What surprises me is the people that do not research this business and go buy a truck. Get out here figure out they hate living on the road and the try kicks in and they have a truck for sale and take a loss.
Business Minded or just a Job?
- Thread starter Broompilot
- Start date
As you, all seem to agree, we do all have a life. However, what makes this work so great is we all have different views and opinions concerning the same things. When someone says they are going to give something a "TRY" it might be the same a someone who says, "I AM GOING TO WORK MY ARSE OFF AND MAKE THIS THING WORK." Just different way of expressing themselves.
As for myself, I decided that I would continue to drive until it became a job and here I am almost 26 years later and I can tell you it still is not a job so I guess I will try it for another year.
Again just my opinion.
As for myself, I decided that I would continue to drive until it became a job and here I am almost 26 years later and I can tell you it still is not a job so I guess I will try it for another year.
Again just my opinion.
dieseldiva
Veteran Expediter
Broom, it occurs to me that if plan A doesn't work, one would go directly to plan B....would you agree that you yourself have been through a "couple" of plans in this business?? Did you not "try" and move on...."try" and move on again???
It just all depends on what one's definition of "try" is.
It just all depends on what one's definition of "try" is.
Why can one not enter into this industry with a GOAL, and then move onto that GOAL when the time is right??
I, for one, like Craig came into the expediting industry with "further GOALS", with or without the support of others..
Trying is one thing, half a$$ing is another.. And too many people come into the expediting, and trucking industry with half a$$ed plans.. I don't EVER half a$$ anything.. But at the same time there's three things you don't screw with.. My family, My harley, and my MONEY..
Have I been successful? Guess that depends on who you ask. I guess I can say that I have made it to my stepping stone.. And I will, with or without others consent, take the next step in my GOAL..
I, for one, like Craig came into the expediting industry with "further GOALS", with or without the support of others..
Trying is one thing, half a$$ing is another.. And too many people come into the expediting, and trucking industry with half a$$ed plans.. I don't EVER half a$$ anything.. But at the same time there's three things you don't screw with.. My family, My harley, and my MONEY..
Have I been successful? Guess that depends on who you ask. I guess I can say that I have made it to my stepping stone.. And I will, with or without others consent, take the next step in my GOAL..
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Maybe I am so bored reviewing books I can’t really see what the problem is with Broom’s question – it is realistic and to the point.
What I mean is this;
I don’t want people just to enter this business just to give it a try; I want to see professionalism and success among the expediters.
The professionalism is defined but the success is truly defined by the individual. And by the simplest standards, I don’t see the professionalism from many who claim to make this a business.
The problem I see is that we are working in a niche market that is becoming saturated, either by the entry of people who think it is something that will fill their time or by people who for a lack of better word has nothing to do – to them this is just a job, not a profession or life style. For some of us this is a true stepping stone, and for others it is the only thing left. I am using this as a filler to better things but take it seriously enough to help it out and discourage some who think it is easy – which we all know it is not easy.
Many will disagree with me and I don’t really care, I write a lot about what I see on the road by truckers and expediters alike when it comes down to the professional end of it. This all stems from my experiences growing up with the old time truckers and their attitude toward the work and people – even the teamsters I knew had this same attitude. The funny thing is and something that is very true is my exposure ended when I got into college and reappeared when I got into expediting so I didn’t see the evolution of the trucking industry or truckers. I can see the difference and don’t like the end result.
What I mean is this;
I don’t want people just to enter this business just to give it a try; I want to see professionalism and success among the expediters.
The professionalism is defined but the success is truly defined by the individual. And by the simplest standards, I don’t see the professionalism from many who claim to make this a business.
The problem I see is that we are working in a niche market that is becoming saturated, either by the entry of people who think it is something that will fill their time or by people who for a lack of better word has nothing to do – to them this is just a job, not a profession or life style. For some of us this is a true stepping stone, and for others it is the only thing left. I am using this as a filler to better things but take it seriously enough to help it out and discourage some who think it is easy – which we all know it is not easy.
