potential income

motort31

Seasoned Expediter
Would anybody be willing to share potential income earning for a team who drives straight truck? I am a FedEx Ground contractor right now, and looking at getting into Custom Critical. I am concerned but at the same time excited about not having the dedicated route like I do with FedEx Ground, but worried about the income. Is the freight there to be picked up? What percentage does the o/o make off the load? Do you get more loads with a C or D unit?
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
With Ground?

Um... OK I venture to say stick with it but I know others will say otherwise. I know a few people doing the ground/freight gig and all I know is when CC trucks were not moving, they were and doing it consistently.

This freight is not the same thing, the potential for good revenue is there but the risk is higher.
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
We are a WG team with all the bells and whistles and are doing ok right now. Last year was different but turned out good for us. I don't have any idea what ground drivers make so I can't compare. I assume you drive a T/T rig now, that would give you more options in CC or I would say a DR unit otherwise.
 

motort31

Seasoned Expediter
Right now I have 2 FedEx Ground routes and each route brings in gross 1,800 weekly. will a D unit with CC make more money?
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
If that is gross for both together you should do better. Our income is not steady but we rarely have any weeks that gross that low. When we do it is because we took some time off.
 

motort31

Seasoned Expediter
to clarify, it is 1,800 per route so 2,600 gross weekly. How long on average do you sit and wait for runs?
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
We gross more than that most of the time. Keep in mind that we are a WG TVAL team with all qualifications. During the week we don't sit much at all. Sitting over this weekend. We are more often than not pre-dispatched for Mondays, not this week. Not the norm for us. I cannot tell you what surface does.
 

motort31

Seasoned Expediter
do you tend to stay on the east coast or go all over? What does it take to be qualified for WG TVAL? Do you get paid percentage of load or by the mile? Thank you for all the info.
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
We have been as far NW as Anchorage, AK. As far NE as St. Johns, NF. As far SE as Homestead FL and as far SW as San Diago, CA

I don't think that CC is taking on WG teams right now. TVAL requires a class and the truck that is qualified. We also have hazmat/radmat/explosives and art work qualifications. We have DOD security clearances as well. Having all those things really helps to keep us moving when others might not be.
 

Dakota

Veteran Expediter
Are you willing to stay out thwo to three weeks at a time? I know with ground you'd be home every night
I was a Fedex Home Delivery contractor and never made close to the money you said you gross, but I know ground has bigger trucks and more packages. Being home everynight was the tradeoff though as was being off Sunday and Monday.
I question why you would want to leave somewhere where you are making 2600 per week. I doubt most here are even close to that and after expenses for a straight truck which are darn near the same as a tractor trailer there is not much left over.
 

motort31

Seasoned Expediter
I am a pick up and delivery contractor. I drive a step van not a tractor trailer. I want to get out of FedEx Ground and do something different. My wife and I have been extremely interested in Custom Critical for some time now just worried the money won't be there.
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
Spend a few months reading these forums. Go back into the archives as well. Ask a zillion questions. Do you own a truck? If not, I would suggest that if you decide to come into CC that you start by driving for an owner.

What would you do with your ground routes?

How long can you stay out on the road?

There are many things to look at. Don't be in a hurry to jump. Take your time, relax and just study the forums.
 

Dakota

Veteran Expediter
Just realize the expenses for a straight truck ie cost of truck fuel, maintanence, insurance is higher, like I said nearly the same as a tractor trailer, mileage for a straight truck is from about 7 to 10 depending on the truck and driving style.
I do more local work with the company I am leased to, but know the truck expenses take a huge bite out of my settlement check each week.
 

Shadowpanda

Seasoned Expediter
Your gross you said was 2600...I think you meant 3600? (18x2=36) Also...does your wife have a CDL and are you gonna have to upgrade yours to drive a D unit? What's that gonna cost? Also...are you planning to dive right in and buy your own vehicle (very bad idea)? Or drive for an O/O till you learn the business (better idea but income limiting, plus perils of getting the shaft from a dishonest owner) And where do you live?
 

Dakota

Veteran Expediter
how much money do fed ex ground drivers make with a 14 ft trailer straight truck

I know the ground guy here in Fort Wayne makes good money, most of his route is too the local mall and Ground pays per stop and per piece. Lots of work though, all hand unload!!!
 
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