Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
If you're thinking about getting into expediting, here's something to ponder. You WILL be at a HUGE disadvantage while you're learning. Moreso than in the past. Not only are you dealing with inexperience, but you're dealing with rising fuel prices and a stalling economy.
Most likely, you have no idea what an expedite freight lane is. Fact is, quite a few ppl who've been in this biz for years have no idea what one is. You have to work while you're loaded, then work some more after you drop. Do you stay in MS and wait for a load? If so, you'll probably be disappointed.
What are your expectations? If you have a family, and this will be the sole income, I'd recommend you find something else. By family, I'm talking one or more kids at home... not empty nesters. Until you pass that learning curve, you will likely not make a good profit. You might not even make minimum wage.
Still thinking of going thru with it? Do you have money in pocket for three to four weeks on the road until you get paid? Do you know what it costs to live on the road? Are you disciplined enough that you can pass by the trinkets and that menu at the truckstops? Trust me! You will lose money rather than make it if you don't watch what you spend.
Ok. If you're confident you will make it, here are a few things you'll need.
1) A good laminated atlas.
2) A fuel finder/truckstop guide and the "Next Exit". You need to plan ahead where you're going to fuel, eat, and shop.
3) A computer with internet connection is more of a necessity these days than a luxury.
4) Contacts! I can't stress enough that ppl getting into the biz need to surround themselves with a circle of SUCCESSFUL drivers in the SAME COMPANY in which they themselves drive. While you're in the learning curve, talk to these ppl. TAKE THEIR SUGGESTIONS on where to go after you drop. Dispatch doesn't always know what's going on, and may tell you to stick around an area that might average one run a week. Eventually, you will learn what works for you. But until then, be a student to someone willing to teach you how this biz works. Success breeds success! Not only do successful drivers know how to make a profit, but they are an inspiration to someone who might always strive for mediocrity. Do not be a "know it all" or whiny to these ppl, as they'll drop you like a bad habit! Ask questions and listen when it pertains to business.
All this, in no way, guarantees success. But it will give you a lot better chance to survive in this dog-eat-dog world. And we're all wearing Milkbone underwear!
-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.
Most likely, you have no idea what an expedite freight lane is. Fact is, quite a few ppl who've been in this biz for years have no idea what one is. You have to work while you're loaded, then work some more after you drop. Do you stay in MS and wait for a load? If so, you'll probably be disappointed.
What are your expectations? If you have a family, and this will be the sole income, I'd recommend you find something else. By family, I'm talking one or more kids at home... not empty nesters. Until you pass that learning curve, you will likely not make a good profit. You might not even make minimum wage.
Still thinking of going thru with it? Do you have money in pocket for three to four weeks on the road until you get paid? Do you know what it costs to live on the road? Are you disciplined enough that you can pass by the trinkets and that menu at the truckstops? Trust me! You will lose money rather than make it if you don't watch what you spend.
Ok. If you're confident you will make it, here are a few things you'll need.
1) A good laminated atlas.
2) A fuel finder/truckstop guide and the "Next Exit". You need to plan ahead where you're going to fuel, eat, and shop.
3) A computer with internet connection is more of a necessity these days than a luxury.
4) Contacts! I can't stress enough that ppl getting into the biz need to surround themselves with a circle of SUCCESSFUL drivers in the SAME COMPANY in which they themselves drive. While you're in the learning curve, talk to these ppl. TAKE THEIR SUGGESTIONS on where to go after you drop. Dispatch doesn't always know what's going on, and may tell you to stick around an area that might average one run a week. Eventually, you will learn what works for you. But until then, be a student to someone willing to teach you how this biz works. Success breeds success! Not only do successful drivers know how to make a profit, but they are an inspiration to someone who might always strive for mediocrity. Do not be a "know it all" or whiny to these ppl, as they'll drop you like a bad habit! Ask questions and listen when it pertains to business.
All this, in no way, guarantees success. But it will give you a lot better chance to survive in this dog-eat-dog world. And we're all wearing Milkbone underwear!
-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.
