One less van to compete

jrcase · Mar 27, 2012

As of yesterday, I am out of the expedite business. My freight volume didn't justify my expenses and trouble. I wish you all well and hope business gets better.

You all be careful out there!

scottm4211 · Mar 27, 2012

Good luck dude.

layoutshooter · Mar 27, 2012

Sorry to hear things did not work out. Good luck in what ever you try next.

chefdennis · Mar 27, 2012

Sorry to seeya go...who was your carrier??

paullud · Mar 27, 2012

If you can drive a TT I know of a very good job as an independent contractor driving someone else's truck. I have been making around $1,300-1,400 a week this year and I pay for nothing. We are just getting into the busier time of year and my pay this week is a little over $2k. If you can drive a TT and are interested shoot me a PM, if not best of luck to you in your next endeavor.

Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums

ATeam · Mar 27, 2012

jrcase said:
As of yesterday, I am out of the expedite business. My freight volume didn't justify my expenses and trouble. I wish you all well and hope business gets better.

You all be careful out there!

I took a look at your first post in the Open Forum dating back to 2007 when you first decided to get into the business. Also of interest was the optimistic post you put up after attending an EO workshop in Knoxville.

To most any member of the Open Forum, you would have appeared to be doing it right. You were researching the forums. You attended a workshop. You got your questions answered by seasoned expediters and jumped in.

Fast forward five years to today and we see your post that announces your departure from the business. The Great Recession happened in that time frame. I'm wondering if you can fill in the rest?

I'm asking on behalf of today's expediter wannabees who have attended recent workshops and may soon attend the Expedite Expo. Despite the cautions given about running your business like a business, doing your research, being prepared for setbacks, etc., those events are optimistic by nature.

Thinking back on your experience, what do you have to say to today's wannabees who are excited about the expedite opportunity? Is there anything you would have liked to have heard five years ago that you did not hear then? What should today's wannabees be careful about? What should they know and do before jumping in?

davekc · Mar 27, 2012

I think he was at Prestige? Not sure about whether that is the carrier he is departing from. Either way, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

seekerman · Mar 27, 2012

JR - I've sent you a PM

Lawrence · Mar 27, 2012

ATeam said:
I took a look at your first post in the Open Forum dating back to 2007 when you first decided to get into the business. Also of interest was the optimistic post you put up after attending an EO workshop in Knoxville.

To most any member of the Open Forum, you would have appeared to be doing it right. You were researching the forums. You attended a workshop. You got your questions answered by seasoned expediters and jumped in.

Fast forward five years to today and we see your post that announces your departure from the business. The Great Recession happened in that time frame. I'm wondering if you can fill in the rest?

I'm asking on behalf of today's expediter wannabees who have attended recent workshops and may soon attend the Expedite Expo. Despite the cautions given about running your business like a business, doing your research, being prepared for setbacks, etc., those events are optimistic by nature.

Thinking back on your experience, what do you have to say to today's wannabees who are excited about the expedite opportunity? Is there anything you would have liked to have heard five years ago that you did not hear then? What should today's wannabees be careful about? What should they know and do before jumping in?

Great questions here Phil, I'd like to hear from the OP.

jrcase · Mar 28, 2012

paullud said:
If you can drive a TT I know of a very good job as an independent contractor driving someone else's truck. I have been making around $1,300-1,400 a week this year and I pay for nothing. We are just getting into the busier time of year and my pay this week is a little over $2k. If you can drive a TT and are interested shoot me a PM, if not best of luck to you in your next endeavor.

Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums

Thanks Paul. I appreciate the information but I am going to slow down some and try semi retirement. Thanks again.

jrcase · Mar 28, 2012

ATeam said:
I took a look at your first post in the Open Forum dating back to 2007 when you first decided to get into the business. Also of interest was the optimistic post you put up after attending an EO workshop in Knoxville.

To most any member of the Open Forum, you would have appeared to be doing it right. You were researching the forums. You attended a workshop. You got your questions answered by seasoned expediters and jumped in.

Fast forward five years to today and we see your post that announces your departure from the business. The Great Recession happened in that time frame. I'm wondering if you can fill in the rest?

I'm asking on behalf of today's expediter wannabees who have attended recent workshops and may soon attend the Expedite Expo. Despite the cautions given about running your business like a business, doing your research, being prepared for setbacks, etc., those events are optimistic by nature.

Thinking back on your experience, what do you have to say to today's wannabees who are excited about the expedite opportunity? Is there anything you would have liked to have heard five years ago that you did not hear then? What should today's wannabees be careful about? What should they know and do before jumping in?

Yes, I think I started this adventure the right way. I did the research, asked questions and even visited a few Pilots/Love's and truck stops and asked real expeditors questions. As usual, the expeditors were all very helpful and offered advise that I used. The expedite business folk are some of the most helpful people in the world. I never did meet an expeditor that refused to answer questions or offer a helping hand. It is almost like extended family and reminds me of military camaraderie. I think the expedite business is a fine career path for any newbie that knows what they are getting in to.

I am leaving for more than one reason.

Foremost, the money made is not worth it anymore (to me at this point in my life). The expenses of fuel, the truck maintenance, insurance, ect... eat a lot of the gross amount made. I figured my time to income ratio and it was close to minimum wage. Also, the depreciation on my van was starting to add up. I sold it while I could get a fair amount for it. It was a 2010 model and at two years old, I figured I needed to sell it before it aged anymore knowing I was going to get out soon anyway.

Secondly, my 'style' of expedite has changed. I no longer stayed out but choose to drive home more often. Yes, that directly effected the money earned but I choose to do that as I knew I was slowing down with the goal of stepping down soon. Also, as morbid as this may sound, I looked around while driving and saw all the accidents (many ending in death I'm sure) and figured my chances of being in an accident were greatly increased by driving at night. One distraction or one reach for a cell phone by another driver can change your whole future.

Finally, there was a touch of guilt in my taking jobs from others. I am blessed to own several rentals that provide an income stream sufficient enough to pay my bills and I didn't feel good sometimes taking a run that while it would give me more coin in my pocket, it would also take that same money away from a guy that may need it to pay his truck payment.

I plan on doing some part time work locally. I would go stir crazy sitting all day.

To any wannabee's that want to give this a try, I say be careful and make sure you research, ask questions, knock on a few doors, read this forum and have a good emergency fund if you are counting on this career field to be your primary money maker.

Good luck and God Bless.