A Newbie Question for dabluzman1

[ATeam]

dabluzman1,

In another thread, that has now gone off topic, you offered to share your "'fresh' point of view about going into expediting" and offered to answer questions.

Kyreax is considering the expedite opportunity and asked, in part, "So...what's different than what you expected?"

I am not a newbie but have the same question; both because I am curious to know, and I think a good number of people who are now researching expediting as a career option would benefit from your answer.

Let me ask it in a slightly different way. In your first days and weeks as expediters, what surprised you?

 

[dabluzman1]

Hi Phil,
I was surprised at how much I missed home and all my friends.
Not being able to sleep was a biggie. I had a rough couple of months trying to find a way
to get quality sleep.
The joy we got when the beep went off. Like kids at xmas.
We really are enjoying this at a different level than anticipated. Seeing our wonderful
country is awesome. As well as Canada. We have been to Halifax twice.
I was pleased that our initial plan wasnt to far off target as far as earnings. We wouldn't
have stayed much longer than 5 or 6 months if the rewards we not manifesting themselves.
Thanx for asking

 

[Kyreax]

All this talk of recession...does it seem slower out there?

Watching and waiting...

Maybe you'll soon see Southwest Expediting! And I'll be as busy as the Maytag repairman you see on TV...

Oh, and you mentioned in another post you both had a DoD clearance...was that process painless?

 

[dabluzman1]

Hi Kryeax,
Well you seem to be on your way toward making a decision.
Good Luck to you.
The DOD application is long and nosy. To apply for a DOD clearance you have to be
working for (or contracted) a company that has access to gov / military type jobs.
Then they sponsor your application.
Good Luck

 

[Kyreax]

My plan (so far, I know things can and will change) is to go give Fedex a chance to contract me. They seem like they would work for what I need; however I'm not 100% sure I'm what they need.

My idea is to get as many things going for the truck as possible, short of team driving, unless I can convince my g/f to come with me...not looking like this might happen though.

So: I'll have a big box, a liftgate, Class D, maybe a reefer unit, a used truck with low payments, no overhead, no bills, freedom to stay out for a long time if need be, good attitude, flexibility, and some backup cash for any slow times or maintenance issues.

The Dod Clearance is just one more thing to add, I guess. Couldn't hurt. I think I used to have one back when I worked in the Coast Guard as a Civilian, but I can't remember exactly what it was. Probably just a low-sec general thing.

So if the money is good for you both, what Isn't good? Like, what do you hate about it?

 

[dabluzman1]

Hey Kyreax,
I run a team with my wife. All the info I gave is based off our experiences as a team.
This has a bearing on what type of runs you will be offered, the money you will be able
to make.
Also, many DOD runs require two qualified drivers. You should still apply as it will only help.
If you are going to run solo target the solo operators here to give you specific information.
Good Luck