catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
If they're anything like us (meaning the original poster), they're running hard...I'm being unloaded in Biloxi,MS as I type, and haven't stopped for days. At least I hope that's what's happening with them
Drivers Solutions and Expedite Solutions
- Thread starter Runninontime
- Start date
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
Whoops, just realized the OP couldn't possibly be running as he/she are still scouting their options...
I hate it when I do that!
I hate it when I do that!
Fr8 Shaker
Veteran Expediter
Are you delivering a load of slot machines... And if your going to gamble set a limit or read post on gambling LOL.
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
It shows you what rubes Wayne and I are...we had no idea that Biloxi, MS was known for gambling. Coincidentally, our load was a shipment of Garden Ornaments for a casino, presumably to rebuild a display wiped out by Katrina.
:7
:7
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
>Hey Im flying the Red Flag on Truck Driving Solution for ya
>
>in 2005 I was searching for a place to go get my CDL Well I
>checked out Truck Driving Solutions
>
>They are In Indiana, Let me explaine how they were going to
>get me my CDL
>
>One of the Recruters name is MR. Townsend
>
>1. show up fill out some paper work then get a study book
>then go take the IND CDL Permit test.
>
>They make you a state resident of Indiana. Yup you give up
>your state licence.
>
>Now Here me out once you passed the DOT and all that you get
>your CDL but in Indiana well guess what happens then if your
>in a state Like me Virginia, Ha ha guess what you come back
>to that state and got to take all your stupid tests all over
>again. Along with the Driving part as well. Now Go figure.
>
>Yes they find some poor truck company to sponser ya Ya ya I
>had US Trucks going to sponser me. Well Kevin aint no Dummy
>
>I asked all the questions and made some calls .
>Nope I didn't fall prey to the Illusited Mr. Townsend
>ya I got there Packet that they send with all the CDL
>Questions and Answers for Indiana.
>
>The recruter called me Mr. Townsend and I said Can I ask ya
>some questions, he agreeded well he lied to me and I told
>him to have a nice day.
>
>Alot of People are falling Prey to this place what they
>don't understand is they make you a state resident then when
>you go back to your state if your in a State such as mine
>you take all the crap again. Not worth the Time or the
>Monie.
>
>So I maybe Green but I almost fell hook line and sinker for
>That Place Im just glad My gut told me to ask questions and
>check it out better.
>
>
>Have a Safe One
>and God Bless
>Kevin
i had a co driver that went to that school,but,Its not just indiana,if you go to a school out of state,your going be in same situation,in this case my co driver was from michigan,he then had a indiana cdl,which he never changed to michigan,but he then moved to ohio,still keeping indiana liscense,now he lives in north carolina,no longer drived truck,he didnt have a way to take nc drivers test
>
>in 2005 I was searching for a place to go get my CDL Well I
>checked out Truck Driving Solutions
>
>They are In Indiana, Let me explaine how they were going to
>get me my CDL
>
>One of the Recruters name is MR. Townsend
>
>1. show up fill out some paper work then get a study book
>then go take the IND CDL Permit test.
>
>They make you a state resident of Indiana. Yup you give up
>your state licence.
>
>Now Here me out once you passed the DOT and all that you get
>your CDL but in Indiana well guess what happens then if your
>in a state Like me Virginia, Ha ha guess what you come back
>to that state and got to take all your stupid tests all over
>again. Along with the Driving part as well. Now Go figure.
>
>Yes they find some poor truck company to sponser ya Ya ya I
>had US Trucks going to sponser me. Well Kevin aint no Dummy
>
>I asked all the questions and made some calls .
>Nope I didn't fall prey to the Illusited Mr. Townsend
>ya I got there Packet that they send with all the CDL
>Questions and Answers for Indiana.
>
>The recruter called me Mr. Townsend and I said Can I ask ya
>some questions, he agreeded well he lied to me and I told
>him to have a nice day.
>
>Alot of People are falling Prey to this place what they
>don't understand is they make you a state resident then when
>you go back to your state if your in a State such as mine
>you take all the crap again. Not worth the Time or the
>Monie.
>
>So I maybe Green but I almost fell hook line and sinker for
>That Place Im just glad My gut told me to ask questions and
>check it out better.
