Well, I have made a Big Mistake signing on with Express-1 out of Buchanan, Michigan! I have now been with them for a month and have only had two loads. Get this, I am out of the Chicagoland area, supposively a high freight zone area. I know that from Dec-March can expect too be slow, and I planned on that, but now I am beginning to wonder, What have I got myself into! The first run I had, I had to deadhead to Buchanan, Michigan for a load, taking it to Cleveland, Ohio. Another hot area, I thought I would get out of here with a load. Waited 2 days here, and still nothing. Dispatch told me I should head to Toledo, OH and they would be able to load me, still nothing. Dispatch told me to head to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they could load me, still nothing! Ended up going back up to South Bend, Indiana where they couldn't find anything for me and then deadheaded back to Chicago for the Holidays. I gave them the benefit of the doubt since it was the Holiday Season, and thought things would improve after New Years; unfortunately it hasn't! Since then, I have received only one load which I had to deadhead to Lafeyette, Indiana which went to Waterloo, Iowa. Waited all day for another load, then deadheaded to Iowa City, Ia, Moline, Illinois. Still nothing, went back to Chicago. Everyone in my orientation exchanged phone numbers so we could help each other. Another Sprinter driver, like myself, has already had to take back his Dodge Sprinter to where he bought it from. And another guy, who has been in the industry for awhile, didn't put up with the (edited) and is no longer there, after waiting 5 days in Chicago without getting loaded! The only one who is getting work in a van/sprinter from our orientation happens to be driving for an owner/operator, who already works for the company. How Convenient, Right? Can anyone tell me who I should go with, who can keep me busy with loads out of the Chicagoland area? I like the sounds of FedEXCC, but I do not believe they are hiring any Sprinters now. Also, thinking of PantherII. Or if anyone knows of any local Chicagoland companies, where I could stay busy doing local work? I am desperate to get my Sprinter making money for me or I will drown shortly! Help!!
Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Rice, T
- Thread starter gypsy1
- Start date
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
First off tone the language down! Your post will probably be pulled for that. Second, I have not heard anything about your company that sounds like what you have experienced. Could it be you need to talk to your contractor coordinator and get to the bottom of the problem. The holidays are a slow time and normally you would be enjoying a little time off as most everyone has been busy up to the holiday. Slow down and if possible don't panic. Are you prepared for a slow month financially? You should be. I hope you can hold out and make it. Jumping companies is not usually the solution to your situation. Talk to your company, please.
First off tone the language down! Your post will probably be pulled for that. Second, I have not heard anything about your company that sounds like what you have experienced. Could it be you need to talk to your contractor coordinator and get to the bottom of the problem. The holidays are a slow time and normally you would be enjoying a little time off as most everyone has been busy up to the holiday. Slow down and if possible don't panic. Are you prepared for a slow month financially? You should be. I hope you can hold out and make it. Jumping companies is not usually the solution to your situation. Talk to your company, please.
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
I don't believe your message needs to be tone down.
I thought you expressed your problem well.
Step 1 Look in your contract to see if you can haul for other companies,or if you can trip lease.
Step 2 I would contact your coordinator and explain the problem,at the same time look in the Chicago yellow pages and speak to courier companies. Listen to what they have available and when speaking to them see if they have a need for a van that can haul pallets,bring it about in a way that they could increase their business with customers that only use them for small packages. [hint smaller companies and growing companies are inclined to listen to your proposal]. This way you are laying the ground work in case things continue to not work out for you at your present carrier. [hint have an idea of what you want to charge per mile because they may not have an idea of what to charge on long distant freight my opinion is 1.20 per mile because you will need to dead head back 99% of the time]. This will not make you rich but it will give you time to figure out what you want to do. The courier company may have dedicated runs that the may offer you. the money probally will not be great, but it may help you start to have some cash flow.
Step 3 You need to become a salesperson for yourself know your strengths. remember people will judge you on appearance before you even speak.
