making the move

ALVIN · Jun 9, 2005

hi,everyone i haven't posted in almost a year,i was finally able to moved from california to oklahoma.But i have went and got myself prehire with panther two,also went to freightliner of oklahoma and put together a M2 with a 22 ft cargo box and sleeper.it should be completed a little after the 4th of july and hopefully at the peak of expediting.seem's as though the recent slow down has some owner alittle worried,i hope this is just part of the business and nothing to worry about,i use to run a flatbed part time as the owner and it would slow down for about 4 month's but nothing to worry about.
But i have a question,what do you all think my percentage of sucess is by coming into this business with a small part time back ground in trucking, a home that is payed for,two retirements,auto are payed off,
and only basic utilities and home expenses and bored to tears because i have not worked in almost a year.

terryandrene · Jun 9, 2005

ALVIN:

With the right attitude, patience, good financial management, sound understanding and acceptance of your carrier's policies, and continued communication with EO members, your chance of success is very near 100%.

Don't lose sight of the fact that expediting is unlike the trucking you likely remember. You won't likely have dedicated freight nor any other guaranteed weekly paychecks. Some weeks you may get no reward for being available and other weeks will leave you wondering why you didn't get that M2 a year earlier.

Good luck on your new journey.

Terry

Lawrence · Jun 9, 2005

Alvin,

Not to add to your fear - but I am always concerned when I hear or read that someone went to a local dealer to outfit their expediter truck.

For example, I spoke with a gentleman the other day that went to his local Freightliner dealership in Dallas to put an expediter together for him. Everything was coming together fine, nice sleeper, great looking box. When he drove it off the lot he had a nice 72" sleeper and 26' box!

He drove it off the lot - it was his problem now. He said it complies with the regulations in Texas - he just can't take a load outside of Texas. Well, I can assure you he will have a very difficult time putting that on with any reputable carrier.

So my caution is this - use an experienced Expediter Dealer/Manufacturer. They have put together hundreds of trucks. This is nowhere near a guarantee that you still aren't going to have issues - just that you shouldn't end up with a 26' box and a 72" sleeper.

Best wishes in your new venture.

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com

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Loose_Cannon47 · Jun 9, 2005

Proof that it pays to know the regs BEFORE you put down your cash...or maybe it was an Argosy...26' box, NO PROBLEM..

Loose

davekc · Jun 9, 2005

Lawrence and Terry give some great advise.
Deal with an experienced dealer whether used or new.
This is another place were experience is essential.

There has been several other forum members that have had major setbacks with disasterous truck builds.
Plan carefully, and know as much as the people building your truck.
Bad things can happen if you don't.
If new and lacking that knowledge and experience, buy a pre-speced truck from a expedite dealer to avoid problems.
Davekc

ALVIN · Jun 9, 2005

Thanks'for your kind thought's.But i am afraid i have already gotten the ball moving on the truck.i called a company in Texas AAsleeper and spec there sleeper and supreme cargo box.they seem at this time to know what i want and they have a P.O. spec sheet that they can follow.So good lord willing things will work out.Another question i priced insurance here in Oklahoma and there is vast difference in the price that panther2 is offering and the insurance broker here,and do i really need (non trucking insurance).