Carrier of choice

Greg · May 6, 2014

OK, so I have been doing my research on expediting, spoke with a few carriers, and read A LOT here.
Recruiters will tell you the good,leave out the bad and that can get ugly.
Everyone here seems to give honest opinions and have fun while giving said opinions.
One question keeps coming to mind,
What do you like about
Your carrier vs. other carriers?

OK, two questions.
It looks like many have been with more than one carrier, why did you switch?

Edit: D or DR unit, solo, HM or not( thanks layout)

layoutshooter · May 6, 2014

The type of truck makes a difference, solo or team, qualifications etc., all make a difference.

Greg · May 6, 2014

layoutshooter said:
The type of truck makes a difference, solo or team, qualifications etc., all make a difference.

Edited, thanks

zorry · May 6, 2014

I like my carrier because I believe it's the best for the equipment I choose to run.,Reefer,team, 48 states.

If I wanted to run the midwest mostly, I would research Load -1. And compare to Fedex.

If I had a small unit and wanted to run long, I would look at LEA.

I may have some mis-conceptions, but from what I believe this would be my choices.

I've been with many carriers in 37 years. I started expediting 6 years ago and have never left FedEx.

Greg · May 6, 2014

Thanks for the insights

layoutshooter · May 6, 2014

We are a team, WG, DR, TVAL truck. We have been with FDCC for the entire 8 years we have been in this business. I don't see a TVAL truck working very well with a solo driver.

We stay with FDCC because we believe that it fits our business plan. We do 47 states, CA does not want our business, and Canada.

When, and if, we decide to replace this truck we might look at not continuing as a reefer truck and maybe change to Load 1 because we would get closer to home more often.

That is if we even continue in trucking at all and the is a VERY big if.

Greg · May 6, 2014

layoutshooter said:
We are a team, WG, DR, TVAL truck. We have been with FDCC for the entire 8 years we have been in this business. I don't see a TVAL truck working very well with a solo driver.

We stay with FDCC because we believe that it fits our business plan. We do 47 states, CA does not want our business, and Canada.

When, and if, we decide to replace this truck we might look at not continuing as a reefer truck and maybe change to Load 1 because we would get closer to home more often.

That is if we even continue in trucking at all and the is a VERY big if.

That seems to be a common theme with veteran drivers, the big IF.
Thanks for the input.

zorry · May 6, 2014

Do you hear that from veteran drivers or just from old geezers ?

layoutshooter · May 6, 2014

zorry said:
Do you hear that from veteran drivers or just from old geezers ?

They are often one in the same there "youngin".

Greg · May 6, 2014

I remember 20+ years ago, being told the same thing. " Don't get in this business, it's not what it used to be"( this business being hauling HHGs)
Obviously, I didn't listen and it has been a good career until recently, oh wait, I'm sounding like them!

zorry · May 6, 2014

The problem is if you got in 20 years ago it had already gone down hill so much that it didn't have much further to go.

Greg · May 6, 2014

zorry said:
The problem is if you got in 20 years ago it had already gone down hill so much that it didn't have much further to go.

That's what the guy getting out of the business 20 years ago was told in the 70's

paullud · May 6, 2014

zorry said:
If I wanted to run the midwest mostly, I would research Load -1. And compare to Fedex.

I have actually been seeing a lot of Load 1 trucks in the northeast as of late. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence that I saw them all recently or maybe they are expanding.

I like to look the company's system over to make sure that it works for my personality and how I want to work and live in the industry. Your experience level definitely has to come into play but usually the company already has requirements setup to fix this issue, usually.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using EO Forums mobile app

Greg · May 6, 2014

paullud said:
I like to look the company's system over to make sure that it works for my personality and how I want to work and live in the industry. Your experience level definitely has to come into play but usually the company already has requirements setup to fix this issue, usually.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using EO Forums mobile app

Finding a good fit is key. That's one of the reasons I'm looking for a different pasture. I've been with this carrier for 26 years and lately we seem to have different goals, where before we were both aiming at the same target, now it' s as if we're on opposing teams.

zorry · May 6, 2014

26 years with one carrier. Wow.
Congratulations.
Must have been some good there, from both sides.
At least you waited until after your big 25 year anniversary gala .

geo · May 6, 2014

if i was going into this again with what i know now
would be a 10 wheel straight truck with left gate and 24' box 70" sleeper
genset
this way you don't worry about weight
and if e unit is not around they offer you the load
find a co driver you could work with and trust
almost like being married

for what ever company you are going to work for find magic spots where they run most
with ceva i run mostly local, have gone out of town and station has called ahead
to say we will have a unit in your area and could you find a load back
sometimes it works sometimes not

also with sprinter i would have stay local as i do now
running local is hard work and keeping track when different places have there breaks and close

Greg · May 6, 2014

zorry said:
26 years with one carrier. Wow.
Congratulations.
Must have been some good there, from both sides.
At least you waited until after your big 25 year anniversary gala .

Thanks.
There was good, bad and everything in between.
They just took new positions on key elements of our business relationship that do not align with mine.

Gala, thanks I needed a laugh

Greg · May 6, 2014

Thanks for bringing us back on topic geo. Good advice.

cheri1122 · May 7, 2014

What I like about Load One is the many ways [large and small] they differ from every other carrier I have been with, or read about. The CEO sets the tone, and ours supports our success, and treats us as if we are part of his, too. Little things like a free truck wash, shower, laundry facilities, and big things, like being involved in community and national projects that 'give back' to the community and nation that support us, make a difference to me.
I switched because I admire what Load One does, and if I'm going to serve as a 'billboard' for a company, I want it to be a company I can be proud of.
Oh: D unit, solo, HM.

KickStarter6 · May 7, 2014

Tri State has a nice drivers lounge in Toledo. Reds a cool color so my stickers on the side are awesome. No cat head(s) on the side. Cheap insurance rates since I'm on their policy. I can talk to my fleet manager or the other fleet manager anytime during their normal work as long as they're not already on the phone. Michelin tire discount. Most of the dispatchers are helpful and at least give the impression they either are helping to get you a load as they can bid on load boards or care about seeing you succeed. I got a sign on bonus which probably doesn't count but $750 is $750.

Are they perfect no, are there things I wish were different yes but compared to other companies I've worked for Tri state is by no means the worst. Probably closer to the top of good.