Step 4 Try to always have a number of things you are working on with as many different people or companies so you are not tied to the failers you will always have alternatives
I hope this helps.
I don't believe your message needs to be tone down.
I thought you expressed your problem well.
Step 1 Look in your contract to see if you can haul for other companies,or if you can trip lease.
Step 2 I would contact your coordinator and explain the problem,at the same time look in the Chicago yellow pages and speak to courier companies. Listen to what they have available and when speaking to them see if they have a need for a van that can haul pallets,bring it about in a way that they could increase their business with customers that only use them for small packages. [hint smaller companies and growing companies are inclined to listen to your proposal]. This way you are laying the ground work in case things continue to not work out for you at your present carrier. [hint have an idea of what you want to charge per mile because they may not have an idea of what to charge on long distant freight my opinion is 1.20 per mile because you will need to dead head back 99% of the time]. This will not make you rich but it will give you time to figure out what you want to do. The courier company may have dedicated runs that the may offer you. the money probally will not be great, but it may help you start to have some cash flow.
Step 3 You need to become a salesperson for yourself know your strengths. remember people will judge you on appearance before you even speak.
Step 4 Try to always have a number of things you are working on with as many different people or companies so you are not tied to the failers you will always have alternatives
I hope this helps.
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
Dave P. I like that take action advice. A body can tread water only so long. And others there are not doing well, huh? I think I'd be calling everybody. Help, somebody put me to work!!(chuckle)
A lot of folks out there are always saying, " Go drive for someone else!" How can you just take a walk if you've signed a contract? Do all of these co. have a walk out clause if you'r not making a living?
Dave P. I like that take action advice. A body can tread water only so long. And others there are not doing well, huh? I think I'd be calling everybody. Help, somebody put me to work!!(chuckle)
A lot of folks out there are always saying, " Go drive for someone else!" How can you just take a walk if you've signed a contract? Do all of these co. have a walk out clause if you'r not making a living?
KeepRollin
Expert Expediter
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
I have been with Express-1 for a short time and they keep my truck moving with very little deadhead. I ran over 2200 mile last week alone. For it being a bad time of the year my truck has been moving. Guess my truck has been in the right place at the right time?
I have been with Express-1 for a short time and they keep my truck moving with very little deadhead. I ran over 2200 mile last week alone. For it being a bad time of the year my truck has been moving. Guess my truck has been in the right place at the right time?
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
i would say that keepin your options open is always a good thing no matter were u r or what buisness your in. i would however listen to some of the more expeirenced drivers out there this is a very lean time of the year i work for the same company as u do i have been off since the day before christmas and will probally be off till the end of next week before i get my new truck into buc. for decals and qaum.i have only been with them since oct 25 but i have ran pretty steady since then . dont get me wrong there was some lean weeks in there but i did alright i was working for another o/o and did fairly well. he has decided to move his truck to another company that can supposedly keep him and his new co-driver moving a little better as a team. but remember the old saying the grass is not always greener on the other side.remember in orientation the say give it at least ninty days it takes that long for u to get comfy with them and them to get comfy with u. dont be affraid to talk to some of the other drivers that have been there for a while they will be better able to tell u how things are really goin there in buc. there are alot of drivers that work for this company that have not been there very long, me included but i have no fear about signing my truck on with them at this point and giving it some time to see how things pan out. i would give u some other advice but not in this forum. if u would like u can leave me a note in my mail service through this forum and i would gladdly talk to outside of this forum.not trying to sound like a salesman for them but sound like u have some of the same concerns i had at first.
