Have I got the picture?

BanditMan · Dec 8, 2002

Thinking seriously about entering the expediting profession within the next two years. Have taken the suggestion of reading the posts on the board. From hundreds of comments, I came up with these conclusions.

- A D rig can haul all loads from A-D, and even E's if you can move
it and scale it - twin screws required.
- A 102" x 102" x 24' box (dock height) is the best. Seems roll-ups
and swinging doors are personal preferences based on experience.
- Class 8 rigs are more expensive, but worth the money in power,
comfort, and durability.
- With a max. length of 40', a 24' box leaves 16' for motor, steer
tires, cab, and sleeper.
- There are plenty of good, used trucks available.
- The best cut a O/O can hope for is 60%, or a flat rate (Panther II).
- Teams do better than solos, and are preferred by carriers.
- Being in the right region can make you or break you.
- Every load is not going to be a gravy run, but there are good loads
out there.
- It's not always how much money you make, but how much you save by
doing your own PM & repairs, & your lifestyle & spending habits on
the road.
- It is possible for a H/W team to clear $80,000 a year if they work
hard.
- This business is not for dummies, but for business-minded
individuals and couples who don't like the traditional work model.

RichM · Dec 8, 2002

Congratulations, you have the picture for sure. The only thing I question is the added cost for a class 8 unit. Years ago a old timer told me "Never buy more truck than you need", Yes Class 8!s look better,ride better, more power (do you need it) but is the added costs and added maintenance over a Class 7 worth it. If you maintain a Class 7 by the book and don!t beat it up it will give you adequate service and a better bottom line. My thoughts only,many Class 8 users swear by them and I respect thier views..

Lawrence · Dec 8, 2002

By Golly that is the best Newbie post I've seen in years! LOL! :7

Very good perception and wish you well in your research.

BanditMan · Dec 8, 2002

Thanks for the encouraging (and quick) replies. Our son & daughter-in-law started out as 18-wheeler flatbed O/O's one year ago & have seen 47 states and had a lot of fun along the way. My wife doesn't care to learn to drive anything with a hinge(something about backing up), but is willing to trade in her office for a cab and sleeper. Seems like a natural extension of our love for travel,camping, and adventure.
Thanks for a great web site and we'll keep reading. Really need to make two more years in the current career to make things work out down the road, but it's going to be tough. Patience really is a virtue.

Weave · Dec 9, 2002

Yes, your last observation was the best. Every O/O is a businees man/woman. A H/W team will more than likely gross well over $80k a year without even having to run to hard with a D unit leased to a decent company. I have consistently done over that amount solo. Yes, a class 7 rig will get the job done, and they still dominate the C/D unit expedite field, however many will start out that way and move up to a class 8 for a little luxury (For H/W teams, better sex guaranteed

.. For me as a solo a few less hernias. With the market the way is is now Class 8's don't cost that much more.
A company that pays flat rate is definitely best. The reason why is a lot of companies (FedEx Custom Critters are notorious) like to "discount" to their popular customers so much, they make it impossible for O/O's to cut a profit. Any profit that there is on those loads goes into, well... not your pocket. Run profit=your paycheck.
Yes, a good region can make or break you, especially if you like to go home now and then.
If you like travel and adventure, yes this is the job for you. You will be so travelled and adventured out after 5 years you will like to just be at home, but still can't wait to get back out again. Trucking can be very addicting, and I think it is a great career. I'm very glad I got into it

-Weave-

BanditMan · Dec 9, 2002

Glad to hear truthful commentary from veterans such as you guys. I know the primary difference between an automatic and an auto-shift is the clutching when starting & stopping, but what are the other differences, and in your opinion, which is best? I have experience on a 10 speed, but the lil' lady would be much happier not having to learn that part of driving.