Looking at being an expediter

[rpwx]

Hello,

A few days ago I spoke to a woman who is fairly new at expediting. She owns her own van, and contracts out.

She suggested that the best way to start out would be to work as an employee first, to see whether I like the business. I am only interested in driving a van, not a large truck. I understand that I would be required to obtain a class "C" license. Would I have to go to school for this, or could I obtain it in any other way? Also, what are the chances of success driving vans; could I make a living at it?
Thank you.
Robert

 

[Jayman]

I dont think you have to have a class C to drive vans. Some carriers may require it, but not all. (If I am not mistaken) You can get a class C pretty easy though if needed. Mostly involves a written test or two at the license branch. I got a class B without going to a school. I did need a couple hours with a trainer to teach me the fine points needed to pass the pre trip and range test though. The road test was the easy part for me.

Look out for that...Tree! lol :7

I thought about doing the van thing. But, 3 things keep me going down the D unit road. 1. I like big trucks and wouldnt really feel satisfied driving a regular van. 2. You have to remember there will be more competition with vans. Vans dont require as big of an investment. So, that translates into more tom, #####, and harrys will get into the biz doing that. The bigger the truck, the fewer the people who want/can do it. 3. I like to carry a lot of stuff with me when I travel and vans make it hard to carry my kitchen sink. lol

I am sure there are reasons for driving a van over big trucks though. It just isnt my style.

 

[nightcreacher]

im not sure,but i think you have to have a b lisc to get haz mat indorsement

 

[Crazynuff]

That's a good point . Most carriers require a Hazmat endorsement and the background check usually takes 6 weeks or longer . The other question that comes to mind is can a van really supply acceptable revenue for both an owner and a driver ?

 

[bryan]

Hi

Class C with hazmat endorsement.A written general knowledge test and a hazmat test.I didn't have to do a driving test because I had my license for more than 10 years with no points against it.Hope that helps.

 

[Broompilot]

Crazynuff is right. I know of know one who has been successfull enough to put food on a table to support oneself let alone a small family in a Van that there was a % split for an owner and a driver.

 

[rpwx]

Thank you everyone for the valuable information!

I have saved a lot of time researching this type of work by reading what you experienced people have written.

I have tentatively concluded that purchasing any vehicle right now-especially a van-would not be wise.

Instead, I am going to spend some time at local truck stops and talk with expediter drivers, attend the Expediting Workshop in February, and (if I feel it's right for me) go to work with a company as an employee. That way I can learn the business with little risk. Because, even though this business looks appealing to me right now...I honestly don't know how I'll react to being weeks away from home, and on-call at a moments notice when I am in-service.

Thanks again everyone, and Happy New Year.

Robert