Redundant questions of an expediter

[Twiggy]

Yes, I believe having an understanding with my partner will be the deciding factor of how business is handled.

 

[Twiggy]

I have to ask, why so many disgruntled Panther contractors? Maybe just over emotional people perhaps.

 

[xiggi]

Because panther has alot of drivers. The unhappy ones are usually the loudest ones.

 

[Twiggy]

Ahhh, whiners. I'm familiar with the big baby syndrome.

 

[davekc]

We do well with them but you do have to know their system.

 

[Turtle]

Panther treats everyone as if they're newbie idiots. Which is great if you're a newbie idiot. But because of that they have what appears to be (and most are) stupid rules and policies (mostly put in place in a knee-jerk reaction to a single, rare incident, that they don't want ever happening again, rare as it might be). As a result, and in order to more quickly learn the system, you must embrace the stupidity. Become one with the stupidity. Only then can you defeat the stupidity.

 

[Twiggy]

Twic worth it? And I'm not sure the terminology but I'll say " government clearance".

 

[Twiggy]

Lol, that's very good to know.

 

[davekc]

Turtle has it correct. As long as you understand and embrace the stupidity, it can be a profitable venture. Make no mistake, by embracing the foolishness, a straight there can gross well over 200k a year. But again, you have to understand the madness.

 

[Turtle]

Precisely. Once you embrace the stupidity, one you understand it, how it all works, you can use it to your advantage.

 

[Twiggy]

I suppose there may be quite a few " characters" that's u show up for orientation as well.

 

[Turtle]

Many of them are very likely to look exactly like your avatar. Some of the men can look pretty rough, too.

 

[paullud]

My number to reach would be 30k after expenses. If I could hit this number then ide consider that a success for my first year in expedite.

I think you should be able to make $30k a year as long as you are a relatively fast learner. You mentioned that you have had a CDL for awhile but are new to expedite. What part of the driving industry were you in?

 

[Twiggy]

Vegetation management utility line clearance. Basically running a 75 foot boom truck clearing power lines for 11 years.

 

[Turtle]

Vegetation Management. I don't think I've eve heard that term before. I would have bet money it had to do with mental institutions.

Bad Turtle, bad.

 

[paullud]

Yes, I've already calculated that deducting 36% will be a very safe number to put away for tax time.
I'm very interested in what deductions I can maximize. If anyone has any info or a website that gives accurate deduction info, I would appreciate that.

You do want to save money for taxes because Uncle Sam doesn't mess around when it's time to pay the tab but 36% is pretty excessive. I live in tax happy NY, wife but no kids and I don't pay anywhere close to that combined with state and federal. The per diem will really limit your tax liability.

 

[Twiggy]

I have a couple kids myself. You wouldn't believe how expensive a family can be. I always say " becoming a father is the best but the hardest thing you'll ever do".

 

[Twiggy]

On the 36% though, I always put just a bit extra away just in case.

 

[paullud]

If you are claiming kids on your taxes you really won't be paying much at all. I would check in with an accountant that is familiar with doing taxes for truck drivers to get a better percentage because having every dollar available in the beginning will be important.

 

[Twiggy]

I'll be leaving with about 1k to cover my first month. If I don't get profits by the fourth week then I'm out of luck I suppose.
On the other hand, my childcare will be cut in half come late August so if I'm still running by then, then I'm going to be in a much better position.