Need info on TSES

simon says

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Looking for some history on Tri-State in the recent period; that is since the big shake-up. Looking for someone who currently or recently leased to them as a single driver. Can a single do well now? Like to the tune of 2 bills weekly?
 

plumcrazy8

Expert Expediter
This would be interesting to know. Personally I was burned so bad by tses that I'm afraid they would have had to clean the entire joint out nearly 100% before I would suggest anyone go for it. That goes for everything from the recruiter who forgets who you are to the oppresive Nazi-istic orientation (sign these papers - don't bother to read them - or leave now) all the way through to the childish behavior of the "doors all locked" "open door" policy. What a joke. In my opinion, admittedly altered by a sour experience, a beginners' expediting company. As long as the beginner can afford $1,000.00 to $1,400,00 gross. OK. Now that I've said that let's see if I can be more objective about it........NOPE. Sorry tses, any company who allows their o/o's to starve must be the enemy. Period. Good luck (I mean it sincerely) to all of you under contract to those people. I hope the "restructuring" or whatever they call it has worked well. Personally I will stay right here, solo, grossing 2K to nearly 4K per week. Wincing in disbelief every time I see one of those trucks. Sorry for the negative post, just something that had to be said.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Maybe you could share with him where you are at now. It may or may not do him some good. They have made some changes but I haven't seen anything recent as to how they are to drive for. It would be my hope that they have improved over what was there several years ago.
Davekc
owner
20 years
 

simon says

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
I heard that! Someone must be doing continuous air freight to make over $2500 on average, or they like "fudge". Personally, I like my 10 hr. breaks and some down-time. Too many trucks, and too little freight seems a current theme in this business: am I right?
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
Too many trucks, and too little freight seems a current theme in this business: am I right?

Simon: that's the perception at all times of the year and with all of the expedite carriers. If you are waiting for a load, there is too little freight; if you are waiting with another truck from the same company, there are too many trucks.
 

plumcrazy8

Expert Expediter
Hey Simon, FYI, no fudgig goin' on here and air freight or not if you're available for loads and in the business long enough to know where to sit you WILL be busy. It's not that difficult, average 400 mile loads or so for 5 or 6 days a week with accessorial pay for things such as DH, layover, detention, etc. You will be resetting your hours every 10 days or so and grossing between $2000.00 and $3,000.00 on mileage alone. With bonus miles and fuel shurcharge helping out also. It boils down to one thing. If you are willing to work hard and stay out of the truck stops you will make money with a good company. I don't have many secrets, just pay attention to where the loads come from and stay close. If you're in Detroit stay in Romulus - not very nice but good food and usually better position, In Indy and you're out more than 1st or 2nd on the board then move inside the loop on the east side - works almost every time for me. But learn to work it. Don't just sit and stare at the QC unit. And last but not least bug the dispatch department. They will soon realize that you are in that truck to work, provided of course that you really ARE in the truck to work. Don't mess with them otherwise. You mentioned you like a little downtime? Find a different line of work!! I get home once every 6 to 8 weeks and downtime to me is dropping the truck off at the dealer and getting someone to pick me up while I spend time at home. I prefer not to say who I am contracted to, makes no difference really, you can do it with most of them. Okie Dokie? Good luck to ya.
 

simon says

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Yes, I agree with most of what you said. I do know the tricks and truck stops for me are for the three s's. I dead-head to be in a better position late in the early eve or sooner. No one needs to hold my hand. By down time I mean the a.m. to get on the computer, read, and get re-set to roll. My point is when things slow and your company has too many trucks, do you take the load and sit somewhere, or dead-head out? Maybe some other company has more consistent two-way freight. Welcome to not having a real job...
P.S.. try sitting down at 275 & Ecorse vs. the Mad Dog dump yard. Maybe I should start a haven and educational center in DTW for truckers. My girlfriend has a journalism degree.
 

plumcrazy8

Expert Expediter
Hey Simon, have you noticed that nobody is talking about tses? The silence is deafening! Back to your original question would be nice, huh? Maybe they have become a best-kept secret. Hey out there tses contractees...what's up? I'll put in another 2 cents worth if you don't mind, P2 is where I would still be if the dispatchers were even slightly more professional. Made lots of money with them. All in all a great organization. Probably has something to do with being self-employed for 27 years and being slightly pig-headed about taking crap from youngsters. Yup. That's probably it. Oh, and apologies if I got off on a tangent on that last thread, no disrespect intended.
 

FastLaneMN

Expert Expediter
I work for a 3rd party logistics company in the expedited divison. I understand where you are coming from regarding your frustration with TSES. I work with a couple of the dispatchers there, who I have grown solid relationships with. We have had trouble with other dispatchers, and to be honest, they don't have equipment for us on 80% of our loads. PII and FCC see to have the most equipment, and retention. From what I've heard they pay the best and have the most loads.

I know it's been slow lately, but I just wanted to say that I appreciate what each one of you do for all of us. I have a tremendous resepect for you all.
 

simon says

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Yes, it is deafening, as I just checked this a.m. Phil noticed also that no favorable responses were coming in. I have not found a solo TSES driver to ask: maybe no one there uses a computer-cell phone/land-line to access the web on the road.
The bit in TSES contract about docking pay if late is still in there, and I don't like the QC chiping at me if I took a .5 hr nap.
P.S. for all you P2 & FCC fans, try working solo for them and surviving over the long haul. Besides, removing the 2 black cats would be a major workout. :-(
 
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