Many will disagree with me and I don’t really care, I write a lot about what I see on the road by truckers and expediters alike when it comes down to the professional end of it. This all stems from my experiences growing up with the old time truckers and their attitude toward the work and people – even the teamsters I knew had this same attitude. The funny thing is and something that is very true is my exposure ended when I got into college and reappeared when I got into expediting so I didn’t see the evolution of the trucking industry or truckers. I can see the difference and don’t like the end result.
>Believe his post questioned if you chose to "fish" or "cut bait"? There is a large difference, can you figgure it out there Manlaw? Which are you? A bait cutter or fisherman? Different rewards you know.
You must cut bait before you can fish. A good fisherman can do both. I am a one man operation so I wear many hats, least I sunburn my head.
You must cut bait before you can fish. A good fisherman can do both. I am a one man operation so I wear many hats, least I sunburn my head.
Interesting...
One of the first pieces of advice a newbie will get from a veteran is to drive for a fleet owner for 6 months or a year before investing in a truck of their own.
Which, of course, is just a fancy way of saying, "Try it out for a while and see if you like it and can do it before buying a truck of your own."
Now we've got people, fleet owners, saying that if someone wants to try it out, to see if they like it, they should do it with someone else's truck.
Interesting...
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop
"Can you change a headlight on a truck?"
"I don't know. Never done it before, but I'm certainly willing to try."
"I'm sorry, this interview is over. Thank you for your time. Have a mediocre day."
Now that's just plain funny.
One of the first pieces of advice a newbie will get from a veteran is to drive for a fleet owner for 6 months or a year before investing in a truck of their own.
Which, of course, is just a fancy way of saying, "Try it out for a while and see if you like it and can do it before buying a truck of your own."
Now we've got people, fleet owners, saying that if someone wants to try it out, to see if they like it, they should do it with someone else's truck.
Interesting...
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop
"Can you change a headlight on a truck?"
"I don't know. Never done it before, but I'm certainly willing to try."
"I'm sorry, this interview is over. Thank you for your time. Have a mediocre day."
Now that's just plain funny.
dieseldiva
Veteran Expediter
Turtle, nice to see somebody "gets it".
If someone just wants to "try it", I would steer them towards the larger fleet owners that take on new inexperienced drivers. I still think that it is good solid advice to recommend starting with a fleet owner. It is just plain common sense.
Those types of fleet owners are out there. We took many new folks on when we ran 15 trucks. Now that I am semi retired, I have no desire to be someones proving ground. I would need many more trucks to absorb the cost of bringing in many inexperienced folks. There is nothing really to get.
Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
Those types of fleet owners are out there. We took many new folks on when we ran 15 trucks. Now that I am semi retired, I have no desire to be someones proving ground. I would need many more trucks to absorb the cost of bringing in many inexperienced folks. There is nothing really to get.
Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
The numbers say I was a successful O/O in 2006, but I left the industry for a time. It was my desire to help out a small church in northern Ohio. We were trying to sell our home and move up to that area, because we were driving 320+ miles roundtrip every Sunday. While waiting to sell our home I went back to work for an automotive dealership to pay the bills.
During that time period, I realized that it was very distressing for me to work for someone else. I have very strong ethical standards and when my employer violated the trust of my clients it had a very marked impact on my stress level.
We were unable to sell our house, so my wife and I discussed the pros and cons of returning to the industry. Moreover, corporate America doesn't warm up to men who are over 55, because their benefit package takes 40% jump in health care costs, so that avenue was closed to me.
When I started in 2006, I knew very little about the industry. For example, I purchased a new truck in January; a typically slow month. I started with a small local carrier who could only offer one-way freight. I leased to three different carriers in 11 months. Each transition was a step up in the food chain. Better rates, availibilty of freight, higher FSC's, fair compensation for repositioning, etc.
What I did have was some discernment. I never spent a penny on hotels or truck stop trinkets. I seldom ate in restaurants. I did my maintenance faithfully. I always delivered on time.
In reality, it was a just a job, but I was business minded.
So what did get me? As I said at the beginning, the books show I made money. The last carrier I leased with said I could bring a truck into their fleet at anytime. They said I was one of the best O/O's they had ever worked with. In my down time, I researched new business for them and they compensated me accordingly.
