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Home time?

JimF51

JimF51

Seasoned Expediter
I'm home for my 1st real, extended home time (a whole week) since I started with current owner on Aug. 30th. But in that 1st seven weeks, I've gotten home a few times. One weekend (Fri night to Mon. AM) while under a load that delivered nearby on Monday. One other short weekend and a couple of week nights. I'm just outside of Charlotte NC. All have been short DHs from delivery point.

When I go back in service, I drive to the local Wal Mart, just off I-85, and wait there. Haven't waited too long before I get a decent load out.

So it I think it does matter where your home is, regarding freight.

As for the Wal Mart parking question, I tend to use their parking lots much more than truck stops. They are cleaner and quieter. Since most are now open 24 hrs, rest rooms are always available. Also, if I want to eat out for a change, verses fixing something in the truck (about twice a week), there are usually more choices withing walking distance.
 
skyraider

skyraider

Veteran Expediter
US Navy
Plan B, when the old social sec. check kicks in in 2 years, I will work 6 months and play 6 months maybe. I like it out here seeing the country, no yard to cut, no roof to fix, etc, but when I got by to see the grand kids or x wife number2, then I get into the yard cutting and such to remind my chariot is waiting and after a week of the old domestic honey dew stuff its time to go and follow the sun. aaaaamen:)
 
CharlesD

CharlesD

Expert Expediter
urbsk8er said:
Do you guys use load boards to find the shipments close to your homes like that?
Click to expand...

Shippers don't post on load boards, just brokers.

Fastrod deals with shippers and some of us use partner agreements and the internet, but you will see a lot more money working directly with shippers. That's our next goal is to get more direct customers and start doing more non brokered freight.
 
U

urbsk8er

Seasoned Expediter
I would possibly look into buying a van and doing some of this is I could work directly with shippers. Sounds better that way.
 
CharlesD

CharlesD

Expert Expediter
urbsk8er said:
I would possibly look into buying a van and doing some of this is I could work directly with shippers. Sounds better that way.
Click to expand...

What are you going to do while you're trying to find those shippers? You'll have to do some brokered stuff to get the cash flow going unless you have good reserves to hold you over while you're building that customer base
 
U

urbsk8er

Seasoned Expediter
More Van/expediting questions!

Here's another question....When they offer you a load, do you know how many skids it is, or at least how much room it is going to take up inside your van/sprinter?

Would you say you average one skid? or 2?
 
CharlesD

CharlesD

Expert Expediter
Re: More Van/expediting questions!

urbsk8er said:
Here's another question....When they offer you a load, do you know how many skids it is, or at least how much room it is going to take up inside your van/sprinter?

Would you say you average one skid? or 2?
Click to expand...

You can't take any load offer without knowing the size of the load.
 
BillChaffey

BillChaffey

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Navy
I dead headed back to my little shanty Thursday. 733 miles for what I was told, you need to be home to meet this person. He shows up @ 11:30 Friday morning, "didn't you get the message? I'm only here to take a couple of photos, you don't need to be here". Usually I'll dead head back it I'm with in 200 miles and want a day or two off.
 
iceroadtrucker

iceroadtrucker

Veteran Expediter
Driver
If there is a Record to be broke In that department Ive Broken it.

There isnt a team out that has beat or even tied me on staying out. Staying the course. Weather I run Team or Single.

So that being said The Best of the best should get the Best Equipment the Best Runs ect ect ect.

Teams weather your man and Wife or Two of the same gender. The Bar is raised.

The Chains are off.

You Can't touch this!
 
Turtle

Turtle

Administrator
Staff member
Retired Expediter
urbsk8er said:
Would you guys in CV's say that "most" loads are the size of 1 pallet or 2?
Click to expand...
Yes.

Now that grammar school is in recess, to answer the question you meant to ask.... :D

Which are most cargo van loads, one pallet or two?

The answer is: one pallet, but it's really close on the percentage. Close enough that it could be called 50/50, but from my experience it's closer to 60/40.
 
U

urbsk8er

Seasoned Expediter
Another question...

Do most of you guys in CV's have a tv? fridge? Do most people in vans run that stuff with an inverter/battery set up? or do most carry a generator?
 
greg334

greg334

Veteran Expediter
urbsk8er said:
Another question...

Do most of you guys in CV's have a tv? fridge? Do most people in vans run that stuff with an inverter/battery set up? or do most carry a generator?
Click to expand...

All depends.

A lot of people have a battery bank and run their fridge off of it through an inverter while others opt for a nice 12 volt fridge. A number of people have generators.
 
cheri1122

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Sk8er: I don't know what most vanners do, but I can tell you from experience that not having the means to provide cost efficient meals and entertainment makes life on the road pretty expensive, and not at all comfortable.
If you do a search, the subject of inverters & batteries has some very good info [look for Turtle's posts], and Ontariovanman has written about his genset, too.
EO provides the experience & expertise, then you choose what works for your needs & budget.
Just keep in mind that you will be able to stay out longer, making more money, when you don't feel 'deprived' on the road, right? And in a van, deadheading home every week [or two] is not the way to make money.
 
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