i would say that keepin your options open is always a good thing no matter were u r or what buisness your in. i would however listen to some of the more expeirenced drivers out there this is a very lean time of the year i work for the same company as u do i have been off since the day before christmas and will probally be off till the end of next week before i get my new truck into buc. for decals and qaum.i have only been with them since oct 25 but i have ran pretty steady since then . dont get me wrong there was some lean weeks in there but i did alright i was working for another o/o and did fairly well. he has decided to move his truck to another company that can supposedly keep him and his new co-driver moving a little better as a team. but remember the old saying the grass is not always greener on the other side.remember in orientation the say give it at least ninty days it takes that long for u to get comfy with them and them to get comfy with u. dont be affraid to talk to some of the other drivers that have been there for a while they will be better able to tell u how things are really goin there in buc. there are alot of drivers that work for this company that have not been there very long, me included but i have no fear about signing my truck on with them at this point and giving it some time to see how things pan out. i would give u some other advice but not in this forum. if u would like u can leave me a note in my mail service through this forum and i would gladdly talk to outside of this forum.not trying to sound like a salesman for them but sound like u have some of the same concerns i had at first.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
For one thing, he is running a sprinter, not a truck like the last two posters. I've known for awhile that they were sprinter-heavy. Even with trucks I've heard things are lean. BTW, I am the o/o mhoy40 ran for with Express-1. I can say this to him, he'll make it with one truck and no drivers other than himself. If I did that, I may still be running for them. However, a good driver making 35% doesn't mean he knows what the other 65% is doing. There were weeks that it seemed that I worked for him, because of all the expenses. Companies tell you 90 days so that they have you for that 90 days.
I don't know what to tell you about sprinters, other than if they don't load you but twice in one month, something is absolutely wrong. I would check with Larry in dispatch, and your recruiter. Personally, I think the Segmentz merger isn't as spectacular as everyone projected.
One other thing. I'm not one to suggest jumping from company to company, but as far as the grass being greener... it's better to move to other grass before your cow starves.
For one thing, he is running a sprinter, not a truck like the last two posters. I've known for awhile that they were sprinter-heavy. Even with trucks I've heard things are lean. BTW, I am the o/o mhoy40 ran for with Express-1. I can say this to him, he'll make it with one truck and no drivers other than himself. If I did that, I may still be running for them. However, a good driver making 35% doesn't mean he knows what the other 65% is doing. There were weeks that it seemed that I worked for him, because of all the expenses. Companies tell you 90 days so that they have you for that 90 days.
I don't know what to tell you about sprinters, other than if they don't load you but twice in one month, something is absolutely wrong. I would check with Larry in dispatch, and your recruiter. Personally, I think the Segmentz merger isn't as spectacular as everyone projected.
One other thing. I'm not one to suggest jumping from company to company, but as far as the grass being greener... it's better to move to other grass before your cow starves.
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
I'm a newbie and and am having a few communication problems understanding my contract with my O/O but I can assure you that Panther 11 is a well oiled very efficient company. Their dispatchers and dispatch system are excellent. They will respond to your concerns and help you all you will let them. The Panther orientation is exceptional. There is no dog and pony show at Panther. I'm glad that I started with a fleet owner. A wise old cowboy told me awhile back in so many words that "Expediting is like dancing with a bear, you're not through until he is". Talk with a few Panther drivers who have been around awhile. Good luck!
I'm a newbie and and am having a few communication problems understanding my contract with my O/O but I can assure you that Panther 11 is a well oiled very efficient company. Their dispatchers and dispatch system are excellent. They will respond to your concerns and help you all you will let them. The Panther orientation is exceptional. There is no dog and pony show at Panther. I'm glad that I started with a fleet owner. A wise old cowboy told me awhile back in so many words that "Expediting is like dancing with a bear, you're not through until he is". Talk with a few Panther drivers who have been around awhile. Good luck!
