Which way do we go?!

debbieintroy · Feb 21, 2007

We, my husband and I, want to get in the expeditng business...We do not have our CDLs yet. What is the best way to get started? What should we drive, a cargo van or a straight truck? We are anxious to get in the business but we want to make a wise and educated decision.
Thank you for your input...ahead of time.

terryandrene · Feb 21, 2007

Debbieintroy:

You are one of a half dozen folks that have asked the near identical question in the past couple of weeks. There is no shortage of Expeditersonline forum members that would be pleased to help you but, you have to do a lot of homework to get started properly, operate efficiently, and become successful. You sound sincere so let me suggest that you invest a bit of time, effort and money and attend the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville,KY next month.

Check out http://www.truckingshow.com/ and come visit us at the Expediter Experience section of te show. Most of the Expedite carrier's representatives will be there. Dozens of Owner/ Operators will be there and any number of them will be as helpfull as you need them to be. After you have a belly full of that show, come here and get your answers. In the meantime, read through a few post for the past year or so; there is a lot of good info in these forums.

arkjarhead · Feb 21, 2007

I completely agree with the above post. Plus might I add something. Take your time. Don't just jump in with both feet until you know what you are getting into. Remember the grass always looks greener on the other side. This is a good business to get into, but it is a business, and you need to be able to thing about the big picture when it comes to how you operate and your revenue instead of just worrying about today or this week. just a couple of things i had to learn the hard way.

debbieintroy · Feb 28, 2007

Thanks for your help. We are already registered for the show in Louisville. We have been researching as much as possible. Thinking of going with a Sprinter. Mainly to give us the freedom to go places when not on the road. What do you think?

TeamCaffee · Mar 1, 2007

First I would really research a Sprinter and the costs. Second I would look at what companies are putting on Vans and there is a reason for this. Then I would seriously start looking at straight trucks. A straight truck can go almost everywhere a RV can go. Hope to see you at MATS!

rmctt2 · Mar 2, 2007

Hi There;
I am a niewbe here !!
I have wanted to get into Expediting for a long time.
I have this close friend in NC who just purchased 2 Sprinters and I am going to run one of them !
We or I should say" he" is trying to get a Deadicated run for me !
Just wanted some advice so I do not F... Up !!
Hope you guys can help me understand this biz !!
I have applied for a medical exemption from FMCSA because I am on an Diebetic Insulin Pump so cannot get CDL at this time. All the paperwork has been completed and waiting for the the answer. I see no problems ( I hope ) !! That is why I am going with Sprinters at this time.
Any help would be appreciated !
Thanks
rmctt2

ATeam · Mar 2, 2007

If you have not already done so, see "Introduction to Expediting."

http://www.expeditersonline.com/downloads/introduction.pdf

Conference and truck show attendence is extremely beneficial and well worth the time and effort it takes to get there. Invest some of your vacation time if you must, but get there.

Regarding the choice between straight truck and cargo van expediting, reading the forums will soon show you that van drivers seem to be rough go of it. While van driving is easier, straight truck driving is not difficult and the revenue potential is higher. It is a skill that can be learned. You might try renting the biggest U-Haul truck you can find and drive it around for a day to sample the 40-foot truck experience.