secret slow times weapon?

[kg]

A reaccuring theme of posts has to do with issues like deading, time sitting empty, load acceptance, in service availability and time at home.
all these issues are an integral part of the expediting life and each o/o has his or her own standards.A recent post referencing expediting as a hobby almost pinpoints a little mentioned fact.It would be my guess that the majority of expediters, in particular vans, work at it to augment another income, be it retirement from military, long term jobs, or business holdings.
A look at the median age of those expediting would be the first clue to the demographics of this business.
Unfortunately when those who attempt to enter expediting with young families or monthly bills not paid by other incomes SOON discover this little secret.
THIS IS NOT TO SAY that there is anything wrong with retired expediting or with those who expedite as a sole source of income.

It just might help explain the methods used by varios expediters and their individual tolerance to slow times or inflated expenses.

JUST ANOTHER OPINION.

 

[Glen Rice]

Good observation! Many operators do in fact look at this job as something to do in there spare time. I hope this does'nt change your mind as far as getting into business. With hard work and dedication you can make a living here. I know of many operators this year who grossed 200,000.00 or more with "C" and "D" units. Good luck in making your decision. Only you know what you truly need to survive.

 

[DannyD]

>Unfortunately when those who attempt to enter expediting
>with young families or monthly bills not paid by other
>incomes SOON discover this little secret.

Wow!! That is such a terrific point. When I started out things were going so well I was going to get my friend to sign on w/ my company. He's not making quite enough at his job to support his family, but he's close. I was pumping expediting up, since I was doing well in Dec/Jan, the proverbial "slow season".

After going over the numbers a bit more, we came to the conclusion that expediting is NOT for him. He has a wife & 1 year old child to support, not to mention child support from a previous wife. The fact that his job pays his insurance ($900/month) means he'd be working at least his first week every month to pay for that. Not to mention he'd have to get a van, insurance, gas, etc. He makes $12.50/hour & gets the insurance. For him that's a better deal than expediting. He decided to get a 2nd job to make up what he needs rather than come over to this.

As for me, I can do this job because I don't need a whole lot to live. Still, I have to make a little something, as I alluded to in another post. Hence a 2nd job. I do it in part because I love to drive & I like that there's really no boss over your shoulder.

I do like this job. If I was to ever hit the lottery or get an inheritance from the proverbial "rich uncle" this is the job I'd do to keep me occupied. I don't think I could support a family on it though. Not if I had a house, 2 cars, a couple of kids, etc.

Great point ya brought up,
Danny

 

[TEXAS HOKIE]

Yes you can make money with this line of work, if the work fits your specific priorities in life. You first have to realize what your priorites are, your wifes priorites are, and if you have kids at home.
If you have kids at home, then this work is very disrupting for the kids and your wife. We all know that if the kids are unhappy, so will be their mother and therefore your ability to stay focused on your job will be strained. After a while, you'll be deadheading home further and more often to avoid the next home battle. Being home more often doesn't always equal a negative. A few of my friends in the business live near hot freight areas, and always get a good load out.
For many of us who are not as lucky, we have to depend on being on the road for 4 - 6 weeks at a time. I've had only one load going my way home for when I(my wife) wanted me home in over a year. I make up for it by stopping by the house on a pass by load, or by taking an unscheduled home break for a day when a load does take me near home.
It has been my experience that those who have to be home every weekend are the ones who complain the most. They complain about not making any money, never get the good loads, that their dispatch is always out to get them, and so on and so on.
Good luck and figure what your and everyone in your family priorites are, then you will be able to determine if you can make a living at it.

TEXAS HOKIE