Hello, Im new to the site and...

focuzzn

Seasoned Expediter
My wife and I are thinking of getting into this career choice. Currently I drive for JB hunt and havent seen the mrs for awhile, so she will be doing a career change to join me on the road.
I got some questions:
1.What things do you like and dislike about doing expedite trucking?
2. What do you like and dislike or wish that you had your truck set up like? Your make and model, sleeper size, box, etc...
3.And any pics of paintjobs on your truck too.
Thanks
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
Welcome to EO.

"1.What things do you like and dislike about doing expedite trucking?"

I really don't know how to answer this, I mean I can point out that the waiting for load offers can be a pain for many, I just have too much to do to worry about it.

"2. What do you like and dislike or wish that you had your truck set up like? Your make and model, sleeper size, box, etc... "

Well I like my truck, it is small enough to move around but big enough to push cars out of the way. Seriously the first part is the truth. I would have a COE if I could with the same size box, can't see changing anything else. I have a reefer now but I would not go out and get another one unless I can find one cheap like I did before I bought this truck. The Class 8 will give me more power and make me feel like a real trucker.

"3.And any pics of paintjobs on your truck too."

yep, but not posted... yet, sorry. Just imagine an FL70 that needs a paint job - or that was what I was told last week. I am going to touch up the bumpers when I can find my spray paint and I got to take care of the chalky paint (needs polishing it is a polyurethane paint) and the paint flakes where the previous owner ripped off the strips.

Hope this helps.
 

nightcreacher

Veteran Expediter
You didnt state whether you are planning on running team in a tractor trailer,or straight truck.At least one thing in your favor,doing this with your wife will put all the money into one house hold,and that will let you do both the short loads and long ones,as the majority of expedite freight is less than 500 miles.Do to the hours of service,and the dead head involved,these loads will require a team,even though you may think they can be done solo.
Runnning as a H/W team is the best way to enter expediting,whether running a tractor or straight truck.
What we all hate about expedite is the sitting around,as our loads only come when there is a specific time for delivery,most of the time you will pick up late in the afternoon and deliver first thing in the morning.
I drive a tractor pulling company trailer,as there is less competition,most tractors dont sit around as much as straight trucks,but if your going to be in a straight truck,then you will sit around,as there are 3 times more straight trucks than tractors.
If your planning on running lots of miles,this also may not be for you,as our loads wont give you 300000 mies a year like some teams in regular freight do.
As far as a truck its all in what you think you will need,but if it were me,and I was just starting in this business,I would start out driving for a fleet owner,to get my feet wet,and see if this is really what you want,take notes,not all loads are desirable,but for a carrier to keep its customers,they have to take the good with the bad.
hope this helps you a little
good luck
 

focuzzn

Seasoned Expediter
Im sorry, but we are thinking of running a strait truck for ease of use.
Who is better, Fed ex or that black panther company?
 

focuzzn

Seasoned Expediter
>
>I drive a tractor pulling company trailer,as there is less
>competition,most tractors dont sit around as much as
>straight trucks,but if your going to be in a straight
>truck,then you will sit around,as there are 3 times more
>straight trucks than tractors.
>
Do you run as a team?
 

Streakn1

Veteran Expediter
As Nightcreacher stated, there is less competition when it come to tractor trailers verses staight trucks. My wife and I know this first hand having driven a Class 8 DR-unit ( straight truck w/ 22' reefer box)leased on to FDCC for 3.5 years. Since we both had prior experience driving 18s, we decided to go back into an 18 this past June. We currently own our tractor and reefer trailer and are still leased to the same carrier. We do not regret going back into an 18. We feel our revenue increase per mile is worth it even though the operating cost has increased.

There are some fleet owners with T/T rigs that you may be able to "try the shoe on to see if if fits before you buy", if thats your goal. The hardest thing you will need to get used to is the sitting. You will be coming from the mentality of "if the wheels ain't turning you ain't making no money". Reality is that you will be working smarter for your money! :)
 
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