Full TT to van, too much?

[StayStrong1125]

As I have mentioned, I am a tractor-trailer driver for Schneider National. Got about a year and a half under my belt now. Im very intrigued with the cargo van expedite market. Problem is, I would like to drive for a fleet owner or owner operator to learn the industry, freight lanes, cyclical expedite schedule, and save enough to fund my operation with as little debt as possible when I do venture out on my own. (18% interest, from what I have heard, is typical, but ASTRONOMICAL for a business like this.)

I have been reading the archives and such, but when I try to search the 'free classifieds' section, there doesnt seem to be anything that's available in my area.

I live in Indianapolis, IN which I would assume is a major hub for expedited freight since I can reach detroit, columbus, cincinasty, chicago, st louis, cleveland, and louisville in about a day.

I can only drive solo, which shouldnt be too much of a problem, as my wife stays home and raises my 2-year-old daughter.

I am accustomed to time on the road. Typically when I was OTR I liked to stay out for 3 weeks, home for 4 days. I also found many times in those 3 weeks that I would go "through the house" to visit and take care of business at home for an hour or two, then get back on it.

I have a perfect TT safety record, and have been on a dedicated account for 6 months now delivering 2 relays a night, and delivering and unloading a 53 foot trailer and a 35 foot pup trailer to 2 JC Penney retail stores.

Now, considering all this, can anyone point me in the right direction? I am looking for a fleet owner, or owner operator that wants a hard worker that's ready to run. I just cant believe there is no one looking for one right now, as most of the classifieds seem pretty empty of this.

Also, I would prefer a cargo van, I can drive anything, but would prefer a van. There are some distinct advantages to cargo van.

Thanks for the help all!



Wise man once say, "He who drives truck in white pants...soon drives truck in dirty white pants."

 

[davekc]

There should be some owners in the Indy area. You might consider posting an ad in the classifieds. You are in a prime area for the expediting market. Once you place your ad you will probably get more calls than what you would have expected. Keep reading the posts on here so when you do decide, you can make an informed decision.
Davekc

 

[twodogsdaddy]

Hi I agree with Davekc if you post on the classifieds I think you will get some good responses. You might also want to try calling some of the expediting companies on this sight they may be able to get you in touch with a fleet owner. If you're available you might want to hop over to Woodhaven, Mi. this coming Monday they're having another seminar there and you might be able to make some contacts besides getting some valuable info. (Lawrence posted it earlier) Good Luck

 

[pIIdrivers]

Yeah I agree with the others. If you post a local classified ad you should have no problem getting a decent O/O in your area. We are actually considering putting on a solo driver in one of our vans. We are in the Louisville, KY area so not too far away. We think that working for someone else is a great way to get introduced to the industry as well. Good luck and keep us informed on how it is going. :7