Getting Started. Advice Please. Out of Las Vegas, NV

[rymilburn]

HI Everyone-

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's post, as I have spent countless hours over the past month and have even gone back many years and read everything that has been posted. I want to take a leap of fate and get involved with Expediting. I have been considering starting off being a truck driver now for about a year, but getting your CDL is quite an Investment. I have another source of income, so I'm not looking at getting rich at this, at least right away . I can't seem to find an O/O that I can drive for based out of Las Vegas, NV. I contacted someone with Panther and they have people that are looking for driver's for their O/O fleet in Straight Trucks...but you need a CDL B. Which is no problem, I will do that. I'm a hard worker...don't mind staying out running forever which it sounds like I will need to. I have the financial resources to do something...but I'd rather take everyone's advise and drive for an O/O first. I have seen posts from CEVA looking for local delivery drivers....Trade Show Delivery..Etc...however after 10+ phone calls and messages in the past few weeks I have given up on them. Anyone have any advise after reading this? I would appreciate all comments and advise. I am very serious about doing this. I'v also read that hiring on with Fed EX out here in the West will be the best way to go...but I can't find a way to get started....I guess the hardest part is taking the first leap. My girlfriend has said she will drive team with me...but I'd prefer to go SOLO at this point. Thanks in advance

And P.S. I guess my spell check doesn't work to well...please don't let that have an effect on my personal character :0)

 

[paullud]

Hmmm, another person from the west having trouble getting started. They have all the information on who to sign on with and say they have no trouble getting a class B.

 

[zorry]

To get started at Fedex you can call 800-850-4437

 

[rymilburn]

Look...I appreciate your feedback. But Sarcasm has no place with me. Just wanted to know if I have the right plan to get started...or If I'm heading in the wrong direction. Also, taking advise from experienced O/O or Driver's is Priceless.

 

[zorry]

Oops. Thought you didn't have a number.

 

[rymilburn]

Sorry that wasn't directed at you. I will give FED-EX a call in the morning..I appreciate the number. Would they be able to put me in touch with an O/O?

 

[zorry]

Possibly. They can qualify you, give you some advice.
You can put an ad on here as Driver Available.
They will not referee if you hook up with a bad owner.
As you speak to owners,feel free to ask questions here.
Expeditors in Vegas area often can be found at the TA on the southside. Or the Petro on the northside.
If the curtains are drawn please don't wake them.
Most will talk to you.

 

[rymilburn]

Good idea! Now why didn't I think of that! Thanks again.

 

[Ragman]

Las Vegas, Huh?

Say hi to my money for me.

 

[Moot]

I have been considering starting off being a truck driver now for about a year, but getting your CDL is quite an Investment.

I contacted someone with Panther and they have people that are looking for driver's for their O/O fleet in Straight Trucks...but you need a CDL B. Which is no problem, I will do that.

If obtaining a CDL B is no problem, then do it now, before you go looking for a job with a fleet owner. You may not want to hear this, but you have no experience and therefore nothing to offer a fleet owner other than that you are fresh meat. At least with a CDL B you are improving your marketability somewhat, without having any actual driving experience.

 

[rymilburn]

Your Absolutely right...I have no problem hearing the truth. I have held some work for the past three years as a Social Worker with the State of Nevada Transporting Kids around....there kinda like Freight....just a lot more to deal with In all seriousness though...I appreciate all the feedback. I will give FedEx a call in the morning, although it looks like you need a class C? I'm also going to look into getting my licence....as I'd prefer to not drive standard Trans...and Auto's only. I sorta have a bad knee...but I won't have any problem passing anything. But using a clutch doesn't sound like much fun either.

 

[paullud]

Look...I appreciate your feedback. But Sarcasm has no place with me. Just wanted to know if I have the right plan to get started...or If I'm heading in the wrong direction. Also, taking advise from experienced O/O or Driver's is Priceless.

Just seems odd that you are the second person today living out west that talked about what a hard worker they are. You said you already had been informed that FedEx was the way to go and you needed a class B but never asked any questions.

