How is it right now?

arsjohn81 · Feb 28, 2009

Hey guys,

I'm new to the board here and was wondering a couple things.

1. I'm based in Virginia and was looking to do expedite. I have 9 years of cdl driving, mostly flatbed and auto transport. I used to haul local air freight but would really like to get into expedite. Just curious as to who I should apply for being that I live in Va.

2. Is there places to find cargo van loads on load boards? I had considered picking up a cargo van and getting my own auth. Just wondering if there is more specific sites for cargo/hotshot loads then the reg. load boards.

Thanks,

John

Jack_Berry · Feb 28, 2009

suggest you sort thru the last years worth of posts. use the advanced search using the method of "cargo vans" and "load boards" surf away.

right now, cargo van, stay away. many companies are not taking on new vans. there is not enough frt. 2 loads a week seems average from folks i talk to on the road. if you have a day job then keep it.

arsjohn81 · Feb 28, 2009

Thats the thing. The owner I was working for just picked up my truck today. So currently I'm jobless. I was just wondering if there was freight to haul in a van that I could locate myself on the boards. Never really used the boards to find hotshot freight, or van loads, so was curious.

Any ideas on where to look for a job? I have flatbed/auto transport experience mostly.

Any ideas for me? Clean background /dmv.........????

moose · Feb 28, 2009

Maybe this ,
go to the auctions house in your area , and ask to ship a car , they will get you a list of carriers , call them.

Place an ad on the internet , on car shipping boards , asking for a quote to ship a can from your home town , they will call you .

do the same to the ripo company's .

i can only imagine ,you are not the only car hauler driver to be looking for work...

same goes to flats .

Moose.

Aaronrocker · Feb 28, 2009

Buddy, I would take the advise of all who posted here and stay away from cargo vans. I am teaming for an owner and we did 2400 miles this week. If you can sleep while the truck is moving then team in a straight truck or a tractor. Teaming will get you better loads and miles. That is all I have to say, take care now and keep truckin!

MentalGiant · Mar 1, 2009

Great advice. My wife and I started in straight truck as a team. We decided I, as a solo would try a sprinter for a couple months. That was the worse mistake we made in this business. We are back in a straight truck now as a team. Teams are about the only way to make good money in expediting. Also, it helps if its a husband and wife team, so the money made goes into on pool, instead of two separate pools.

Jack_Berry · Mar 1, 2009

Thats the thing. The owner I was working for just picked up my truck today. So currently I'm jobless.

and why did he do that?

arsjohn81 · Mar 1, 2009

Jack,

No reason from me. I know what your thinking, lol...and I'm not noe of those drivers!

Apparently he doesn't know how to budget money that well cause he's broke he said. I've been running a dully hotshot for him, mostly cars, with some flat loads, but in the last 6 weeks I made 8k for the truck AFTER fuel.

I know what is made, and spent and he should have at least 3k unspent, but.......he doesn't, so...... I have a feeling my trucks profit was floating the other local truck that hasen't been working this winter, so.....its starting to add up.

Either way.......its no fault on my behalf, so.....again....I'm jobless as of yesterday.....I don't really want to team in expedite with someone, but was just seeking options. I'm used to finding my own loads, but never really tried to look for certain freight for vans....was just wondering if its out there on load boards or what not.

CHp

Jack_Berry · Mar 2, 2009

so why not buy his/your truck and stay in a field you are familiar with rather than learning a new industry? not meaning to be snippy just suggesting. 8k in six weeks is good money. better than many of us are making right now. ESPECIALLY in a cargo van.

arsjohn81 · Mar 2, 2009

Jack,

That was my goal actually. When he started getting tight I asked him to lease it to me. I would pay it off in 12-24 mths *his choice on which* and give him 10% of gross if he kept it under his auth. His reply was.....why let you lease and make more then me, since I know what the truck can and does make?

So......obviously not very smart on his part. Financialy he would have profited more from letting me lease + a %. But, hearing his answer kinda put me in place w/ him, knowing that he wasen't looking out for anyone but him self........... I even brok eit down on paper and showed him how he'd profit more, but.....he didn't seem to care, so.....here I am.

john