Loads out of Florida

[JoeS]

Well, since I have been just qualified for FECC, I have decided to come out of lurker mode. I have followed this great group of folks posts and have learned a tremendous amount about the expedting way of life. I thank you all for your insight. I hope that after I have endured this way of life for awhile, I could become a part of this great community by contributing and communicating my expierences to all.

I will be part of a team operation driving for FECC in a D unit. The other driver is the unit owner and I feel very comfortable about driving with him. God willing, I will be heading out for the first time on Monday.

Since we both live in Central Florida, we were discussing the possiblity of postioning ourselves in the Jacksonville area for a possible load out instead of dead heading up to Atlanta to start our week. I know that getting loads out of Florida (in general) are tough to be had.

I am looking for opinions as to this strategy, or other suggestions.

Best Regards,
JoeS

 

[Tom Robertson]

I have access to loads out of the Jacksonville area, but you're with FedEX. I would suggest that you contact the dispatchers with your company. Those of us who have the access are not readily available to share those shippers with you. I am more than happy to share any information with you that can help, but draw the line with sharing sources of revenue. I think you will find that attitude prevelant with any company on the site. Individuals may have sources that can lead you to a load, but I don't think any carriers is going to share that kind of info.

 

[terryandrene]

JoeS
Welcome out of the lurk and welcome to FedEx CustomCritical. FL is not the busiest outbound area for us but there is a fair amount out of Jax, Orlando/Tampa. If you haven't done so already. check the VRU options and see the total # of C,D,E trucks in JCK, TAM, ORL. Play with the options and see how many trucks dispatched on different days. This info will help make a decision where to go on a given day. Keep in mind, the decision is still yours, The VRU will be just a piece of your decision making process.

Home this helps...Stay tuned to EO

Terry

 

[JoeS]

Tom,
Thanks for your quick reply.

I think you may have misconstrued my post or I failed to explain myself completely.. I never stated that we were looking for a load outside of FECC. All I asked was what were the chances of getting an FECC load out of Jacksonville.

Best Regards,
JoeS

 

[JoeS]

Terry,

Thank you for the welcome and the tips. I really do appreciate it.

Best Regards,
JoeS

 

[ATeam]

Welcome Aboard! I hope you find expediting to be everything you expect it to be and more. It's been good so far for my wife and me (team, D-unit).

Thinking through our trips to FL, we've been in under load about a half-dozen times since August, 2003 (our start date). We've delivered to Miami, Tampa, Orlando areas and small towns in between. We've never waited more than a day for our next load offer there. We have accepted loads on a Friday that did not pick up until Monday, but doing so kept us in service and gave us some time for tourist fun. Florida is not like Chicago where you are almost always in and out quickly, but it's not been a bad place for us.

We think things tend to balance out. A lot of drivers avoid Florida deliveries because they worry about getting stranded. That leaves the FL freight that's there for the fewer trucks that are there to take it, and thereby enhances their ability to get out.

Getting stranded as an expediter happens. Sometimes you'll spend money just sitting still waiting for a load. Other times, you'll spend money to move on your own to a better freight area. It's wise to keep some money in the bank to help you weather such times.