hiwaymirage
Active Expediter
So I'll try to keep this brief. I've been working in fields mostly unrelated to driving my whole life (I'm 26). Recently I decided to quit my job (I have a couple weeks left) and go on a long road trip around certain parts of the country. Just to get out on the open road, see things, etc. I plan on sleeping out of my car showering at truck stops, etc. I'm getting sick of my current job and want something better.
Just a few days ago it hit me that some sort of career/business/job in transportation would be great for me. I'll come to a decision for sure once I get back from my road trip, just in case I hate it or something (though I very much doubt I will). I understand the implications and risks of going into expedited driving and being self-employed, etc. But everything about it--working independently, working for myself and being my own boss, traveling across the country--sounds appealing to me. For various reasons, I'd rather not do a large rig, but a cargo van. At least for now.
If I got into it I would probably use my parents house for my "home", and stay out for quite a while at a time. Without having to pay rent and expenses like that, I'm thinking I could save up money over time to afford my own van. I understand that leasing out someone else's van means there's a 60/40 split or something like that. But with no mortgage, rent, children, or any other expenses, I'd basically be going into a business with very little overhead.
Of course, the main issue is, is it even possible to do this without any experience? I first stumbled upon alltypesexpediting.com, and got all excited because the sites talked about not necessarily needing experience to start off with cargo vans. Then I find out that All Types Expediting is basically a scam, and so who knows now with that expedite jobs online site. It seems like all of the listings I've seen so far that were legitimate (like Panther), all say the same thing: "Experience Required."
My question to you guys is, how did you get the experience back when you didn't have any? How did you break into the field? I'll be looking at craigslist for simple local delivery jobs that use cargo vans I suppose. It just seems a little goofy to get "experience" driving a cargo van, when driving a van isn't very difficult.
I technically have experience driving vehicles for work, but I'm sure it wouldn't count for anything on an application. For a while I worked as a caterer/delivery driver around my metro area. So I spent a lot of time driving interstates (there are 3 of them that go through my metro and that's what I mostly used), using my GPS to ensure I get there on time, etc. I used my own vehicle and not a company van though, darn it. Also, with one of the catering jobs I was an independent contractor, so I guess I already have some experience with that.
So going back to my question, how should I go about doing it? I'm already fairly confident in my driving abilities, navigational abilities, drive and ambition, etc. Should I go ahead and send out application anyways, just in case there are people out there willing to hire someone with no experience? Or should I just face the facts and get a few years experience with a local "van job?" Or something else?
I have no CDL, and I understand that it isn't needed for driving cargo vans. If it would help, I could get it. I'd ask what I would need to do in order to get the CDL, but I can do that research on my own.
As far as money goes, I have around $5000 in cash saved up. I'm guessing that would be enough to be comfortable starting up. I know I could probably find a van out there for $4000, but I understand how it would be risky going into it with my bank account blown out.
So anyways, any help would be appreciated.
Just a few days ago it hit me that some sort of career/business/job in transportation would be great for me. I'll come to a decision for sure once I get back from my road trip, just in case I hate it or something (though I very much doubt I will). I understand the implications and risks of going into expedited driving and being self-employed, etc. But everything about it--working independently, working for myself and being my own boss, traveling across the country--sounds appealing to me. For various reasons, I'd rather not do a large rig, but a cargo van. At least for now.
If I got into it I would probably use my parents house for my "home", and stay out for quite a while at a time. Without having to pay rent and expenses like that, I'm thinking I could save up money over time to afford my own van. I understand that leasing out someone else's van means there's a 60/40 split or something like that. But with no mortgage, rent, children, or any other expenses, I'd basically be going into a business with very little overhead.
Of course, the main issue is, is it even possible to do this without any experience? I first stumbled upon alltypesexpediting.com, and got all excited because the sites talked about not necessarily needing experience to start off with cargo vans. Then I find out that All Types Expediting is basically a scam, and so who knows now with that expedite jobs online site. It seems like all of the listings I've seen so far that were legitimate (like Panther), all say the same thing: "Experience Required."
My question to you guys is, how did you get the experience back when you didn't have any? How did you break into the field? I'll be looking at craigslist for simple local delivery jobs that use cargo vans I suppose. It just seems a little goofy to get "experience" driving a cargo van, when driving a van isn't very difficult.
I technically have experience driving vehicles for work, but I'm sure it wouldn't count for anything on an application. For a while I worked as a caterer/delivery driver around my metro area. So I spent a lot of time driving interstates (there are 3 of them that go through my metro and that's what I mostly used), using my GPS to ensure I get there on time, etc. I used my own vehicle and not a company van though, darn it. Also, with one of the catering jobs I was an independent contractor, so I guess I already have some experience with that.
So going back to my question, how should I go about doing it? I'm already fairly confident in my driving abilities, navigational abilities, drive and ambition, etc. Should I go ahead and send out application anyways, just in case there are people out there willing to hire someone with no experience? Or should I just face the facts and get a few years experience with a local "van job?" Or something else?
I have no CDL, and I understand that it isn't needed for driving cargo vans. If it would help, I could get it. I'd ask what I would need to do in order to get the CDL, but I can do that research on my own.
As far as money goes, I have around $5000 in cash saved up. I'm guessing that would be enough to be comfortable starting up. I know I could probably find a van out there for $4000, but I understand how it would be risky going into it with my bank account blown out.
So anyways, any help would be appreciated.
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