HrHitter33
Active Expediter
Another in one of my many questions, but what about operating with your own authority? Cargo vans, straight trucks or Dry Vans? Which is better any good source of info? Best regions? Best Load boards? Thanks in advance
Operating with own authority
- Thread starter HrHitter33
- Start date
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
when I had my own authority(many years ago),it just wasnt as profitable as I thought it would be,of course I was driving a tractor trailer.Unless I was able to get my own customer,and not go thru a middle man(broker)after my Insurance payments and rest of the operating authority costs,and havein the dot dropping in now and then,It was better for me to just lease to a company that offered a good pay schedule,which at that time was Roberts Express.I leased to them in 1984 and the rest is history.I made a great living at Fed Ex custom Critical,and until my resemt truck troubles,good living at Tri State Expedite.I'm now going to try something else,if my predictions are right,Ill have my brokedown truck back on the road ina few months
jimlookup
Seasoned Expediter
I can only speak for a straight truck. I think I make more than the average leased O/O but there are always exceptions. I have more freedom to choose loads, but I spend a hell of a lot of time (and loosing sleep) looking for loads. I am my own boss but life is easier as a leased on O/O. Either way, plan on spending at least 3 weeks of every month away from home. If you don't make yourself available you won't last long.
Rather than thinking in terms of load boards, I would think about signing contracts with individual carriers and brokers. Some are cheap, some are fair, none are great. There are some good load boards for expediting but they are expensive and probably won't get you much action until you are "established". Finding your own customers could be good, but can you broker the load to someone else if your a thousnad miles away when they want you?
If you don't have experience, starting with your own authority can be a expensive learning process. I would really suggest you start by leasing your truck and yourself to someone.
Rather than thinking in terms of load boards, I would think about signing contracts with individual carriers and brokers. Some are cheap, some are fair, none are great. There are some good load boards for expediting but they are expensive and probably won't get you much action until you are "established". Finding your own customers could be good, but can you broker the load to someone else if your a thousnad miles away when they want you?
If you don't have experience, starting with your own authority can be a expensive learning process. I would really suggest you start by leasing your truck and yourself to someone.
HrHitter33
Active Expediter
Thanks, I have two years expediting experience, in a cargo van, for Panther. And a year as a company driver in Tractor Trailer. But unlike most truckers, I know that I don't know everything..lol. Thanks for the input.
HrHitter33
Active Expediter
also..what's good software to billing and any websites or books to use? How long does it take to get paid? I have lots of questions. Thanks
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
at least 21 days,thats if they pay,you can do factoring,but thats another charge
you plan on doing this in tractor or van
you plan on doing this in tractor or van