nope, perfectly fine. i am not the least bit ashamed to say, i did not no how to space paragraphs on the computer
Why does it work for some?
- Thread starter OntarioVanMan
- Start date
I don't know how to incorporate quotes from several posts into one, either....
But I know that typewriter, calculator, and computer all originally referred to a person, rather than a machine.
And that the day we stop learning, we are actually [if not medically or legally] brain dead.
Being the newbie on OVM's list my key to being happy is simply to not fight the system....but do whatever you can to work it to your advantage.
I learned on EO before I started this that it is a business, if you expect to be treated any differently you are in the wrong line of trucking. As hard as I work the Fed's systems to my advantage, the Fed works back to get all they can out of me. It's business. If you get that through your head and you find a carrier with a balance of give and take that suits you...happiness generally follows. I think too many still come into this with an employee mentality and when the S hits the fan they still expect someone else to clean it up.
Layout has a line in his signature about being self reliant is to truly be free....the same can be said about your business, depend on yourself for success not your carrier.
I learned on EO before I started this that it is a business, if you expect to be treated any differently you are in the wrong line of trucking. As hard as I work the Fed's systems to my advantage, the Fed works back to get all they can out of me. It's business. If you get that through your head and you find a carrier with a balance of give and take that suits you...happiness generally follows. I think too many still come into this with an employee mentality and when the S hits the fan they still expect someone else to clean it up.
Layout has a line in his signature about being self reliant is to truly be free....the same can be said about your business, depend on yourself for success not your carrier.
RLENT
Veteran Expediter
Good point ... fair enough
..... was just an (indirect) suggestion ...... via some light-hearted ribbing ....
...... well ..... I think you're giving me more credit that I actually deserve .....
Excellent !
Well dang...start a thread and a real conversation breaks out...
transporter
Expert Expediter
could not agree more piper. most of the expediters i meet have a driver mentality. except for the eo members i have met. i do mean that not just blowing smoke. eo members at least trying to learn things. on this website there are things you can learn.
sometimes even from ovm. there are people on here with differing oppinions about expediting. plus you get intertainment from different groups who just love to argue between themselves
sometimes even from ovm
. there are people on here with differing oppinions about expediting. plus you get intertainment from different groups who just love to argue between themselves
I have met more (hundreds...maybe 2 or 3 thousand) people who leveraged the common knowledge and resources on EO to their benefit and beat the odds. These people tend to be the MOST successful owner operators and drivers in this industry. IMHO (in my humble observation)
)
DannyD
Veteran Expediter
Turtle & Dynamite had some interesting responses. Not that others didn't but those 2 stuck out the most to me.
Everyone has a different definition of successful. Some tried it & it didn't work out. There's a fair amount of reasons for that. I don't view those people as failures though.
As for the people who have stuck around in this business for awhile, I'd think that they have a few traits.
First thing that comes to mind is either they either drive w/ their hub/wife or have a supportive hub/wife back home. Either that or they're single. Not only does one have to give up a lot of normal, everyday things to do this, but in the case of couples, both do. So two people, not just one, have to be supportive of this. I'd think it's easier on the one doing the driving than the one back home.
In a different field, I have a friend who's hub travels a lot for business. She loves the guy, he makes great $$$, but she's totally miserable being alone for long stretches like that.
The second thing would be that for the most part they enjoy it. Not saying it's perfect, but they've got to enjoy what they're doing enough to give up a more balanced life back home.
The third thing is they've found the right company. Whether by chance or by skill, they found that right fit. I've got to think that there are happy drivers for Fed Ex (or any company for that matter) who had they signed on w/ Company B before Fed Ex that they'd think this industry blew chunks.
The last thing that comes to mind is that most of the people on this board, even the ones that weren't mentioned in the original post, are probably doing better than most because they care enough to seek out information that'll help em get better at their job.
Everyone has a different definition of successful. Some tried it & it didn't work out. There's a fair amount of reasons for that. I don't view those people as failures though.
As for the people who have stuck around in this business for awhile, I'd think that they have a few traits.
First thing that comes to mind is either they either drive w/ their hub/wife or have a supportive hub/wife back home. Either that or they're single. Not only does one have to give up a lot of normal, everyday things to do this, but in the case of couples, both do. So two people, not just one, have to be supportive of this. I'd think it's easier on the one doing the driving than the one back home.
In a different field, I have a friend who's hub travels a lot for business. She loves the guy, he makes great $$$, but she's totally miserable being alone for long stretches like that.
The second thing would be that for the most part they enjoy it. Not saying it's perfect, but they've got to enjoy what they're doing enough to give up a more balanced life back home.
The third thing is they've found the right company. Whether by chance or by skill, they found that right fit. I've got to think that there are happy drivers for Fed Ex (or any company for that matter) who had they signed on w/ Company B before Fed Ex that they'd think this industry blew chunks.
The last thing that comes to mind is that most of the people on this board, even the ones that weren't mentioned in the original post, are probably doing better than most because they care enough to seek out information that'll help em get better at their job.
panthercub
Seasoned Expediter
I'd like to chime in on this one if I may.