Success? Job? Business-Minded?
I believe it to be a combination of all and the reasons we do things are as varied as the stars.
PS. Alone, I would have struggled, but by the Grace of God, I was able to experience all of the success He knew I could handle.
During that time period, I realized that it was very distressing for me to work for someone else. I have very strong ethical standards and when my employer violated the trust of my clients it had a very marked impact on my stress level.
We were unable to sell our house, so my wife and I discussed the pros and cons of returning to the industry. Moreover, corporate America doesn't warm up to men who are over 55, because their benefit package takes 40% jump in health care costs, so that avenue was closed to me.
When I started in 2006, I knew very little about the industry. For example, I purchased a new truck in January; a typically slow month. I started with a small local carrier who could only offer one-way freight. I leased to three different carriers in 11 months. Each transition was a step up in the food chain. Better rates, availibilty of freight, higher FSC's, fair compensation for repositioning, etc.
What I did have was some discernment. I never spent a penny on hotels or truck stop trinkets. I seldom ate in restaurants. I did my maintenance faithfully. I always delivered on time.
In reality, it was a just a job, but I was business minded.
So what did get me? As I said at the beginning, the books show I made money. The last carrier I leased with said I could bring a truck into their fleet at anytime. They said I was one of the best O/O's they had ever worked with. In my down time, I researched new business for them and they compensated me accordingly.
Success? Job? Business-Minded?
I believe it to be a combination of all and the reasons we do things are as varied as the stars.
PS. Alone, I would have struggled, but by the Grace of God, I was able to experience all of the success He knew I could handle.
Packmule
Expert Expediter
Reading these post and the disagreements all seem to surround one little word..."TRY".
Maybe it is each individuals conception of the word, or the context in which it is used, that makes them disagree.
Let's face it friends, we "TRY" Everyday at Everything we do, and for the most of us, we "TRY" to do the very best we can at all we do.
To say "I am the best" or "I give 110% everyday" is really not a true statement in my book, I think we "TRY" to be the best at what we do, and we "TRY" to give 110% everyday. But in reality some days it just doesn't happen. BUT, We "TRIED"!!
To me it means more to see someone "TRY" to do their best in all they do, than to come to me and say I am good, or the best there is at what I do, because this tends to show me that this person has reached a mental plateau of which he does not have to "TRY" anymore because he is already there.
If someone prefers to make this occupation "Part job" and "Part Tourist",
Then they have to "TRY" to make it work. It doesn't just happen that way.
If your goal is to become very wealthy in this industry then you must "TRY LIKE H*LL". (and good luck to you)to make this happen.
Since I have come into this industry 3 1/2 years ago, I have seen some good people really "TRY", and fail in this business. NOT that they didn't give 110% everyday or have a business plan, or many other things they prepared themselves for. Bottom line, They just couldn't make it work and opted for plan B, Take their losses and move on. But by golly "THEY TRIED" and you can't fault them for that.
OK I am just "Trying" to make a point.
Danny
Maybe it is each individuals conception of the word, or the context in which it is used, that makes them disagree.
Let's face it friends, we "TRY" Everyday at Everything we do, and for the most of us, we "TRY" to do the very best we can at all we do.
To say "I am the best" or "I give 110% everyday" is really not a true statement in my book, I think we "TRY" to be the best at what we do, and we "TRY" to give 110% everyday. But in reality some days it just doesn't happen. BUT, We "TRIED"!!
To me it means more to see someone "TRY" to do their best in all they do, than to come to me and say I am good, or the best there is at what I do, because this tends to show me that this person has reached a mental plateau of which he does not have to "TRY" anymore because he is already there.
If someone prefers to make this occupation "Part job" and "Part Tourist",
Then they have to "TRY" to make it work. It doesn't just happen that way.
If your goal is to become very wealthy in this industry then you must "TRY LIKE H*LL". (and good luck to you)to make this happen.
