I am a 25 yr old female trying to enter the field with no driving experience. We both appreciate any help.

 

[nightcreacher]

as long as overall length is less than 40feet you would be ok,you didnt say what year truck is,most expedite carriers have age limit

 

[terryandrene]

With 30+ years behind the wheel, y'all have certainly heard of, or been to, the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) being held in Louisville in March. http://www.truckingshow.com/ But, did you know that the ExpeditersOnline folks at On Time Media host an extravaganza called Expediter Experience at MATS.

Expediter Experience is an area at MATS that is devoted exclusively to expediter related carriers' recruiters, truck sales, and other vendors. ExpeditersOnline will also be hosting a series of workshops at MATS that will cover a few topics of interest to new and veteran drivers alike.

So, my suggestion for you and Dad is to keep reading the Forum and asking questions of the Straight Truck drivers here who will be pleased to share their experiences and knowledge of expedite with you and Dad. When you get to MATS, you can get carrier specific details from a couple of dozen recruiters and talk to many of the drivers and fleet owners that will be wandering thru the Expediter Experience. Stay with us and make an informed decision before changing careers. While you are at it, sign up for a free subscription to Expedite Now, A digest by and for expediters. http://www.expeditersonline.com/eonow/index.html

I'm Terry and I approve of this shameless ad.

 

[jansiemoo]

Thank you. Just a humorous add-on- yes we took a family vacation to the Louisville show, and my dad remarried at the Vegas show a last year. *sigh* trucker families.

 

[ATeam]

You have some time to plan. You have experience on the road. You have money in your pocket. You have been exposed to truck-show eye candy more than once and kept your spending in check. And... you have the possibility that your wife will join you as an expediter and co-driver in the future.

Converting a used cabover truck to expeding use can certainly be done. There are a few cabover straight trucks out there right now being used exactly that way. What prompts me to post is what you mentioned about your wife.

She may join you on the road. That brings lifestyle issues to the fore. I'm not suggesting that you should buy a full-featured expediting show truck. I am suggesting that you and your wife consider the option together.

The features your truck will have or not have will make a big difference in the kind of life you will have together on the road. More features mean more comfort and mobility. Less features mean less. You may wish to review our truck specs as part of your decision making process.

Again, I am not suggesting you should buy a high-end truck. I offer our specs only as something for you and your wife to view as you consider what features you may wish to include or exclude in the truck both of you may end up driving. Click the "truck info" link in my signature to see the specs.

 

[ATeam]

One other thing. It is not uncommon for truck drivers with over-the-road experience to get into expediting and then leave it soon after. For many, the sitting and waiting for freight is more than they can bear. If you have not already done so, you may wish to read "Introduction to Expediting" to leanr more about what the life and work involves.

See: http://www.expeditersonline.com/downloads/introduction.pdf

 

[x06col]

Fortuneately the "sitting and waiting" can be avoided, depending on what direction you choose to go. Your truck will be an advantage if, you chose to not sit and wait. The specs you gave are adequate for a h/w team, tou should enjoy yourself.

 

[davekc]

Biggest issue as already mentioned is the year of your truck? You want to make sure the carrier of your choice will accept it. Additionally, you likely will want to add some landing gear. Many places require it on a straight whether it is a tandem or not.
Outside of that, I would go with it prior to a huge investment. I would make sure you BOTH like expediting prior to a major financial commitment and purchasing new.

Same thoughts as the Colonel, if you want to run, it can be done pretty consistently with very little waiting if you know what your doing.








Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[jansiemoo]

the truck is a 2001