raceman
Veteran Expediter
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
Let me start by saying I am sorry to hear of your situation. I am not in the Sprinter business. I have straight Trucks with E1 and I really have a lot of good to say about them as a company. I know that does not pay your bills so I will save it all for another time. Someone down the thread offered to talk to you off line. Take advantage of that more information always helps or at least cant hurt. I must tell you your experience sounds bad and I have heard others say some of the same types of things. With that in mind I can not discount what you are saying. Many people, very reputable people on here have said for months that the first quarter is slow. I have never seen that so I can not agree but if it is you are smack in the middle of it. You are not dealing with a bad company or bad people. I have many examples I can share with you that show they are top of the line. I suggest you contact Dwayne and talk to him about your issues. Listen to him and then decide if you can afford to follow his advice for a month. If you are in a bad situation with cash you have really started at a difficult time. If you are just frustrated and can live through this period that is another thing. Panic is a bad thing and it gets in the way of your ability to think clearly. I know all of this is close to useless but you need to calm down and talk to the right people and Dwayne is the first I would call. One thing you need to remember is that just because Chicago is a hot spot for some companies and Cleveland is a hot spot for some companies does not make them hot for E1. What is hot for E1 is not always hot for other companies as well.I simply do not know Sprinter freight but I know E1.Talk to the people that can help you and you really need to be careful so as not to further hurt yourself by attacking them in public.I know what it si like and that really puts the person or company in a defensive mode and they are then less likely to work with you. If you feel you want to move to greener grass do it but keep in mind it will cost you some more out of pocket and there is no sure answer. Work with them and see if they can help. That cost nothing. If you are still having problems after doing what they suggest, simply explain it is not working out and move then. Do not burn your bridges it will haunt you and hurt you. Be calm and work with them. I wish you the very best.
The Owner who once went by RACEMAN but due to the outcome of the Nextel Cup, am now just 6.
Let me start by saying I am sorry to hear of your situation. I am not in the Sprinter business. I have straight Trucks with E1 and I really have a lot of good to say about them as a company. I know that does not pay your bills so I will save it all for another time. Someone down the thread offered to talk to you off line. Take advantage of that more information always helps or at least cant hurt. I must tell you your experience sounds bad and I have heard others say some of the same types of things. With that in mind I can not discount what you are saying. Many people, very reputable people on here have said for months that the first quarter is slow. I have never seen that so I can not agree but if it is you are smack in the middle of it. You are not dealing with a bad company or bad people. I have many examples I can share with you that show they are top of the line. I suggest you contact Dwayne and talk to him about your issues. Listen to him and then decide if you can afford to follow his advice for a month. If you are in a bad situation with cash you have really started at a difficult time. If you are just frustrated and can live through this period that is another thing. Panic is a bad thing and it gets in the way of your ability to think clearly. I know all of this is close to useless but you need to calm down and talk to the right people and Dwayne is the first I would call. One thing you need to remember is that just because Chicago is a hot spot for some companies and Cleveland is a hot spot for some companies does not make them hot for E1. What is hot for E1 is not always hot for other companies as well.I simply do not know Sprinter freight but I know E1.Talk to the people that can help you and you really need to be careful so as not to further hurt yourself by attacking them in public.I know what it si like and that really puts the person or company in a defensive mode and they are then less likely to work with you. If you feel you want to move to greener grass do it but keep in mind it will cost you some more out of pocket and there is no sure answer. Work with them and see if they can help. That cost nothing. If you are still having problems after doing what they suggest, simply explain it is not working out and move then. Do not burn your bridges it will haunt you and hurt you. Be calm and work with them. I wish you the very best.
The Owner who once went by RACEMAN but due to the outcome of the Nextel Cup, am now just 6.
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
All of us have been around long enough to know that there are 2 sides to every story. My position within the company and my respect for contractor's confidentiality prevent me from fully presenting our side. I will say however, that things here are far from the way that the nay sayers would have you believe.
A person's experience, patience, and willingness to work go a long way. The first quarter is the slowest of the year, and contractors should be prepared for that. I've never told anyone any differently. I still stand by the average numbers that I quote on the phone - and will continue to do so because they are exactly that - an average. Bad business decisions and turning down loads will affect these numbers adversely. (It's not rocket science). We have systems in place to help you succeed here. I came on here as an owner operator with my own equipment - and I believe whole heartedly in these people and in this company. I represent this company on a daily basis and I am proud to do so. No company is perfect - and I'll never claim that we are. I do however claim to have a team of people with the knowledge and motivation to help you meet your goals as long as you are not being your own worst enemy.
