Advice

[Ange5670]

Seeking advice on how or whom I should call or apply with. I've been a stay at home Mom for the past 18 years... I have my CDL-A with tanker endorsement (NO-Hazmat) but feel it wouldn't be a huge problem in getting Hazmat added. I don't have "any" work experience to list (trucking or non-trucking - Like I said I was/am a stay at home Mom). I do however have truck-driving experience with flatbed and dry box trailers (I know two OTR O/O's and have drove with both.. when I've had the time). I feel confident that if giving a chance I can prove myself quickly... I'm honest.. if I know how to do something, then I know it and if I don't I'll tell you upfront.. in other words I don't have a problem asking for help or questioning the unknown.. in saying that I'm not nit-picky or needy though. I'm extremely interested in driving a straight truck as a "solo driver only". I take my work very seriously and truly understand that if someone walked up to me saying the above I wouldn’t be too quick to jump up and say, "you're hired". So... what could I do to prove myself... seems everyone wants a strong work history and understandably so.

 

[ATeam]

First, go get that HAZMAT endorsement. Many expedite carriers require it. Having it will open more doors for you. As you said, it's not a big deal to get, but it will take a little time to go through the process.

As you have no doubt figured out, teams are in high demand. I don't know any fleet owners that put solo drivers in trucks, but there may well be some out there. Starting with a fleet owner is a safe way to go. If expediting does not work out for you, you will not be stuck with a truck and truck debt to get rid of.

If you are reading the past threads here in the Open Forum, you are aware that talk of a recession and industry slowdown is in the air. These are not just words. Some people are indeed leaving the business.

That being the case, an opportunity to get into a straight truck by simply taking over the payments may present itself. Keep your eyes on the Free Classifieds section for such opportunities. If you choose this route, go in with your eyes open and guard up. Seek a clean deal, not one with strings.

There is much more to research and think about before jumping in. If you have not already done so, read Introduction to Expediting.

As you mentioned, people prefer drivers with a strong work history. Nevertheless, expediting continues to be a field in which people with little or no experience can find their way in. But whether you are experienced or not, it is extremely important and wise to have some reserve funds to see you through slow-revenue or no-revenue times.

People who live load to load and hand to mouth in this industry may be able to linger on for a long time. But there comes a point where one must question the value of the time and effort you are putting in. It's not just about hauling freight or seeing the coutry. It's about the money too.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

First off, I don't know of any companies, other than FXCC that REQUIRE you to have a hazmat endorsement. There may be some others; but many have dropped that requirement. I recommend you check out the hazmat thread here in the Newbies forum from a couple of days ago.

Secondly... you said you're a stay at home mom. Depending on the age of your kid(s), you may have a problem; as most companies and owners will expect you to stay out several weeks at a time.

 

[Ange5670]

First I want to thank both of you for taking the time to answer... I'm not trying to come off as a smarty but I know I don't know enough to even think about becoming an O/O at this point. So looking at the classifieds for something to take the payments over on would be a step in the wrong direction... Yes, I know teams are in high demand and have been for a while now. I don't want to run a team truck. I don't like it. It's out of the question (might be my down fall.. but so be it… I'll take my chances). As far as research before jumping in.. I truly don't feel like I'm jumping in. It's not like I was sitting here and thought oh driving a truck would be a fun job (I've kept my CDL current for a reason). This is something that I knew I wanted to get back into after my child was grown and could take care of herself. So in saying that here I am.. asking for advice on how I go about getting started..

expediting continues to be a field in which people with little or no experience can find their way in.

Can someone point me in the right direction? I mean with no work history. How do I go about this.. What should I do? Who should I talk to?

 

[davekc]

My advice is to PM or email cheri1122.
She is a single lady driver that will give you the straight talk without a bunch of stories and BS.
I highly recommend her or Linder. Her screen name is Teamcaffee.
She does a team but could give you a very good prospective.

 

[are12]

Ange,
Why don't you try calling some of the different expediting companies and speak to the recruiter's, they would be able to answer all your questions. They should also be able to tell you if there are any fleet owner's looking for drivers.
Best of luck!

 

[JohnO]

First off, I don't know of any companies, other than FXCC that REQUIRE you to have a hazmat endorsement.



Thawk, Landstar requires hazmat endorsement

 

[Rocketman]

Quote: "As far as research before jumping in.. I truly don't feel like I'm jumping in. It's not like I was sitting here and thought oh driving a truck would be a fun job (I've kept my CDL current for a reason)."


I would also encourage you to talk to some of the ladies on here, especially Cheri since she is a solo driver...although many of the male solo drivers can give advice too. Obviously, the work is not gender specific. But...with the quote above, I just want to mention that I think your taking their suggestion wrong. It doesn't matter how much you want to drive..or how much you've thought about it. There are many, many ways to fail in this business even as a driver and no financial commitment. There are a lot sharks in these waters. I think the research these guys are telling you to do is to make sure you don't get bit.

People on here are helpful, just take the time to talk to 'em and let it play it out. Don't get in a rush and maybe you can make the right move the first time unlike myself and many others. By the way, i researched the industry on and off for 5 years and still screwed it up! LOL. I do think I may finally be on the right track now....4 months into it.

Here is the link to a thread you should look at ---> http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/general-expediter-forum/29829-where-did-go.html

In that thread, I posted a link to another website (first page of the thread). You should read what is posted on that other website (ripoff reports). This will give you an idea of what these guys are telling you to watch out for and why the research is important. This does not mean that what these people are claiming is 100% true, but it is a scenario that I can see happening to the uninformed.

Good Luck!

 

[Catfish304]

Teams are in high demand but, there are alot of solo drivers in our industry. I have 26 that I keep moving more than not. In 2007 I had to put a team together 2 times to keep the customer happy. All my solo's are happy and making a decent living. Check out CareersInGear.com or Expeditejobs.com. I've only run across a handful of companies that require you to carry hazmat. My co-worker was just at a confrence that had 100+ expedite companies and he confirmed that. There are plenty of solo jobs out there, just be patient and thoroughly research who you want to go to work for. Your safety is in your hands at this point. If possible you should go to one of the expedite workshops. Keep your head up, you'll find the right company.

 

[Ange5670]

Davekc – Thank you.. I'll PM cheri1122

Are12 – Thanks and that's my plan after I feel I've gathered enough information..

Rocketman – Thanks, you know I may have taken the first suggestions wrong as you said. But even though this work is not gender specific so to say… I guess I've seen the good old boys club and it's worked for way too long now. I felt that it was a touch in that direction. As it wasn't the type of advice I was asking for or about. That's the thing about the internet you really can't get a grip on what's behind the words you read sometimes. BTW it was good advice and may help someone else.. eh.. enough on that.. sorry if I took it wrong…
I had forgotten about the Rip-off site.. so thanks for that link. Ugh.. sometimes you just never know huh?.. Unfortunately it happens more often than not to the new comers and it never gets reported.

Catfish304 – Thanks for responding.. I hear ya on the team / solo thing. I'm just not cut out to be a team driver. Hazmat seems to be a good idea even if it's not required. I'm seriously thinking of adding it even if I don't need it right away.. can't hurt.. I'll check out the job sites you posted but when it comes down to the line you better believe I'll be researching. I'm sure it's mistakes to be made and something's you just have to learn for yourself.. One of my favorite sayings is "always expect the unexpected".