to all new van drivers

underdog77 · Oct 31, 2007

hello out there.most people as myself come in to this thinking they could make some money.but let me tell you its very hard.out of my orientation class tried to keep up with two other drivers to see how they did.the first one, he got a trip second day out of class went to ny.they left him there over weekend and all day monday so he took his van back to tn to owner end of one. the other guy bless his soul.has had a total of 3100 miles in a month in a half.he got one run in two weeks.and still sitting now outside on chicago.i myself ran 5130 miles on 18 runs.im in 65/35 split also getting all fsc .the first 45% goes on comdata card which was total 1810.00.my other 20% was 803.00. dry run deadhead pay total 71.00.fsc at 1018.84.ok looks fair but take 1852.00 for fuel already over 45% by 42 dollars.so then take 10 a day for food 35 days 350.00 bucks add the 1852 + 350 =2202.now add the 803+71+1018.84+1810=3702-2202=leaves 1500 dollars for 35 days worth of work and sleeping in a van.is it worth not to me thats about 230 a week.you can make that fliping burgers.now if you own van you might make a little more thats if the company runs you enough.if you sit a whole week like i did in memphis tn or like driver two one run in two weeks i doubt it.thanks not complaining just wanted to give some real driver insight. also everybody says frieght is real slow i dont know if this is the case or maybe to many vans.one of the biggest companys is who i was with two, panther and also when you wait for week it kills you !well just some brainfood thanks dont let this stop you go out and learn for yourself also maybe another company would be better !!!!!!!!! just a bit of brainfoodx(

terryandrene · Oct 31, 2007

Thanks Dog; good post.

miguy1957 · Nov 1, 2007

My advice on anyone thinking about buying a van at this time is DONT DO IT. Ive been sitting at home in eastern Michigan for the last 6 days and have 1 load offer 10 mile DH for a 58 mile load and would end up on the same board that Im currently on. Last Friday I was in Indy from about noon till about 7pm and didnt move not even 1 board position. I talked to another driver that sat in Chicago for over 48hrs only to get a 200 mi load. So in my thoughts are this is not the time to try Expiditing out..............

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VOLCANO VAPORIZER

terryandrene · Nov 1, 2007

MiGuy. One persons poor situation based on little information about an unknown location with an unspecified carrier does not help anyone to make a decision about buying a van or entering this business.

I said nice post to Underdog because he showed us a breakdown of his revenue and miles from a given carrier. He made a few bucks but indicated it wasn't enough to justify his time and effort. We sure can understand your bitterness, but without details to understand your situation, your comments mean nothing to an aspiring expedite van operator.

sanbomi1 · Nov 1, 2007

Dog,

Thanks for that post. I've been lurking in the shadows for quite some time now, actually about a year. I am currently not driving but still hold my CDL B license. I have attended a workshop in Monroe, MI and the Expo in Wilmington this past July. I sure have the itch and desire to change careers and become an expeditor but I can't make that change just yet, need to think of my family first and my wants/desires second.

I appreciate the type of information you were able to provide. I continue to try and gather as much information as possible about the expedited industry and like to keep up to date as to how busy some are and some aren't.

miguy1957 · Nov 1, 2007

All Im trying to say, is that now is not the time for someone to quit their job and buy a van. I talk to 3 or 4 drivers on the phone about every day and none of them are kicking no big fat butt, just barely keeping a float. Talk to the majority of van drivers at the truck stops and they will tell you the same. So I dont know why you would keep telling the new guys to come on in the waters fine...... I just dont want to see anyone go broke with the wrong information. The picture isnt that rosey at this time for someone without a nice financial cushion. If you are on a shoestring budget nows not the time in my oppion............Oh and by the way Im not bitter just realalistic.............why set someone up for a hard time making it??

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AMBRUS live