New to expediting

unorthodoxneon · Feb 27, 2006

I figured i would post this here as it seems fit. So first i would like to introduce myself. I'm 20 years old and from Saint Clair Shores, MI (just north of Detroit). I'm looking into going into the world or expediting and have been lurking around the forums for awhile now gathering up info and the ins and outs of trucking. Currently i'm set on being an O/O of a straight truck being a solo driver (with fiance riding along) and would like to work under Panther II. We're looking for a used truck with a sleeper that has "the works" :+ as we plan on practically living in the truck for a majority of the time, working as much as we can. If anyone has any advice or maybe even someone local that I could chat with would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy

RichM · Feb 27, 2006

Randy welcome to EO, Unfortunately you will have a problem with your age. Most of the larger companies such as Panther require a driver to be a minimum of 21 years old.
Also do you have a Class B CDL with a Haz/mat endorsement. One thing to consider which is one of the few things everybody agrees with is to try out the expediting lifestyle by driving for a fleet owner before you make a investment and commitment to a expensive truck. Your fiancee may find out that taking showers at truck stops is not to her liking. But it can be a very decent lifestyle for a young couple which could also enable you to put some dollars away for the future. Best if she also drives with the credentials needed as then you can do longer trips that require two drivers. Good Luck

unorthodoxneon · Feb 27, 2006

Currently me working on getting my CDL hopfully in the next couple months. Me turning 21 in July so thats why me starting to look ahead of time and prepare. I would like to get her to drive team in the future but for now will probably be just me. I have thought about running for a fleet owner so that is on the burner.

blacktiger · Feb 28, 2006

Go to truck show in March in Louisville. Lots of stuff to get you started.

bryan · Feb 28, 2006

HI
This is just my opinion.Don't buy the biggest and nicest truck to start out in.Big bunks and all the toys don't pay the bills they only create them.You can be looking at half the cost by just buying a well maintained basic sleeper used truck.Then as time goes on and you build up some capital up grade.Also if you have never done this before it's hard to decide what you actually need and what is just show off stuff.Most of the fancy trucks are owned by people who have been in the industry for several years and have worked their way up.They used their experieces to decide what they really needed.

The reason why there are so many choices is because no one truck will fit everybodies needs.The same with cariers.One size doesn't fix all in this industry.You sink alot of money into the wrong truck and it will affect your life for years to come.Once your in it's not all that easy to get out.

Also after awhile no matter how nice the truck is it just becomes a truck.So you have to have a goal to work towards just to keep going.Kind of like dangleing a carrot in front of your own nose.

tom tinker · Feb 28, 2006

Tom Tinker Retired or retarded.

Hi Ortho etc. I have been following the forums, surprised by your approch every thing says drive for some one else first. Learn the ropes
on some one else that can also guide you.
I'm old enogh to be your grand father. I have no bills at all, from what I'v learned from these nice folks I won't jump in head first I choose to get my feet wet first with some one else. I'v had experence driving from 70's to 2000's.

Last note keep a good credit rating goes a long way, GOOD LUCK.

Sincerely tom Tinker

;-)

X1_SRH · Feb 28, 2006

Tom - that avatar image is great!! (I'm still laughing).

RichM · Feb 28, 2006

Randy, something else to consider,this is kind of sensitive but if you are using any type of recreational drug other then alcohol now is the time to STOP. You will be tested before you get approved to drive,certain drugs stay in your system a long time and show up on a drug screen. Also make sure your license is clean and you have no felonies on your record as these things do get checked and could cause you to get dis-qualified from driving a commercial vehicle.

unorthodoxneon · Feb 28, 2006

Thanks for all your replys. I was thinking about going with a fleet to get my feet wet and looking and then looking at getting a used truck at first ofcourse. I have basic autoskills and will be taking a diesel class next semester which i'm sure should come in handy in this field.

And Rich, its not a touchy subject for me. I have never taken any drugs beside meds if i'm sick and hardly drink (one or two at a party tops) I'n my 4 years of driving a car i have a perfectly clean sheet (knock on wood)

Keep the help comming i appreciate it all.

Is there any books or magazines that i could maybe get my hands on to read more about the world of expediting.

RichM · Feb 28, 2006

What would be very useful is to come to louisville KY for the MATTS show in March. Plan on 2 days there and you will find a lot of useful information.Make sure you come to the West wing where all of the Expediting Companies plus EO willbe featured.

ATeam · Mar 1, 2006

Randy,

Whether your fiancee intends to drive the truck or not, it would be wise for her to get her CDL and at least get to the point where she can move the truck around. If you fall ill and need to see a doctor, she can drive you to one. If it is serious and an ambulance hauls you away, she can move the truck to a place where you will not have to worry about it. If you are in a truck stop shower and a truck parked near yours starts on fire, she can move your truck safely away. If in your family, an emergency arises at home, you can quickly fly there and she could catch up with the truck.

There are dozens of possibilities. The point is simply that her having her CDL gives you options out there that you otherwise would not have.

Good luck to you both. I hope you find expediting to be to your and her liking. Some of the happiest and most in-love people you will ever meet can be found criss-crossing the country in trucks.

tom tinker · Mar 1, 2006

Tom Tinker Retired or retarded.

Good Morn isn't there some tax advantage an log perks also I talked w/couple got good miles she seldom drove. I think self emplyment has advantages in the taxes going back in archives to investagate.

jaminjim · Mar 1, 2006

It will be a chance to get to know all the good and bad before you ever get married also, if you can make there you can make it anywhere. Just a hint thou, it is very hard to blame someone else for a one cheek sneak.

unorthodoxneon · Mar 3, 2006

I'm pretty sure i have her wanting to get a CDL also, we just really dont have the money to put us both in school right now.

Hopfuly i will see some of your guys in Louisville, KY as i plan on attending depending how the money flow goes.

Thanks for all your help. Keep it rolling in to help me roll out...

Randy

Edit: I would like to also add, what is the usual requirements to drive a van. Just a regular licence? Can you be under 21? Think getting into that first then moving to a straight truck later would be a good idea? Me and my GF just moved into an apartment for a year contract so she will probably be living at home while i'm on the road. Again thanks for your help.