A Word of Gratitude

onlnadvct · Apr 24, 2005

Hi Everybody!

I just discovered this site today and have spent the day reading all of the postings. Wonderful wealth of knowledge and hard earned wisdom from you fulltimers. A big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to this forum and have helped me make my choice to enter the Expediters on the roads!

I had many questions, of course, but I now realize that starting with an O/O is for sure the best way to go in the beginning, eh? At least now I know what to expect. My question, if anyone can guide me, is this: has anyone worked with ConWay NOW in the Southwest? Can anyone recommend a carrier in Arizona, besides FedEx?

A big shout out to those with the Allison transmissions! I test drove for GM/Allison several years and know those trannys to be the smoothest and the best on the market: current and future!

I hope to join you all soon! Be safe!

Onlnadvct

terryandrene · Apr 24, 2005

Welcome to EO.

You've picked a great place to live, but a poor place from which to expedite freight on a nationwide basis. Rene' and I drive a van leased to FedEx Custom Critical and have gotten to or thru Arizona perhaps twice a year on average (Yuma and L.A. in 2004). We've also seen Albequerque, Phoenix and Douglas in the recent past. We've gotten loads out of Az twice in 16 years. Once you get into one of our "Express Centers" and get a load out of the Southwest, you can then keep moving about the country; however, your opportunity to get a load back to your neighborhood will be minimal.

Our experiences have only been in a cargo van, but the larger trucks will have greater opportunities and I'm confident you'll hear from some of the drivers of them.

Best wishes for a fruitful journey in expediting.

Terry

onlnadvct · Apr 24, 2005

Thank you for your guidance!

I am in the preparation stage right now, purging everything to eliminate overhead and non-essential operating costs. I'm selling the house so I won't have to get back to the Southwest regularly. I plan to carry my "home" with me...behind my seat!

Seems like most contracts are running out of the north and mid-west areas; is that true? Are there any O/O in Missouri or Texas looking for drivers?

My plan is to sign on with an O/O, where ever it's necessary to go, to get my foot in the door and learn the ropes first. Hopefully this will lay a solid foundation from which to build on. Any suggestions from those with experience in Expediting, or just OTR business would be gratefully accepted and appreciated!

I do have another question: When forming an LLC for the business, O/O, would it be best to set it up in a state which has no income tax or sales taxes? Does anyone have experience with this, or know or a state that would be the best bet financially?

This will be a big move both career wise and personally, so I am trying to not get too excited and rush into it. Finding this site has been a great blessing to me. You have all answered my many questions and prompted even more! Thank you for your professionalism, courtesy and concern you demonstrate to help others!

Onlnadvct

Broompilot · Apr 24, 2005

First of all MOVE, and if you do not want to pay taxes TN is where you need to be. Second dont worry about taxes, read here some more most people have a hard enough time just making it, thus since the income is so low so is the tax rate.

Give it a year or two than decide your thinking way to far in advance, and honestly the taxes are not as bad as they sound. There is a tax advice Section here ask him for more details.

Third if you are set on AZ as home, you will need to be a team you cannot it is impossible unless you have deep pockets to make it in that part of the country Dead Head Miles you kill you as no one can give you any freight that you could carry. Now TN thats another story, but you will to buy a lawn mower!!

onlnadvct · Apr 24, 2005

I agree with the move admonition! This place is neither in my heart or my blood...I'm out of here asap!

I hope to start with an O/O and run a team in a cargo van or straight truck at first, then hopefully, go solo. I just need a Pro to show me the ropes. I have a friend in mind who might be able to team-up with me later. Isn't that where the money is? Teams?

Tennessee? I have never been there, but it sure looks pretty. Can you suggest a company in the area/region hiring for either cargo van or straight trucks?

Lawn mower? Naw! That's what goats are for! :7

Onlnadvct