Long and short, I currently use my van for luggage delivery and newspaper delivery, both as an independent contractor, plus do passenger work now and then. Being the type that believes in diversification, and having plans to go into expediting in the future, I was wondering ifn there'd be any value in looking to pick up the occasional odd ball job that turns up on the boards (I'm assuming there are boards for free lancers) that are within capability of the van, but is it worth the cost of joining one or more boards?
Free lancing with a mini-van?
- Thread starter javarod
- Start date
jasonsprouse
Expert Expediter
Of course there are loads well within the capability of a minivan. Or a motorcycle for that matter.
The problem comes in when you deliver the load, and have no other work.
The name of the game in expedite is to "keep moving under load". If you have to wait for a load, or deadhead a long ways to get the next lodd you can handle, you end up spending more than you make.
If you really want to use the minivan, you are better off doing local courier work which will involve mostly lighter freight and packages.
The problem comes in when you deliver the load, and have no other work.
The name of the game in expedite is to "keep moving under load". If you have to wait for a load, or deadhead a long ways to get the next lodd you can handle, you end up spending more than you make.
If you really want to use the minivan, you are better off doing local courier work which will involve mostly lighter freight and packages.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
Or trade the mini van off on a cargo van.
Nods, "Already doing some of that and other things including car service, more I'm looking at the viability of opening up another avenue for revenue, since its entirely possible for me to wind up any where in the state currently, and even remotely possible to wind up outside of it on the odd occasion."
I'd look for a courier company local to you that does more directs or hotshots than anything else. These have the problem of requiring extra help when they get busy. Most loads are either boxes (1-4) or a small skid. If you have an Astro type then you're laughing as they can take a normal size skid properly. Most pay the same way as expedite companies by the mile or a fixed rate to an area. Can be a decent rate. So look around as all you do is call them. If you're headed somewhere, call and see if they can add on to your load.
Rob
Rob