Since I have come into this industry 3 1/2 years ago, I have seen some good people really "TRY", and fail in this business. NOT that they didn't give 110% everyday or have a business plan, or many other things they prepared themselves for. Bottom line, They just couldn't make it work and opted for plan B, Take their losses and move on. But by golly "THEY TRIED" and you can't fault them for that.
OK I am just "Trying" to make a point.
Danny
silverdollar
Expert Expediter
I don`t really care about all the newby crap,what I would like to know is what is Manlaw known for"coast to coast"?
So far, I've never used more than 100% of the fuel in my tank. Even several years ago when I one time actually ran the tank dry, it didn't use 110% of the fuel in the tank. It used exactly 100%.
100% is 100%, and if you can give 110%, then you were never giving 100% before.
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop
100% is 100%, and if you can give 110%, then you were never giving 100% before.
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop
I believe one has to consider meaning before drawing a conclusion. I'm attempting to devise an analogy that has meaning and it is difficult to find one that isn't too frivolous or too tangential so I'm going to throw out a few thoughts. Find a dollar laying around to add to them and then maybe they're worth coffee.
The first, and perhaps most important, that comes to mind is that one has to "try" any potential career. One could desire to be a computer programmer and just not be able to learn the "language". After giving it a "try" they learn they aren't a programmer and never will be. It has nothing to do with desire or willingness to work or lack of effort or any other shortfall, just aptitude for the particular field. Nobody "knows" they are going to succeed prior to an attempt. No matter how huge one's ego, omniscience isn't part of human makeup.
If one enters this or any other field and puts 100% effort into it they are trying. They are not guaranteed success. They are guaranteed they did everything they possibly could to succeed.
Some fleet owners look for new people. They can put them in somewhat older and/or less desirable equipment that veterans might refuse to run. They can pay them less than a veteran. That is their niche. They are equipped to and prefer to operate that way.
The other part of the debate centers around how one enters the industry. I believe Broom's opinion is one should dive in feet first, after careful planning, thought and review. For some that may be the way to go. For others it isn't. Not everyone is programmed to work in a no lifeline situation. Starting by buying a truck is like taking off in an airplane with no prior flying lessons. Some will do fine and others will crash. Driving for a fleet owner for several months is the flying lesson as it were. I believe that is also the other meaning given to "try" in some posts; the idea that one isn't committed and/or doesn't plan to give their all since they are just getting in a truck to give it a go. In some cases that may be right. In others I believe it's the individual that wants the flying lessons before trying to solo.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
The first, and perhaps most important, that comes to mind is that one has to "try" any potential career. One could desire to be a computer programmer and just not be able to learn the "language". After giving it a "try" they learn they aren't a programmer and never will be. It has nothing to do with desire or willingness to work or lack of effort or any other shortfall, just aptitude for the particular field. Nobody "knows" they are going to succeed prior to an attempt. No matter how huge one's ego, omniscience isn't part of human makeup.
If one enters this or any other field and puts 100% effort into it they are trying. They are not guaranteed success. They are guaranteed they did everything they possibly could to succeed.
Some fleet owners look for new people. They can put them in somewhat older and/or less desirable equipment that veterans might refuse to run. They can pay them less than a veteran. That is their niche. They are equipped to and prefer to operate that way.
The other part of the debate centers around how one enters the industry. I believe Broom's opinion is one should dive in feet first, after careful planning, thought and review. For some that may be the way to go. For others it isn't. Not everyone is programmed to work in a no lifeline situation. Starting by buying a truck is like taking off in an airplane with no prior flying lessons. Some will do fine and others will crash. Driving for a fleet owner for several months is the flying lesson as it were. I believe that is also the other meaning given to "try" in some posts; the idea that one isn't committed and/or doesn't plan to give their all since they are just getting in a truck to give it a go. In some cases that may be right. In others I believe it's the individual that wants the flying lessons before trying to solo.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I understand the concept Broom is getting at... a job or a state of mind? For many years, expediting was a job for me. It took many years, a lot of failure, and understanding the points of view from several ppl on here for me to elevate myself to the state of mind from one of being out here making a buck, to one of doing what can I do to better my situation.