>
>
>Have a Safe One
>and God Bless
>Kevin
i had a co driver that went to that school,but,Its not just indiana,if you go to a school out of state,your going be in same situation,in this case my co driver was from michigan,he then had a indiana cdl,which he never changed to michigan,but he then moved to ohio,still keeping indiana liscense,now he lives in north carolina,no longer drived truck,he didnt have a way to take nc drivers test
fortwayne
Not a Member
Many years ago I went through their Class-A CDL program and it was a joke and scam. They cram four students to a truck with an instructer and dash you through a 1-week road class, the other time is spent in a class room learning BS you can learn on your own. Long story short - stay away from these people and many of the other schools let alone ALL of the Class-B schools - learn the class-b yourself!
Fort Wayne
'Stand Up For Yourself - Don't Wait For Someone Else'
Fort Wayne
'Stand Up For Yourself - Don't Wait For Someone Else'
lisalewis
Seasoned Expediter
My husband and I went through expedite solutions (for 8 months)ending last October. I was a rookie so I was happy for the training I received driving a straight truck...my husband was already a pro so after one day of practice he passed his driving test. They are good about "walking" you through the course and teaching you the basics. If you are willing to read the fine print and sign that hefty contract for a year by all means give it a shot. But remember that you are not going to make a ton of money...we seemed to average 400 week staying 4 weeks out with a long weekend off. Just think: after you get your 52% you have to subract fuel (which will always be more than you expect), accident insurance 65wk, cell phone, tax guy 25wk, computer (if you lease one through them 35 wk) plus all your at home expenses. Also remember that you pay for the ezpass/pre-pass for the truck also. The fuel surcharge money each month got us by...we averaged 1,500--3,000 month. But if you go in the hole with fuel any week that comes off that bonus. Plus you are not going to get that "dream truck" when you first start. Our truck was so bad that we had to duck tape the inside of the doors to keep the snow out! That stupid truck broke down on us with our 3rd load in WY. Nothing like hand unloading a truck in below zero weather at 3am!! We eventually got upgraded to a better truck but don't expect no more than a 72" sleeper, which can be cramped with two people. Personally I don't like to talk bad about anyone because I believe everyone has a different outlook on the same situation. Just because it didn't work out for us doesn't mean it will go the same way with the next guy.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Lisa... I think you answered the question for anyone looking into going this route. They make JBHunt's driver training program look like a self-made millionaire course. Duct tape on the door? I'm sure DOT would LOVE to get hold of that truck! Did they buy it from Mexico?
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
>Lisa... I think you answered the question for anyone looking
>into going this route. They make JBHunt's driver training
>program look like a self-made millionaire course. Duct tape
>on the door? I'm sure DOT would LOVE to get hold of that
>truck! Did they buy it from Mexico?
>
>-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
I don't know about that, Senor Slooth...when I got my first driver's license, at 15, to go to work, my dad didn't let me drive the nice family car...I got the hunk-a-junk...that way, if I was gonna ding it, crash it, grind the gears, or just generally abuse it, as new drivers will, it was the old car, not the expensive-to-fix newer vehicle.
Many new drivers have never driven a manual transmission before, and gear grindin' is gonna happen! Wayne and I drove one of those Duct-taped trucks to start with, and a good thing, too. The duct tape was on the seal between the cab and sleeper, in a small 2x3 inch space, and another piece on the armrest, and another 4 inch piece kept the panel from rattling in the driver's door. Not exactly aesthetically pleasing, but that truck ran safely, and was mechanically sound.
At the risk of appearing to defend ES all the time, I'm just trying to be fair here. No one method of getting into this business is perfect for everyone...we're not all cut out of the same mold. Some folks might need/want what they have to offer, and others may not...I don't think it's necessary to demonize them, or those who choose to go that route. If it works, go with it.
BTW, we're driving a newer truck now, and while it's not the top of the line, we're working our way up to it as fast as we can. We plan to earn our way to the new 2007 model ASAP, with all it's bells and whistles. Bottom line, tho'...it carries freight.
Chrissie Stewart
>into going this route. They make JBHunt's driver training
>program look like a self-made millionaire course. Duct tape
>on the door? I'm sure DOT would LOVE to get hold of that
>truck! Did they buy it from Mexico?
>
>-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
I don't know about that, Senor Slooth...when I got my first driver's license, at 15, to go to work, my dad didn't let me drive the nice family car...I got the hunk-a-junk...that way, if I was gonna ding it, crash it, grind the gears, or just generally abuse it, as new drivers will, it was the old car, not the expensive-to-fix newer vehicle.
Many new drivers have never driven a manual transmission before, and gear grindin' is gonna happen! Wayne and I drove one of those Duct-taped trucks to start with, and a good thing, too. The duct tape was on the seal between the cab and sleeper, in a small 2x3 inch space, and another piece on the armrest, and another 4 inch piece kept the panel from rattling in the driver's door. Not exactly aesthetically pleasing, but that truck ran safely, and was mechanically sound.
