Is it worth it?

pinnacle1 · Oct 9, 2007

hello to all,
I am in the same boat as another previous poster about becoming a hot shotter my self and eventually buying several trucks. I currently work in the transpot field, expediting people(medical transport) and it is really starting to have its woes and I was thinking of switching my career from expediting people, to freight, since freight doesnt talk back or loose control of thier "functions", but there are a lot of unknowns lurking around in my head such as: the future of fuel prices, the future of freight, tractor or straight truck etc. and was wondering if it is worth all of the worrying is really worth it? Words of wisdom please, I beggeth

arkjarhead · Oct 9, 2007

Well read back in previous posts. That will help alot. Secondly think long and hard about driving for a fleet owner before buying your own truck. It would be a whole lot better to be in someone else's truck and decide you don't like expediting and take the truck back to the owner. If you buy a truck and you decide you don't like expediting your stuck with the payment until you can get it sold. Plus like anything else you have a learning curve when coming into this business, and the owner you are working for can be a good mentor.

cheri1122 · Oct 9, 2007

First, welcome, Pinnacle, to EO!
Second, no offense, but you're cracking me up, here. The future of fuel prices? Probably only upwards. The future of freight? Who the heck knows? Life is full of surprises - but there don't seem to be any drastic changes looming in the immediate future, at least. T/T or straight truck? Strictly your choice: which would you rather drive? And the best question: is it all worth it? How Zen is that?
It's clearly worth it to those of us who love this lifestyle - and that's the big difference between expediting people and freight: this is NOT a 'job', it's a lifestyle.
I apologize if it seems I'm poking fun at you, I'm not - but you can answer your own questions by reading as much as you can here, to learn whether this lifestyle is one you will find worth all the challenges, or not. And in the end, that's the answer that matters most, right?

FIS53 · Oct 14, 2007

Let's see ...is it worth it??? Well from my stand point yes! I don't have a boss over my shoulder, make not too bad money (could be better ... but the times are what they are), visit different towns at all kinds of time of the day (forced to drive into them at weird hours), sleep in the truck in some of the oddest places (plazas, stores, loading docks, rest areas, etc), well the list goes on.

Can you entertain yourself? Would you be happy sitting around for a couple of days (keeping yourself entertained) waiting for a load? It really is a different way of life. Many of us in the first years were some of the best travelled tourists (in our own country) around.

Most of us love doing this for a variety of reasons. Many of us would not change it too much (maybe the more money part a lot). It is a job and it is a business, but one with its own rewards.

Rob Fis

pinnacle1 · Oct 14, 2007

yeah, thats what I am looking for, no boss constanlty over my shoulder looking for stuff to write my up for, I hate dealing with the BS corporate formalities that make no sense, and at times, dont even apply to me, and I hate the fact that my company constantly employs people who are ill qualified for the transportation buisiness. I can easily do the driving, its something i love to do, just I dont know if my spouse could deal with me gone for such a long time

FAMILYEXPDT · Oct 14, 2007

UNless you get your own authority you will always deal with corporate nonsense that seems to have nothing to do with you. The first question would be WHY do you want to be a fleet owner? The best way to make a million dollars in expediting is to start with 2 million. The over head is high, the management is essential (of both people and equipment) and it is 24/7. You talk about hauling people that lose control.....now think about having drivers that do. We have been fortunate to have amazing teams running with us.....but we have seen many that have been less than mediocre. BEing able to provide opportunities for people to acheive their dreams is extremely rewarding.....building a company that provides a future for ourself and those loyal to growing with us is what we do this for.

-charlotte

pinnacle1 · Oct 14, 2007

thats the best advise I have heard in a while, I wish i could print that out and share it with my collegues. thank you

tallcal101 · Oct 14, 2007

Save your time and money and get a real job.The good days of this business are in the past.The romance of the road is for dreamers.If your a dreamer,take the plunge and you will get all the dreams you hoped for,but not much money.

ATeam · Oct 14, 2007

I can easily do
>the driving, its something i love to do, just I dont know if
>my spouse could deal with me gone for such a long time

That's a reason to stay out of the business, and depending on the kind of marriage you have and want to have, it could be a very important reason. Now, if she was open to joining you on the road, that might be something altogether different.