Success is the key. But I'd also say experience plays a major part. Someone can't be expected to come into expediting and just have a good business mind for it, if they have no experience in business. It's what makes a private into a sergeant. What makes him a sergeant major is drive, a good business mind(politics), and success.
"TRY" - I tried wasabi, and I like it. I tried the Marine Corps, and realized I didn't have the business mind for it. I tried expediting, and went from trying to "must succeed", as I have no interest in trying to flip burgers. LOL
-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.
Success is the key. But I'd also say experience plays a major part. Someone can't be expected to come into expediting and just have a good business mind for it, if they have no experience in business. It's what makes a private into a sergeant. What makes him a sergeant major is drive, a good business mind(politics), and success.
"TRY" - I tried wasabi, and I like it. I tried the Marine Corps, and realized I didn't have the business mind for it. I tried expediting, and went from trying to "must succeed", as I have no interest in trying to flip burgers. LOL
-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.
Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
> Now I think I will cut bait so I can fish after
>the windshield repairman fixes what he screwed up last
>Tuesday.
But hey,at least he TRIED.DD.
>the windshield repairman fixes what he screwed up last
>Tuesday.
But hey,at least he TRIED.DD.
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
As Bill Clinton once said (Please define IS?) Was that the word he skirted around?
Try?
Defination to not have a goal at the end of ones Journey, just to well maybee? Now before one jumps my bumps, trying to define a Goal. Does your business plan include a goal? Is there even a business plan at all? That is the difference, I am setting a goal to succeed or to meet a final destination.
Everyone is entitled to different Goals, a solid business plan to be reviewed by someone who has been in this business for a long time would help. How many Newebees have ever asked you to read your business Plan? I know I asked at least two people here to review mine.
I did not realize I would have to define each word in defending myself. My apoligy to all that I have offeneded. It has been a long time since I have seen a Post regarding can anyone help me with a Business Plan and Starting to get this Orginized? Or is the question we all are seeing how cold is the Water?
Greg you said it best, better than I. Col, we agree on something? Hawk, nice observation and as well Leo, but I continue to dissagree with you and Dave but I respect your points.
Try?
Defination to not have a goal at the end of ones Journey, just to well maybee? Now before one jumps my bumps, trying to define a Goal. Does your business plan include a goal? Is there even a business plan at all? That is the difference, I am setting a goal to succeed or to meet a final destination.
Everyone is entitled to different Goals, a solid business plan to be reviewed by someone who has been in this business for a long time would help. How many Newebees have ever asked you to read your business Plan? I know I asked at least two people here to review mine.
I did not realize I would have to define each word in defending myself. My apoligy to all that I have offeneded. It has been a long time since I have seen a Post regarding can anyone help me with a Business Plan and Starting to get this Orginized? Or is the question we all are seeing how cold is the Water?
Greg you said it best, better than I. Col, we agree on something? Hawk, nice observation and as well Leo, but I continue to dissagree with you and Dave but I respect your points.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
My 2 cents,in 1984 when I started with Roberts Express,I didnt go there to try to see if expedite was for me.I dont try to do anything,I just do it,100%,and I will make it work.There is no place in expediting for negativity,yes your going to sit,yes you will get loaded,and yes you will make more money in expediting than any other way in the trucking industry,as long as you give the company your with,what is needed to survive.
If you need to drive 5000 miles a week,deliver a load everyday,then this business isnt for you,its not a high mieage business,the average load is under 450 miles,and yes you might deadhead 450 miles to pick up that 450 mile load,and where I am that 900 miles with the fuel charge will be over $1600,of course thats an E rate,and if you do this 3 days a week,your equipment will last a long time,but you wont be driving that 5000 miles you want.
where I'm leased might not be for you,but certainly is for me.
If you need to drive 5000 miles a week,deliver a load everyday,then this business isnt for you,its not a high mieage business,the average load is under 450 miles,and yes you might deadhead 450 miles to pick up that 450 mile load,and where I am that 900 miles with the fuel charge will be over $1600,of course thats an E rate,and if you do this 3 days a week,your equipment will last a long time,but you wont be driving that 5000 miles you want.
where I'm leased might not be for you,but certainly is for me.