Hello everybody. I'm new here. Doing a lot of reading so, hopefully, I won't start asking any non specific questions.My wife and I are looking for a career change. Although I've been a building contractor here in Mi. for 30+ years and she's worked in food service along with being a mom for the same amount of time, we want to get out on the road with a reputable company. I have a class/a but she will need to get her b or c depending on what we ultimately drive. We're not strangers to the road as we have been travelers every chance we get. I realize that driving as a commercial entity would be quite different. I have friends who've been with FECC for about 10 years and moved from a c/v to a s/t. I've gotten a lot of info from them but EO has been a treasure trove. I think it's safe to say that even those who don't post much will learn a lot from the posters here. For that I will say thanks. Y'all have a great day, buckwheat.
Hello
- Thread starter buckwheat
- Start date
Welcome to the forums and don't be a stranger!! Ask away, there are few dumb questions and if you do happen to ask one we will all be sure to rag on you without mercy!!
This business can be fun AND rewarding. You must, however, treat it as a business. You must also realize that besides being a business it is a totally DIFFERENT lifestyle than you are used too. I would suggest driving for an owner when you first start, just to see if you can handle life on the road.
This business can be fun AND rewarding. You must, however, treat it as a business. You must also realize that besides being a business it is a totally DIFFERENT lifestyle than you are used too. I would suggest driving for an owner when you first start, just to see if you can handle life on the road.
I used to think that the only stupid questions were those that were never asked. But that's not always the case. Like asking a bigger (no offense ladies) girl when she's due then discovering she's not pregnant. Maximum embarrassment.
As for treating expediting like a business, I couldn't agree more. I've been self employed for 30+ years and found out early on that good accounting skills or a good accountant can be a lifesaver.
The suggestion about driving for an owner to learn about the business and life on the road makes a lot of sense. I've read things to that effect frequently on the different boards. Right now I'm just getting all the info I can before making a decision so any and all suggestions will be well recieved.
By the way....................what's a "lot lizard?"
As for treating expediting like a business, I couldn't agree more. I've been self employed for 30+ years and found out early on that good accounting skills or a good accountant can be a lifesaver.
The suggestion about driving for an owner to learn about the business and life on the road makes a lot of sense. I've read things to that effect frequently on the different boards. Right now I'm just getting all the info I can before making a decision so any and all suggestions will be well recieved.
By the way....................what's a "lot lizard?"
A "Lot Lizard" is the name given to "hookers" that work the truck stops!! They come in all shapes/sizes and colors. Many are MORE than willing to provide "teams" with service as well.
We once saw a "Lot Lizard" version of the "Happy Hooker". A woman in a car drove slowly by us as we were walking to our truck. She was smiling and waving at us. As she drove past we noticed the "vanity plate" on her car it read "LTZZRD"!! Now, how much better can it get? It just goes to show that you can advertise your business AND show that you are PROUD of your profession at the same time!!!
We once saw a "Lot Lizard" version of the "Happy Hooker". A woman in a car drove slowly by us as we were walking to our truck. She was smiling and waving at us. As she drove past we noticed the "vanity plate" on her car it read "LTZZRD"!! Now, how much better can it get? It just goes to show that you can advertise your business AND show that you are PROUD of your profession at the same time!!!
Thanks LOS. I was sure that question would get a few more responses. I seem to remember the term"pavement princess" used back in the day.
I was also wondering if there were any advantages to team driving a Sprinter type or cargo van? From my reading here, I get the impression that most vans are solos. Maybe I'm just not paying attention enough.
I'm also trying to get a handle on possible income from expediting. I'm aware that this is probably the mother of all non specific questions. I also realize that a lot of factors come into play such as(but not limited to): Fleet owner vs.O/O, vehicle type, cargo capacity,company leased to,my own work ethic, vehicle payment,etc. There are obviously good and not-so-good years involved,too. If anyone would be interested in throwing some info my way via here or PM, I'd appreciate it. I'm NOT with the IRS or any other gummit agency. Thanks and have a great day..........
