Getting to the Expo

SPARKS_8 · Jul 21, 2007

Being new to expediting, (January 07) is there an easy way to make sure you can get to Ohio by Friday? We are looking forward to our first Expo but aren't sure if we'll be lucky enough to get a run that way. We will be in Minneapolis Monday.

cheri1122 · Jul 21, 2007

Sparks: welcome! The bad news is that the only guaranteed way to get to the Expo is to go on your own hook - either deadhead, or go out of service, & catch a plane, train, whatever...
The good news is that so many of us find it worth whatever it takes to get there! Hope you can make it, too.

SPARKS_8 · Jul 21, 2007

Thanks Cherie and we'll try our best to get to the Expo. It sounds like it will be a good time and can pick up some useful information too.

LDB · Jul 21, 2007

Depending on who your carrier is you might get help from them if you tell them you need a load to Ohio somewhere. That would at least significantly reduce your deadhead. As already mentioned, it's a GREAT weekend.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

MSinger · Jul 26, 2007

Just tell dispatch in the middle of the week that you are willing to go ANYWHERE but Ohio. Within 45 minutes you will have multiple load offers to Columbus or Cincinnati.

2002 GMC Savana 3500 DRW 15' cube 10,000 GVWR "Old Yeller"
former Penske truck

Turtle · Jul 26, 2007

A couple of days ago, when I was in SC, I mentioned to dispatch that I was planning on going to the Expo. Next day I got a load to Shelbyville, between Louisville and Lexington. Dropped off Thursday morning, and immediately got a load offer from Louisville to El Paso, pick up Thursday, deliver on Monday.

Man, it was tough to turn that one down. But I'll get over it.

x06col · Jul 26, 2007

Can't imagine you did.

OntarioVanMan · Jul 26, 2007

turtle..you need a free breakfast that bad????

never,never, would I ever...

Turtle · Jul 26, 2007

It's just a load. <shrug> There'll be more where that one came from. Other than when I took off to do the shelves and other stuff, I rarely am out of service and take time off. I figure the information and knowledge gained at the Expo will pay me back far more than running the 1472 miles would have.

TeamCaffee · Jul 27, 2007

Turtle I agree 100% what you can see and hear at the Expo will help you all year. If you want to gain a better understanding of what is out here, new laws that affect us, and what you can do to improve your performance and the trucks performance this is the best place to become educated. If one thing you learn here can keep you from breaking down, from getting a fine, or improve your fuel mileage it is time well spent. That next load will still be there next week but the knowledge you gain from this Expo will not be here again till next year. We find it is time well spent and contacts we will draw on for the up coming year to improve our bottom line.

So far this Expo has been great and it only officially starts today!

highway star · Jul 27, 2007

Turtle, I think you'll be glad you went. You'll meet some great folks and the show is 1st class. While I didn't know it at the time, at the breakfast last year I had the honor of sitting next to the man solely responsible for the low freight rates in expedite. Had I known I would certainly have savored the moment a bit more.

I called in last night to go O/S and start heading that way and they offered me a load, which I accepted. Since I haven't made it home yet for one of my sons races, I'm going to make that a priority next weekend. I hope everyone has a great time and I'll look forward to next year.