At the risk of appearing to defend ES all the time, I'm just trying to be fair here. No one method of getting into this business is perfect for everyone...we're not all cut out of the same mold. Some folks might need/want what they have to offer, and others may not...I don't think it's necessary to demonize them, or those who choose to go that route. If it works, go with it.
BTW, we're driving a newer truck now, and while it's not the top of the line, we're working our way up to it as fast as we can. We plan to earn our way to the new 2007 model ASAP, with all it's bells and whistles. Bottom line, tho'...it carries freight.
Chrissie Stewart
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
I came across one of thier trucks broke down in New Mexico. They ( a husband and wife team running for PII )were on a lonely two lane highway. We stayed with them for about an hour. The truck they drove was a very, very used truck, and looked it. No working a/c, tape on the seats, and just used up in general. We finally had to leave but exchanged phone numbers. Not sure why,or who's fault but they did not get a service truck to them for over ten hours. (and they were under a load that was late when we were there.)
Over a period of time we would talk to each other, and he started to complain about the lack of income. So trying to help him out we talked about the type of loads he was taking, and where he was taking them to. How much in service time, how long he was ideling the truck, trying to be on more than one board at a time. Just the normal stuff to try and better your bottom line.
Bottom line ended up they left the buisness after six months, why you might wonder. Because with over 90 percent in service the take home pay was less than $300.00 per week.( for the team ) He E-mailed me there pay sheets every week and we would talk about where they went, and everything about each and every load they were offered. I could not figure out how to help them, because there deductions were over $900.00 per week before the fuel was taken out. No they were not buying the truck on a lease, not paying for damage done.
They may be a great company for someone, but just not this one.
Over a period of time we would talk to each other, and he started to complain about the lack of income. So trying to help him out we talked about the type of loads he was taking, and where he was taking them to. How much in service time, how long he was ideling the truck, trying to be on more than one board at a time. Just the normal stuff to try and better your bottom line.
Bottom line ended up they left the buisness after six months, why you might wonder. Because with over 90 percent in service the take home pay was less than $300.00 per week.( for the team ) He E-mailed me there pay sheets every week and we would talk about where they went, and everything about each and every load they were offered. I could not figure out how to help them, because there deductions were over $900.00 per week before the fuel was taken out. No they were not buying the truck on a lease, not paying for damage done.
They may be a great company for someone, but just not this one.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Cats... it might be demonizing them, and I'm not usually critical about something I don't know about personally. However, reading about Lisa's experience, pay and deductions, the truck they drove, I would never recommend something like this company to anyone. Duct tape on the door to keep snow out? I've driven junk before, but I'd never give the time of day to someone offering a Mr Haney special for the honor of making $300/week. There are other options out there. This site is full of ideas for those who care to look.
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
Well, I don't have your experience, guys, not by a long haul. Perhaps you're right. All I've got to go on is my experience with them, and it's been nothing but good so far. We took home no less than $350+ per week during February, which I've heard is the slowest month of the year, excepting July. We even had one $600+ settlement, and we weren't unhappy for our first month. Since then, things have improved considerably, and although we are still putting $ into our escrow account, we are seeing the fruits of our labor. Probably not as much fruit as an o/o, but we don't have the truck payment, maintenance costs, fuel taxes,truck insurance, permit, registrations, licensing and fees costs, oor even the occasional FleetNet flat tire, dead battery jump, busted belt/hose, or any of those kinds of costs either.
We do have the same worker's accident insurance everyone else has, and we do pay $100 a month to an accountant. We ran 7 loads in the last 4 days for 4700 miles with the contract rate of 1.35 and decent FSC. Our escrow account covers damages to the truck caused by us, and it's in an interest-bearing account, so that we receive the balance and then some at the end of the year or whenever we decide to separate from ES. We also get a nice monthly bonus based on productivity, which increases with the time we accrue working with ES. We also have the incentive of working our way up to nicer and nicer trucks, including the brand new 2007 Freightliners, which we've seen and they are very nice.
Again, I'm not trying to defend ES....really! But I did spend 3 months reading this board and asking questions, and researching. As far as I can see, I've taken some of the best advice I've read here and jumped foot first into a business that I knew nothing about. Newbies are advised to drive someone else's truck first, rather than buying one, read the contract, learn the business with a safety net, have money in the bank as a cushion, and to have realistic expectations.
We did our best and we're satisfied so far. I'm sure you guys have done it better than we did, but it's our story, and we're stickin' to it
We do have the same worker's accident insurance everyone else has, and we do pay $100 a month to an accountant. We ran 7 loads in the last 4 days for 4700 miles with the contract rate of 1.35 and decent FSC. Our escrow account covers damages to the truck caused by us, and it's in an interest-bearing account, so that we receive the balance and then some at the end of the year or whenever we decide to separate from ES. We also get a nice monthly bonus based on productivity, which increases with the time we accrue working with ES. We also have the incentive of working our way up to nicer and nicer trucks, including the brand new 2007 Freightliners, which we've seen and they are very nice.
Again, I'm not trying to defend ES....really!
But I did spend 3 months reading this board and asking questions, and researching. As far as I can see, I've taken some of the best advice I've read here and jumped foot first into a business that I knew nothing about. Newbies are advised to drive someone else's truck first, rather than buying one, read the contract, learn the business with a safety net, have money in the bank as a cushion, and to have realistic expectations.We did our best and we're satisfied so far. I'm sure you guys have done it better than we did, but it's our story, and we're stickin' to it
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
We do have the same worker's accident insurance everyone else has, and we do pay $100 a month to an accountant.
$ 1,200.00 a year. I wonder if you picked that accountant, or they gave the number to one of the "in house" guys. I would say that is one of the highest rates I have EVER heard of. (for small trucking) Thats more than an o/o would pay with a small fleet unless he just mailed in an envelope full of paper.
$ 1,200.00 a year. I wonder if you picked that accountant, or they gave the number to one of the "in house" guys. I would say that is one of the highest rates I have EVER heard of. (for small trucking) Thats more than an o/o would pay with a small fleet unless he just mailed in an envelope full of paper.
FAMILYEXPDT
Seasoned Expediter
Lets make it easy Cat......4700 miles in 4 days my drivers would make $2404.50 take home. The only deduction they have is Occupational Insurance. They pay for NOTHING on the truck..fuel tolls, maintenance, scale tickets...etc. Not to knock ES but I have seen good people have this as their only experience and end up very disillusioned with expediting. It is a great business to be in and you can make a very good living. The nice thing about it is that each person can choose the style that fits them best.
-Charlotte
-Charlotte
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
Charlotte,
How much will they pay for their fuel out of that $2404? If they ran 4700 miles and get, let's say, 8mpg, that's 587.5 gallons of diesel (avg-ish) divided by about $2.65 per gallon, which is $1556.75 for fuel...so, subtract that from $2404, and you get $847.25 for the week.
That's what we get paid...so, unless your team doesn't pay for their fuel, or their getting an amazing rate per mile, then I don't see the difference. We're both getting paid basically the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
How much will they pay for their fuel out of that $2404? If they ran 4700 miles and get, let's say, 8mpg, that's 587.5 gallons of diesel (avg-ish) divided by about $2.65 per gallon, which is $1556.75 for fuel...so, subtract that from $2404, and you get $847.25 for the week.
That's what we get paid...so, unless your team doesn't pay for their fuel, or their getting an amazing rate per mile, then I don't see the difference. We're both getting paid basically the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
That's what we get paid...so, unless your team doesn't pay for their fuel, or their getting an amazing rate per mile, then I don't see the difference. We're both getting paid basically the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
Lets make it easy Cat......4700 miles in 4 days my drivers would make $2404.50 take home. The only deduction they have is Occupational Insurance. They pay for NOTHING on the truck..fuel tolls, maintenance, scale tickets...etc.
You misread. they said the owner pays for fuel.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
Lets make it easy Cat......4700 miles in 4 days my drivers would make $2404.50 take home. The only deduction they have is Occupational Insurance. They pay for NOTHING on the truck..fuel tolls, maintenance, scale tickets...etc.
You misread. they said the owner pays for fuel.
How much will they pay for their fuel out of that $2404? If they ran 4700 miles and get, let's say, 8mpg, that's 587.5 gallons of diesel (avg-ish) divided by about $2.65 per gallon, which is $1556.75 for fuel...so, subtract that from $2404, and you get $847.25 for the week.
That's what we get paid...so, unless your team doesn't pay for their fuel, or their getting an amazing rate per mile, then I don't see the difference. We're both getting paid basically the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
===================================================
Still think you are missing something.
Using your numbers with the driver getting 60 percent & 100 percent of the FSC and running at a rate of $1.20 or 1.30 and .25 CPM FSC.
Total 5640 @ 60 percent is 3384 plus 1175 for fsc. Total is 4559
Subtract your fuel costs that you calculated, and you would recieve 3002.25 minus 50 dollars for a teams accident insurance.
