FedEx ground to FedEx cc???

bubbagrump · Sep 14, 2011

hi all, ive currently been driving for FedEx ground and have always wanted to expedite. I have CDL-B and i have no restrictions to being on the road. What direction should my first step be, keep in mind id prefer a solo drivers position?

TeaDance · Sep 14, 2011

I drove solo for FDcc back in 05 for an owner when the economy was better. At that time a Owner could afford to run a truck and pay a solo. Now days with freight paying less, and fuel & maintenance cost up, It doesn't pay an O/O to run a truck solo. The profit margin is just tooooo small unless you are a very seasoned driver and know where to be and what to accept. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of solo drivers out there, drive someone else's truck. However, they have a lot of experience under their belt or as I saw in horror at the Ohio expo, belts
Now if you purchase a nice used class 8 truck, then it would pay to run it solo since you only have to pay yourself!

I don't mean to pee in your Wheaties, it is better to hear the truth. Believe me, I'm in the some boat you are, and have come to the conclusion that I will have to buy my own truck too!

Best of luck

BillChaffey · Sep 15, 2011

Unless the poster is ready & willing to upgrade to a Class A CDl, he probably doesn't want to purchase a Class #8 tractor.

Azcot · Sep 15, 2011

I'm just curious, I see from your avatar that you are doing delivery for ground, why would you want to give up good money, home every night with weekends off for only being home once a month or so and unpredicitable income..??...

The grass is not always greener on the other side..

bubbagrump · Sep 15, 2011

I do drive for FedEx ground yes, but where i come from its all contracted out through ISPs and the money isnt that great for the insane amount of hours your out... im not looking to strike gold, just looking to get out in something different

kwexpress · Sep 15, 2011

BillChaffey said:
Unless the poster is ready & willing to upgrade to a Class A CDl, he probably doesn't want to purchase a Class #8 tractor.

you need a class 8 truck a ten wheller with a 22 or 24' box does not require a class A

Azcot · Sep 17, 2011

bubbagrump said:
I do drive for FedEx ground yes, but where i come from its all contracted out through ISPs and the money isnt that great for the insane amount of hours your out... im not looking to strike gold, just looking to get out in something different

Fair enough...I completely understand. I was just curious was all.

Trust me, once OTR Trucking gets in your blood it will never leave...

:...and the road will never stop calling...

:...which I love.

bluejaybee · Sep 17, 2011

Azcot said:
Fair enough...I completely understand. I was just curious was all.

Trust me, once OTR Trucking gets in your blood it will never leave...:...and the road will never stop calling...:...which I love.

And that blood may clot when you finally do get out here. Best advice given daily is try driving for an owner before you purchase your own truck. Trucks aren't easily sold if not happy doing this. Be smart and see if it is for you first. Then use the experience to help you decide just what kind of truck is right for you.

bubbagrump · Sep 18, 2011

sounds frustrating. seeing most owners frown upon having a solo driver due to the restricting hours one can drive, and buying a truck and getting out there im taking it as risky. seems to be lose lose situation. is it impossible?

BillChaffey · Sep 19, 2011

There are Solos out there making a good living. There are also a ton of Straight Trucks for sale. Take your pick if it's possible or impossible.

bubbagrump · Sep 28, 2011

so if i can say that buying a truck is possible, which it is, how hard is it to get in somewhere (panther, landstar, fedex, etc...) as a solo? im very interested as you can probably tell

moose · Sep 28, 2011

Since you live in the NE,
I'd suggest contacting Charles :

Expedite Trucking Forums - View Profile: CharlesD
* Cation, don't stare @ the Bunny !
Demaris, is a well respected outfit here,
and it seams like they have good connections getting freight in/out of your area, and can keep a solo busy.
I'v seen Charles riding his old truck today, on the PATP, and it's a good money maker.

http://www.demaristransportation.com/1773.html

bubbagrump · Sep 29, 2011

thanx i will keep him in mind. also the only other thing that baffles me is who picks the loads, or who gets them, or if they are worth it or not. i guess the only thing that im not understanding is that aspect of it, seems like from what ive been reading is there is so many variations in getting a load. i dont know haha, i guess i just perfer someone to line those things up and tell me what and where to go.....

TeamCaffee · Sep 30, 2011

Any of the companies will take a solo and then it is up to you to figure out how to make a living and make the system work for you. It is definitely a pro active system and not a reactive system.

Talk to the recruiters from the different companies and compare notes. Ask about rates for loaded miles and all miles to different figures. Ask about what the average all miles are for a solo and ask for a couple references to talk with that are also solos.

Decide who you are going to run with before you purchase a truck as not all of the companies have the same spec's and you could find yourself with a truck that the company you choose will not allow that trucks configuration.

The NE is a good area for solo's.

BillChaffey · Oct 1, 2011

If she's still around try "Morningstar" this lady drives solo for an owner at Panther (I think).

cheri1122 · Oct 1, 2011

BillChaffey said:
If she's still around try "Morningstar" this lady drives solo for an owner at Panther (I think).

Not solo any more - the owner recently 'persuaded' her to drive team, with another woman. She hasn't been a team long enough to know if it's going to work - there's always that 'honeymoon' period at first, before the irritations show up [and pile up, in most cases.]

mcavoy33 · Oct 1, 2011

cheri1122 said:
Not solo any more - the owner recently 'persuaded' her to drive team, with another woman. She hasn't been a team long enough to know if it's going to work - there's always that 'honeymoon' period at first, before the irritations show up [and pile up, in most cases.]

I can't imagine a women on women team working in trucking unless they were actually a couple, then it really would be women on women lol.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

BillChaffey · Oct 1, 2011

The point I appear to have failed to get across

was. She drove for a owner solo for Panther and and may have been able to help the original poster.
P.S. Swift & Werner have a fair amount of female teams.