 

[rymilburn]

Really? I didn't see any other posting. I apologize. I was just looking for more advice then anything..make sure I'm on the right track and any input that anyone can add. I'm very confident that I want to give this a spin, but its hard to find out where to start. Just guess I need to do the research and make the calls. However with my full time job I find it a little difficult, maybe that's why its taken me so long. Thanks again.

 

[paullud]

Really? I didn't see any other posting. I apologize. I was just looking for more advice then anything..make sure I'm on the right track and any input that anyone can add. I'm very confident that I want to give this a spin, but its hard to find out where to start. Just guess I need to do the research and make the calls. However with my full time job I find it a little difficult, maybe that's why its taken me so long. Thanks again.

I wasn't sure if you were for real or not, I was just wondering.
I never drove for FedEx but I have heard many good things about them, especially the knowledge and experience gained for a newbie. They might be a long term fit but their setup isn't for everyone, if it isn't for you I would stay at least 6 months before changing carriers.

 

[Turtle]

The first thing you need to do is figure out the differences between a Class B and a Class C license, and see which types of vehicles requires which type of license. You can find that information in the Driver's License Handbook of your state.

 

[davekc]

If you are just doing the "C" you are more than likely looking a van or a non CDL straight which the latter are going by the wayside. Since you are reading, you probably realize the market is saturated with vans. If you go to a "B" you are better off teaming with someone.
Why? Living in Vegas and doing a solo gig is going to be tough unless doing a regional gig. It is expedite, and getting a load to the house will be tough as a solo. The fuel to deadhead home will be expensive and you are not likely to find a fleet owner willing to take on that cost whether fuel or wear and tear on a truck to accomodate that. If they are, I would be leary from the get go.
Probably wasn't what you wanted to hear. Hours or service are the next issue. With the trucks I buy, it is not economical feasible to run a solo. Since I know those costs, it would be my opinion you would be shopping for a FO with older equipment or buying your own. Couple differerent sides to that.
Best bet for long term success is get your CDL with your girlfriend so you are marketable to fleet owners.
You might be the best worker but your lack of credentials and location will be potential problems either now or in the future.
This advice is for all newbies in similar situations.

 

[runrunner]

You have been given good solid advice. The only thing I might add or make clearer is most Fleet Owners don't care where you live as long as you stay out and do the run's. Most of the work is in the East,so you can do it if you don't go home much. I knew a couple from California with FedEx in a tractor trailer who did well. Once they got out of CA they did not go home till they logged 100,000 miles,that's a long time.Team is the best way to go. A lot of trucks today are automatic even tractor trailers. Go to school get a class A or at least a B. If you girlfriend does the same all the better. While in school start talking to Fleet Owners like Expediters Services so your ready to go as soon as you pass the test. Good Luck!

 

[rymilburn]

I have been given great advice and I appreciate everyone in their response. I contacted the local school here about CDL (which has great reviews) and they said they can train me for a B, however it would be on a Manual in which they said would then restrict my licence to drive Manual also. Which I didn't understand. They said if I wanted to train on an automatic then they would train me on a Bus. Which I'm assuming has air brakes...but how are they going to train me on Dock? Anyways, they said it was 1k paying cash. That's a decent amount right? What should I ask them? Any pointer's? Tips...I also talked with FedEx CC, they said the first step is getting my B...then they could qualify me to drive for them and then I would just need to find someone to drive for until I wanted to be an O/O. Which I do in the long run. No one can guarantee me a driving job....but for teams they seem like everyone and their mom is looking for them. I think Panther even has a 3K hiring bonus for Teams. I'm not looking for a guarantee. I have a clean, perfect record as I currently work with kids. That's not a problem. It just seems like the hardest part is getting started. All comments and suggestions are welcome! Everyone is a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate every one of you!

 

[paullud]

Some states will put a restriction for auto only if you test in an auto butvif done in a manual you can drive both, the person you talked must have mixed it up.

 

[rymilburn]

Hi Guys-

Just an updated and a quick question. I am going for my DOT Physical tomorrow...and waiting for some money to come in so I can get going on my B in School. They will train me on a Passenger Bus...with airbrake end. and Passenger Endorsement. We'll that is nothing like a straight truck. They won't teach me docking or logs. How hard is all this? They keep saying my carrier or O/O will teach me. And they charge $1250. Rip off? Good? Any advice? All feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance.