Well some people wanted me to post here so here goes. If a person allready has a cdl but never drove across a scale say worked for a fertilizer company or concrete just local. The same person does not have alot of experience driving around all these big cities. Would u advise starting in a straight truck or van and why?
add straights to it.
- Thread starter simdog20
- Start date
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Another really broad question.
See my reply
http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/general-expediter-forum/44896-vans-what-they.html#post407517
See my reply
http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/general-expediter-forum/44896-vans-what-they.html#post407517
There is really no defined answer to your question. One persons yes is anothers no. For that reason, you would be better served to read back a period of time in addition to the faq section, and then ask those specific questions.
The answers are already there if you take the time to do a little research.
The answers are already there if you take the time to do a little research.
bluejaybee
Veteran Expediter
I feel your pain, but, if you don't know whether to start in a CV or a straight truck, then you really don't know too much about this yet. That is why so many tell you to read. We may all do basically the same thing (move freight (large loads or small) from point a to point b). But there is so many different ways to do it. If everyone of us told you how we do it, the outcome would be the same. You would still not know exactly how you want to do it. If the thought of scales and big trucks in big cities bring questions to your mind, then you are already going to have problems knowing what is right for you. I don't know how you might go about it, but you need some kind of idea of what appeals to you. Thus, you need to read back over the forum and get some idea of the way you want to go. I can guarantee you that any question you might have, has already been asked and answered here. Reading is not all that much fun, I know. But, it is necessary if you are to determine what it is that you want from expediting. Or, if you are a brave one, just start doing it and learn from your own mistakes. Problem with that is that it may cost you your nest egg.
well i gonna start following u all around the local truck stops maybe that be the way to go. I gonna have to low crawl to sneak up on them vans to get a good look at there operation. I know there are things i have not read yet or thought about. There has to be some secrets out there. We all do things different yes. I just want my way to be a succesful way.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
If there are secrets, they're being very well kept, because I've yet to find them after 12 years in the biz. It really is pretty simple stuff, get the freight at point A and take it to point B. The particular company you end up with will have its own quirks, but I would hardly call those "secrets".
There was a discussion recently about newbs that come in and are convinced they're going to reinvent the wheel. They never do. There really is plenty to educate yourself with here. Read the FAQs, and generally go back through the forums. We're not saying don't ask questions, but if you educate yourself first, you'll have better questions.
There was a discussion recently about newbs that come in and are convinced they're going to reinvent the wheel. They never do. There really is plenty to educate yourself with here. Read the FAQs, and generally go back through the forums. We're not saying don't ask questions, but if you educate yourself first, you'll have better questions.
I've been around trucks since 1995 when my father started a flatbed hauling, so also to answer for which to go ( Straight Truck or Van) do what am doing, ( Read & Study).....Learn the business from office point of view.....with this remember which can haul more if dispatchers call on you.....if you pick a van your limited to a weight......if your straight truck with double axles / tag-axle you can haul more but not overweight.......at same I learned that I want straight truck for reason of ( More Room for Loads, and can haul up to near Truck GVW) with vans GVW is really small) but it depends on where point B is and how much it pays too.....watch the MILAGES on fuel cost Too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bluejaybee
Veteran Expediter
Now see? You are getting some ideas of what you think appeals to you. When you read the different threads here, you start thinking, "That sounds like it will work for me". Or you may read something and say, "Why does he/she do it that way"? Now you are begining to form opinions on how you think it should be. And that is what you need to do if you want to learn from all of our mistakes. So keep reading and good luck.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
get some real guts and get your class A.Go to work for a truck load carrier and see if trucking is really what you want to do.After a couple of years you then can decide if you want ot be an owner opp,or company driver,as far as driving down the road,what ever you choose to drive,the non trucking people will make your job a real challenge
sluggo
Seasoned Expediter
In researching this for six mos., I think the best way to be successful is to emulate successful people while tailoring the way you operate your business to your specific needs. Some things can't be learned until you've been on the road, I gather. However, things like good money management, keeping detailed records, and making a conscientious effort in all that I do will be where I start. As well as my wife doing what she can at home while being supportive. There is much still to absorb but I'm getting close to pulling the trigger. (End of feb.) Any feed back would be appreciated. You all have been very helpful so far. If I ever get to the point where i have something useful to offer, I hope I will be as accomodating.
Sluggo, you have already been helpful by asking questions! As a newbie you are already at a point where you have something useful to offer. Have you ever considered chronicling your experience into the expedite world here on E.O.? Some of us grizzled veterans (Highway Star euphemism) can't recall, because we are old and grizzled, being a newbie and some of nuances related to getting started in this business. I know my route into expediting is far from the norm.
If you could share your experiences; discovering the expedite industry, stumbling upon E.O., research, carrier choice and everything else you have endured to get to this point, you would benefit newbies and veterans alike. Think about!