can this work for me?

[windshadow]

Hi: everyone I have been looking into expedite for some time now.I drove otr for three yrs back in the 70ts/80ts. In 2003 I went back to cdl trainning got my cdl class a drove otr for 2 months 48 states tanker then went into driving ready mix which I am still doing today. What I would like to know is can a driver running solo make 35to45K a yr after bills are paid .I would be driving a new or almost new class D truck that is paid for. I would plan on being out 3 to 4 weeks at a time then home for 5to7 days. I live in the panhandle of fl so I know I would be doing some DH to get home and to get loaded. 50% of the my time off would be up in the chicago area I have family up there This would cut down on some DH miles. I am looking into con-way any info on this company would also help. what are some good companys that would be good for a solo driver. My better half would be running with me she is just not sure if she would be up for driving I am working on that. I look forward to your replies.

 

[terryandrene]

windshadow

Here's something to start you thinking. The 2002-2004 Average annual gross revenue to a single driver in a FedEx Custom Critical, non-White Glove D truck was $72,502. You should be able to keep your overhead below half that figure and realize your net income goal.

I suggest you plan your next trip to Chicago so that you can detour to the Expedite Expo in Woodhaven, MI, Auguest 10-11. Check the add on our home page. At the Expo you'll be able to meet numerous expedite carrier recruiters, owners and drivers and learn more about each of the companies that might help you achieve your earnings requirements.

Terry

 

[X1_SRH]

Windshadow -

Your expectations are very reasonable and with the work ethic you talk about you should surpass your goals. Call the quality companies that sponsor this site and attend the expo in Detroit next month. Those are the 2 best pieces of advice that you can use to make an informed decision and ensure your success in the expediting industry.

Best of luck - Scott

"My Old Ride"



http://www.expeditersonline.com/hotnews/images/scott_han_sig_file.jpg


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[RichM]

With a paid for truck you should have no problems reaching that goal.What year is your truck as some companies have limitations on the age of the truck. When you better half realizes the potential when operating as a team, it will be more revenue staying in the family.

 

[windshadow]

thanks for the info everone.I plan to go to some shows in the fall. I will be looking into a truck 2004 to 2005 models.I also think that I will be able to talk pam into driving when she gets on the road with me. when we decide to go threw with the planns are over head will be verey low and we will have about 4 yrs capital in the bank for back up also the truck will be paid for up front.once again thank you for the replies and look forward to reading more.express 1 is someone I am looking into down the road thanks again everyone bill/pam

 

[terryandrene]

WS:

Tell Pam that a team for FedEx Custom Critical, and perhaps for Express 1 and the other good carriers, earns approximately 68% more revenue than a single driver. The cost in time, money and sweat to get a CDL can be recovered in no time.

 

[Broompilot]

Even if your truck is paid for you still must replace it. If not your throwing $ out the window. I would pretend I had a truck payment in your shoes, take a min of $1,200 a month and buy I bonds harder to cash than a savings account and pays higher intrest.

One day that new truck will not be new and just trying to squeek bye just (TO DO IT) is not a good business plan. Treat it as a business not just a revenue stick. Congradulations on being able to pay for a new one.

 

[raceman]

Boy oh boy would I love to write a six to seven page response to this.

I will simply give you a very short one. Run Team and go with one of the big boys if you are buying a new truck.

I would also give some thought, if you plan on solo for a while, get a used truck and use BroomPilots idea of saving for the new one. Not Bonds but do somehow save the money.

You can get in at a reduced price and try it and decide at the same time that the wife may want to drive after doing it for a while. You can get some very nice used vehicles right now at a big savings and if you read Bobbie Snyder's thoughts on what to look for, you can do okay.

Save some money after6 months if you like it and she likes you will know exactly what you need and between the used truck and some saved you can most likely get what you want and need. In that time if you decide it is not for either of you, sell your truck most likely at no loss and you can move on. Do that with a brand new one and you will lose money.

My two cents. Now this will open a big ole bag of worms and I know that but at least I did not open it with a six or seven pager.


Raceman
OTR O/O

 

[davekc]

No mile long posts.
Great advice



Davekc

 

[windshadow]

HI AND THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INFO.I AM going to go with a new truck or at least an almost new truck if I do this. Pam and I have talked about this for over a yr now and we are getting close to doing it. Next spring is the target date if all goes well. Pams only draw back is she thinks she would have a hard time staying awake while driving so much. I think starting out driving solo at first and letting her get used to being on the road with me will help her out alot. we are both in are late 40ts and want to do something together she knows I like being on the road and she does also she just has not done it from inside a rig. We are looking at this from a 5 yr stand point.If I invest the money into a truck it will give us a much better return on are money than it would in the stock market. My dad lives up in the chicago area and pams family lives down in the fl area this is also were are home is.driving would give us the chance to split up time between seeing my dad and pams family. I met pam 3 yrs ago when I sailed into the town were she lives in fl. My plans were to finish up sailing back to the great lakes were I started from 6 yrs ago well we met so I am now in fl. My dad who is all that is left in my family is up in chicago he is in his mid 80ts so I need to spend more time with him. I think expediting would be a great way for us to do something together that will work for both of us.I drove otr for 3 yrs in my younger days.I lived in a truck for 13 months hauling steel and wall bord so I do know what it is like out on the road. During the 5 yrs we plan on doing this, we will see how it goes. If we like it we will stay in it if not we will try something else. but from what I have been reading I think it is well worth a try.keep the info coming and thanks again to everyone for all the great replies bill/pam

 

[davekc]

I think you will do fine.
Running team is likely to be easier because your driving shifts can be set up to be shorter.
If she sleeps during the day, driving at night becomes easier.
I prefer it because there is less traffic ect.
It just takes alittle adjusting and a good cup of coffee.

Davekc

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Look into a 2002 or 2003 truck. You're looking at half the cost with a couple years warrantee still left. If you're going with a straight truck, you're better off getting a class 8, as you'll have a long-life engine and much more flexibility with loads... much more comfortable too.