The ratio between trucks and freight is a balance that we strive for constantly. This balancing act is accomplished through a number of ways - Sales, Recruiting, and evaluating our fleet's performance (sometimes even terminating someones contract due to performance or attitude issues). At the present time we are not bringing on vans, sprinters, or single tractors. We review the numbers regularly to maintain a policy of "smart" growth. This is a solid company that needs solid contractors. Contrary to popular belief, we don't just want anything with wheels on it. You need to be the right person with the right attitude. We turn down a lot more trucks than we actually add to our fleet. When you are asked to become part of our team it means something. It did when I came on here. and it still does today.
I don't twist anybody's arm to come on here. I state the facts and let the company represent itself. A few individual cases with extenuating circumstances are not an fair picture of what we've got going on here. Please feel free to read between the lines as needed, and I thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Scott Hancock
Express-1 Recruiter
All of us have been around long enough to know that there are 2 sides to every story. My position within the company and my respect for contractor's confidentiality prevent me from fully presenting our side. I will say however, that things here are far from the way that the nay sayers would have you believe.
A person's experience, patience, and willingness to work go a long way. The first quarter is the slowest of the year, and contractors should be prepared for that. I've never told anyone any differently. I still stand by the average numbers that I quote on the phone - and will continue to do so because they are exactly that - an average. Bad business decisions and turning down loads will affect these numbers adversely. (It's not rocket science). We have systems in place to help you succeed here. I came on here as an owner operator with my own equipment - and I believe whole heartedly in these people and in this company. I represent this company on a daily basis and I am proud to do so. No company is perfect - and I'll never claim that we are. I do however claim to have a team of people with the knowledge and motivation to help you meet your goals as long as you are not being your own worst enemy.
The ratio between trucks and freight is a balance that we strive for constantly. This balancing act is accomplished through a number of ways - Sales, Recruiting, and evaluating our fleet's performance (sometimes even terminating someones contract due to performance or attitude issues). At the present time we are not bringing on vans, sprinters, or single tractors. We review the numbers regularly to maintain a policy of "smart" growth. This is a solid company that needs solid contractors. Contrary to popular belief, we don't just want anything with wheels on it. You need to be the right person with the right attitude. We turn down a lot more trucks than we actually add to our fleet. When you are asked to become part of our team it means something. It did when I came on here. and it still does today.
I don't twist anybody's arm to come on here. I state the facts and let the company represent itself. A few individual cases with extenuating circumstances are not an fair picture of what we've got going on here. Please feel free to read between the lines as needed, and I thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Scott Hancock
Express-1 Recruiter
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
I don't see any nay-sayers on this thread. Just the guy at the top who's worried about making money. Everyone else said it can be made... just in different ways.
I don't see any nay-sayers on this thread. Just the guy at the top who's worried about making money. Everyone else said it can be made... just in different ways.
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
Hawk,(and everyone) the reason I made such a general statement is because of an individual being mad for a few moments, this post will be in the archives on this site for years. The statement that I made is for the clarification of history and not aimed directly at any one individual. Whenever somebody searches for E-1 in the archives this post will appear. I'm not wishing to delete it - just defend my position for the upcoming generations upon generations of expediters in the future. Sometimes people just need to vent - and all of us expediters are still just one big, happy, occasionally dysfunctional family. The folks that participate on this site communicate better and more often than a lot of "real" families do anyway.... go figure.
To All - Be Safe and have a great day!!! - Scott
Hawk,(and everyone) the reason I made such a general statement is because of an individual being mad for a few moments, this post will be in the archives on this site for years. The statement that I made is for the clarification of history and not aimed directly at any one individual. Whenever somebody searches for E-1 in the archives this post will appear. I'm not wishing to delete it - just defend my position for the upcoming generations upon generations of expediters in the future. Sometimes people just need to vent - and all of us expediters are still just one big, happy, occasionally dysfunctional family. The folks that participate on this site communicate better and more often than a lot of "real" families do anyway.... go figure.