I only lasted for 3 months in this game. I read and read and read these posts, trying to learn as much as I could, yet I still felt like I knew nothing about expediting when I went to orientation. But I DID know it was what I wanted to do. The #1 reason I crashed and burned so quickly was because the '04 Sprinter I bought used was a nightmare; a money-sucking lemon that I got into without realizing it until it was too late. But there were also a lot of aspects of expediting that I wasn't fully prepared to deal with.
Someday I really believe I will try this again. With a reliable vehicle, and a better understanding of how I need to adapt (including controlling expenses NOT related to being on the road) I think I will fare much better.
I only lasted for 3 months in this game. I read and read and read these posts, trying to learn as much as I could, yet I still felt like I knew nothing about expediting when I went to orientation. But I DID know it was what I wanted to do. The #1 reason I crashed and burned so quickly was because the '04 Sprinter I bought used was a nightmare; a money-sucking lemon that I got into without realizing it until it was too late. But there were also a lot of aspects of expediting that I wasn't fully prepared to deal with.
Someday I really believe I will try this again. With a reliable vehicle, and a better understanding of how I need to adapt (including controlling expenses NOT related to being on the road) I think I will fare much better.
whitewolf
Seasoned Expediter
You right... With a Sprinter you are broke from the beginning .. 800 maybe more payment, plus maintenance, Carrier fees..you look for 1500 monthly... to make this kind of money you need 2000 miles that's mean 2 working weeks...the average for cargo vans is 1000 mi loaded weekly... after 7 yrs driving a cargo van I can tell you ...with another 600 for gas you have one week for you. I just wanna hear another people opinion about this...maybe I'm wrong
Great topic, and thanks for including me in that list Ken!
I tell ya, it's no huge secret to my continuing in this business, just a lot of little ones.. some may laugh at the simplicity, others, you've heard it a million times.
1. I work with a company I believe in. As Leo says, all companies have warts, you pick the ones you can work with.
2. I've learned to work with our dispatch system. If I'm near an obviously good express center, I sit near where I've gotten loads before. If near 2 (say Buffalo, Rochester, I sit in the middle, etc.)
3. I don't drive a fancy vehicle. I drive a PAID FOR Ford E350 Extended diesel van that gets 22.75 mpg.
4. I keep my expenses low...keep a cooler with drinks, cold cuts etc... eat 1 hot meal a day...(works for me)... and play games on my computer instead of "truck stop cowboy".. spending 20 bucks in video games, 3 meals in truck stop complaining about how I made no money that day!
5. I have reduced my expenses at home, and am working to pay my remaining credit off quickly.
6. I'm in a great location. FedEx has a lot of van freight in my area, so I get by home quite a bit.. removing some of the frustration. This would not work for someone living out of the lanes.
7. And... the thing that will just mess people up, I'm not a cherry picker! About the only reason I turn a run down is if it has high deadhead. Short run? run it.. get back in line.. some money, better than NO money. Since we're on flat rate now.. it all pays the same. I'm not going to hold out for that 500 mile run... I've run a couple short runs and ended back in the same express center, and found out another driver turned down both my runs!
I just try to work the system, and so far, my income has exceeded my bills, and I have some to spare. What else can I ask for? Not getting rich, but a lot better than some of my friends who told me to quit this and get a 'regular job' last year. Even when we were slow.. I made more than they did on unemployment......... now that it's picked up, my low expenses put me in position to do well.
Seriously, as you might guess LOL.. I think the success in being a vanner, is pick a company you believe in, keep your expenses low, don't cherry pick, and just keep workin.
There's a lot less variables for me than bigger trucks, that's true.. but it works for me.
Dale
PS.
Don't sweat the small stuff... don't take things personal... dispatchers are human too... etc....
I tell ya, it's no huge secret to my continuing in this business, just a lot of little ones.. some may laugh at the simplicity, others, you've heard it a million times.
1. I work with a company I believe in. As Leo says, all companies have warts, you pick the ones you can work with.
2. I've learned to work with our dispatch system. If I'm near an obviously good express center, I sit near where I've gotten loads before. If near 2 (say Buffalo, Rochester, I sit in the middle, etc.)
3. I don't drive a fancy vehicle. I drive a PAID FOR Ford E350 Extended diesel van that gets 22.75 mpg.
4. I keep my expenses low...keep a cooler with drinks, cold cuts etc... eat 1 hot meal a day...(works for me)... and play games on my computer instead of "truck stop cowboy".. spending 20 bucks in video games, 3 meals in truck stop complaining about how I made no money that day!
5. I have reduced my expenses at home, and am working to pay my remaining credit off quickly.
6. I'm in a great location. FedEx has a lot of van freight in my area, so I get by home quite a bit.. removing some of the frustration. This would not work for someone living out of the lanes.
7. And... the thing that will just mess people up, I'm not a cherry picker! About the only reason I turn a run down is if it has high deadhead. Short run? run it.. get back in line.. some money, better than NO money. Since we're on flat rate now.. it all pays the same. I'm not going to hold out for that 500 mile run... I've run a couple short runs and ended back in the same express center, and found out another driver turned down both my runs!