I was also wondering if there were any advantages to team driving a Sprinter type or cargo van? From my reading here, I get the impression that most vans are solos. Maybe I'm just not paying attention enough.
I'm also trying to get a handle on possible income from expediting. I'm aware that this is probably the mother of all non specific questions. I also realize that a lot of factors come into play such as(but not limited to): Fleet owner vs.O/O, vehicle type, cargo capacity,company leased to,my own work ethic, vehicle payment,etc. There are obviously good and not-so-good years involved,too. If anyone would be interested in throwing some info my way via here or PM, I'd appreciate it. I'm NOT with the IRS or any other gummit agency. Thanks and have a great day..........
I can't help you with vans and sprinters, we drive a S/T. As to income, that is greatly varied. All I can say is that our business supports itself and our personal needs. We make more than when we both had "real jobs".
Our truck is a TVAL truck, all the bells and whistles. I know how we do. As to other straights, I have little idea.
Dispatcher03
Not a Member
And 90% of lot lizzards claim they used to drive trucks. Whether there is any truth to any of them or not, I dont know. I first accounted one when I wasnt even a driver. I pulled off at a T/A to get gas in my car and at the door she was trying to "hook her way to the next exit" as she put it. Apparently according to the T/A employee, she ran out of options in the truck yard. Buddy she was ugggggly!
LOS: sounds like you and the Mrs. are a team. Would the TVAL be a temp controlled unit? I'm still trying to get up to speed on all the acronyms. #2 son is in the USAF and he uses a lot of those.
One thing I can attest to after reading a lot on EO is that: opinions vary. Be it vehicle size, carrier, politics, religion, etc. Folks aren't always in agreement.
I realize that probably no one will be too forthcoming with actual income stats and I don't blame them. I'm just trying to get a handle on some things to help make an informed decision before proceeding.
After 30 years of concrete, block, framing, roofing, etc., I'm looking for something different. I'm not necessarily looking at retirement as I figure to work past 65 if I can. I don't see myself building wooden toys in my garage. Although I do have a fondness for old farm tractors. I have a '39 John Deere B that.........................sorry to ramble.
One thing I can attest to after reading a lot on EO is that: opinions vary. Be it vehicle size, carrier, politics, religion, etc. Folks aren't always in agreement.
I realize that probably no one will be too forthcoming with actual income stats and I don't blame them. I'm just trying to get a handle on some things to help make an informed decision before proceeding.
After 30 years of concrete, block, framing, roofing, etc., I'm looking for something different. I'm not necessarily looking at retirement as I figure to work past 65 if I can. I don't see myself building wooden toys in my garage. Although I do have a fondness for old farm tractors. I have a '39 John Deere B that.........................sorry to ramble.
Yes, we are a team. TVAL is short for temperature validated. I goes a bit beyond just temp controlled. Sorry, I always forget that newbies just don't the terms yet. My fault. I know how confusing that can be. We are with FDCC. Have been for 6 years come this May.
OH NO a green and yellow monster!!
More like a maize and blue monster with green and yellow toys!!!
LOS, got it. I've read elsewhere of a Mr. Phil Madsen who, according to his site and blog, must have a similar set-up. I have some aquaintances up here, Jim and Carol, who drive team for FECC S/T but no reefer. They started in a c/v and Carol finally convinced Jim to go bigger. She told me the other night that '09 was horrible but things have been getting better. At the time they bought their rig she told me it ran about 150,000.00.( They've been in a S/T for a few years now)
Rambling again.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
What are you looking for?
Looking for? I'll assume you're referring to income. Realistically, if my wife and I could team in something like a c/v or maybe a sprinter, at least for a while before deciding to go bigger or not, if we could net 50-60,000.00. Once again I realize, opinions will vary and there are a lot of variables to consider. I can't imagine that my friends would've signed on for a 150 grand truck to pick up burger flipping wages at McD's. Also if you're a person who isn't willing to learn the business and stay out for 3+weeks at a time your income will suffer.
Other than that, I'm just looking to be the best informed knucklehead that I can be.
Other than that, I'm just looking to be the best informed knucklehead that I can be.