To All - Be Safe and have a great day!!! - Scott
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
i would agree with raceman talk to dwayne he can help in these situations. the point i made about the grass greener on the other side was not directed at any one person or company it was meant more as a suggestion to stop and think about your decisions guess i should have phrased it better but it definatly sounded as if your decision making process may be clouded by anger. hawk is right i am not a sprinter driver i'm a s/t driver but when im on the road and i see another one of e-1's drivers wether a s/t,van,t/t or sprinter driver and they are willing to talk to me i talk to them because i look at it like this no matter what there driving they still work for the same company as i do, and knowledge is power and if nothing else i can see or at least get a better idea as to how the company is doing as a hole because if the company as a hole is not making money than neither are we.hawk is right in saying that u must feed your cow though always keep your options open, cause u just never know when something better for you personally might come along.
what happend to them s.hawks
i would agree with raceman talk to dwayne he can help in these situations. the point i made about the grass greener on the other side was not directed at any one person or company it was meant more as a suggestion to stop and think about your decisions guess i should have phrased it better but it definatly sounded as if your decision making process may be clouded by anger. hawk is right i am not a sprinter driver i'm a s/t driver but when im on the road and i see another one of e-1's drivers wether a s/t,van,t/t or sprinter driver and they are willing to talk to me i talk to them because i look at it like this no matter what there driving they still work for the same company as i do, and knowledge is power and if nothing else i can see or at least get a better idea as to how the company is doing as a hole because if the company as a hole is not making money than neither are we.hawk is right in saying that u must feed your cow though always keep your options open, cause u just never know when something better for you personally might come along.
what happend to them s.hawks
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
Yeah Mhoy... they blew their trans... I mean their chance
Yeah Mhoy... they blew their trans... I mean their chance
RE: Sinking Fast-Need Advice Desperately! Glen Ric
I am replyng to Scott Hancock. Please note that I am not talking at you as a target, I am talking to you as a resourse.
What does your company actually do for drivers to ensure that this never happens - I could be wrong but it seems like nothing to me. At one time I wanted to apply there but, except for the fact that I drive for an O/O in a Dtruck, gypsy1s post could have been written by me. I do not want to be the next one who finds out after its too late that the "averages" are selective.
I love this site because there are many answers on it and I learn alot from it, but I saw no answer from you as to what actions your company takes when something like this happens - all you did was to defend your company while kind of indirectly placing blame on this driver.
if you were in his shoes, seeing a fellow new driver sink and have to return his sprinter back to the dealer - how humiliateing is that?, another one leave after two weeks, and after two months only getting two loads, being told by dispatchers to dead head all over for free, what would you think of your averages then? Since you are in a position to do something for this driver, what are you and your company going to do to keep this driver from sinking while driving for your company?
thanks
I am replyng to Scott Hancock. Please note that I am not talking at you as a target, I am talking to you as a resourse.
What does your company actually do for drivers to ensure that this never happens - I could be wrong but it seems like nothing to me. At one time I wanted to apply there but, except for the fact that I drive for an O/O in a Dtruck, gypsy1s post could have been written by me. I do not want to be the next one who finds out after its too late that the "averages" are selective.
I love this site because there are many answers on it and I learn alot from it, but I saw no answer from you as to what actions your company takes when something like this happens - all you did was to defend your company while kind of indirectly placing blame on this driver.
if you were in his shoes, seeing a fellow new driver sink and have to return his sprinter back to the dealer - how humiliateing is that?, another one leave after two weeks, and after two months only getting two loads, being told by dispatchers to dead head all over for free, what would you think of your averages then? Since you are in a position to do something for this driver, what are you and your company going to do to keep this driver from sinking while driving for your company?
thanks