I just try to work the system, and so far, my income has exceeded my bills, and I have some to spare. What else can I ask for? Not getting rich, but a lot better than some of my friends who told me to quit this and get a 'regular job' last year. Even when we were slow.. I made more than they did on unemployment.....
.... now that it's picked up, my low expenses put me in position to do well.Seriously, as you might guess LOL.. I think the success in being a vanner, is pick a company you believe in, keep your expenses low, don't cherry pick, and just keep workin.
There's a lot less variables for me than bigger trucks, that's true.. but it works for me.
Dale
PS.
Don't sweat the small stuff... don't take things personal... dispatchers are human too... etc....
You are wrong..what can I say..
Panthercub must have missed the posts and topics where we (sprinter guys)warn:
1. Sprinters are NOT for newbees.
2. Avoid used Sprinters. Unless you can verify all thr proper fluids have been used, the use it was used for...and all maintenaince can be verified.
Success in this biz is very personal...everyone has different needs and wants...
flattop40
Expert Expediter
Great topic. I agree with Eddie. Gotta beable to change and adapt. I was "getting by" so I looked at what I could do to better my situation and becoming a team was an answer. Is it something that everyone can do? I don't think so but you have to adapt. If I didn't become a team I would have looked into becoming a sprinter and infact I still am.
I have also learned the hot frieght areas. That is something that only experience can teach you. Before I unload I already have in mind a game plan to put myself in the best position for the next load. For the first year I had a map on Streets and Trips and marked every place I picked up a load and also kept detailed log of how long I sat somewhere and where I got out right away.
I had owned a business in the past and having done that also gave me the experience on how to run a business and the key is "THE OWNER GETS PAID LAST". In this business you have to have the capital for the "rainy" days. (repairs, slow time, etc.) Most people now adays live pay check to pay check and if you did that in this business all it would take is one repair or one or two bad weeks and now they are paniced.
Lastly would like to just reiterate what was said earlier. You have to start out with a quality truck. I bought a van brand new and have had very little problems but I also do all the planned maintenance. You have to be proactive as best you can.
I have been doing this for 2 1/2 years now and I am still learning. Just my 2 cents worth.
I have also learned the hot frieght areas. That is something that only experience can teach you. Before I unload I already have in mind a game plan to put myself in the best position for the next load. For the first year I had a map on Streets and Trips and marked every place I picked up a load and also kept detailed log of how long I sat somewhere and where I got out right away.
I had owned a business in the past and having done that also gave me the experience on how to run a business and the key is "THE OWNER GETS PAID LAST". In this business you have to have the capital for the "rainy" days. (repairs, slow time, etc.) Most people now adays live pay check to pay check and if you did that in this business all it would take is one repair or one or two bad weeks and now they are paniced.
Lastly would like to just reiterate what was said earlier. You have to start out with a quality truck. I bought a van brand new and have had very little problems but I also do all the planned maintenance. You have to be proactive as best you can.
I have been doing this for 2 1/2 years now and I am still learning. Just my 2 cents worth.
It is also a lot less stressful when the next load does not have to be right away...
Meaning: You are in your comfort zone and you are all set-up. Your PM is up to date, a bit of a bankroll. No pressure to find that next load.
Meaning: You are in your comfort zone and you are all set-up. Your PM is up to date, a bit of a bankroll. No pressure to find that next load.
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
expediting is like a ball game you have to learn all the rules and to read dispatchers
if they offer you something you don't want to do you have to firgure how toget out of it
when i was with fedexcc i used to go to canada then when customs started getting way they are
would say where is nearest canadian driver is and would transfer to them and not be counted as a turn down
they would be happy a run was coverd and everybody made out
same way at ceva 1st question how much does it weight
how wide how tall and how long
and is it 2 man so able to make it work or get out of
what time to pick up etc
if they offer you something you don't want to do you have to firgure how toget out of it
when i was with fedexcc i used to go to canada then when customs started getting way they are
would say where is nearest canadian driver is and would transfer to them and not be counted as a turn down
they would be happy a run was coverd and everybody made out
same way at ceva 1st question how much does it weight
how wide how tall and how long
and is it 2 man so able to make it work or get out of
what time to pick up etc
bdmj989900
Seasoned Expediter
Well lets just say 2 1/2 years ago i started expediting. Paid cash for a used st. Knew nothing about the business of expedite. Took several months and alot of stress. But finally made a go of it. Its had its ups and downs but so far i love it. Not planning on changing companies, they have their moments but every company does at one point. Wish i would have found out about this site before i started, i have learned alot from it. But other than that i wouldn't change a thing. Had a few breakdowns at the begining that just about put me down for the count but made it through. I have learned where to sit and where not to sit. I have also noticed it depends on what time of year it is too. Might have good luck in one area the begining of the year and have to stay away from that area 6 months later. Just my opinion i think it has to do with knowing where to be and being at the right place at the right time. I'm still learning alot and know there is still alot to learn. I have talked to alot of people on the road that have been doing this for years and they have helped me out alot with there advice. Guess i have been lucky to survive.