If the base is a 1.30 per mile, on 4700 miles it would be 60 percent of 6110 plus 1175 for the fsc.
Total is 4841.
Subtract the fuel of 1556.75 and you have 3284.25
That is what you are missing. Could be alittle higher or lower depending on FSC and DH numbers. 60 percent and 100 FSC beats any kind of 40 percent deal unless you are deadheading all over the country.
Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator
That's what we get paid...so, unless your team doesn't pay for their fuel, or their getting an amazing rate per mile, then I don't see the difference. We're both getting paid basically the same.
Correct me if I'm wrong or misread your post.
===================================================
Still think you are missing something.
Using your numbers with the driver getting 60 percent & 100 percent of the FSC and running at a rate of $1.20 or 1.30 and .25 CPM FSC.
Total 5640 @ 60 percent is 3384 plus 1175 for fsc. Total is 4559
Subtract your fuel costs that you calculated, and you would recieve 3002.25 minus 50 dollars for a teams accident insurance.
If the base is a 1.30 per mile, on 4700 miles it would be 60 percent of 6110 plus 1175 for the fsc.
Total is 4841.
Subtract the fuel of 1556.75 and you have 3284.25
That is what you are missing. Could be alittle higher or lower depending on FSC and DH numbers. 60 percent and 100 FSC beats any kind of 40 percent deal unless you are deadheading all over the country.
Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
Well Dave please don't under estimate the value of those two or three afternoons behind the wheel training in the truck. That has to be worth 1500 bucks a week for a year. And then there is that escrow thing. Oh and the savings account, and the phone support, and the accountant's help for $100.00 amonth for one truck that are not even owners.
catshavestaff
Seasoned Expediter
Well, I'm either not making myself understood, or there's just no way anyone on this board is going to listen to someone who's having a positive experience with a company you all seem to dislike so much...I looked at all of our settlements, counted up pay, bonuses, FSC, costs, etc., and I'm making in the same ball park you guys are describing..
Jaminjim, sarcasm is hardly helpful, and I've looked over my posts to check my own tone and can't see why you're coming off that way...unless you're just determined that I'm wrong and you're right...whatever.
Like I've been saying, I'm not out to defend ES, just reporting a good experience in balance to the negatives posted here. And you guys are just determined that I can't possibly be having as good an outcome as I'm describing. We'll have to agree to differ on that point...be assured though, that if I should find myself regretting our decision, I'll be sure to be honest and say so, right here in front of God and everybody...cause that's what this board is supposed to be about, isn't it?
Back to work now, got a border to cross.
Jaminjim, sarcasm is hardly helpful, and I've looked over my posts to check my own tone and can't see why you're coming off that way...unless you're just determined that I'm wrong and you're right...whatever.
Like I've been saying, I'm not out to defend ES, just reporting a good experience in balance to the negatives posted here. And you guys are just determined that I can't possibly be having as good an outcome as I'm describing. We'll have to agree to differ on that point...be assured though, that if I should find myself regretting our decision, I'll be sure to be honest and say so, right here in front of God and everybody...cause that's what this board is supposed to be about, isn't it?
Back to work now, got a border to cross.
FAMILYEXPDT
Seasoned Expediter
Cat,
That number is their "in their pocket take home". They do NOT pay for anything fuel or otherwise. They make .52 a loaded mile + other stuff. I do not think it is a question of anyone "hating" another company as much as it is people trying to help you understand the numbers. I thought my numbers were pretty simple.....take the loaded miles and multiply by .52 a mile subtract out occ ins of 39.50 a team and the result is pay.
Also Dave,
The nice thing about Expedite is we can have differences of opinion. I have 8 trucks to absorb the cost of one 500 mile move to a freight area. That beats the one team that has to eat the cost of an empty move for me. You must have all prime loads for fsc to avg .25 a mile...our is averaging about .19 right now. That is with 8 trucks.
-Charlotte
That number is their "in their pocket take home". They do NOT pay for anything fuel or otherwise. They make .52 a loaded mile + other stuff. I do not think it is a question of anyone "hating" another company as much as it is people trying to help you understand the numbers. I thought my numbers were pretty simple.....take the loaded miles and multiply by .52 a mile subtract out occ ins of 39.50 a team and the result is pay.
Also Dave,
The nice thing about Expedite is we can have differences of opinion. I have 8 trucks to absorb the cost of one 500 mile move to a freight area. That beats the one team that has to eat the cost of an empty move for me. You must have all prime loads for fsc to avg .25 a mile...our is averaging about .19 right now. That is with 8 trucks.
-Charlotte