It's a Team's Life
Frank and India Hamner
Their nephew and niece talked with them about expediting and getting paid to travel the country. On a leap of the faith they purchased a new truck and attended truck driving school.
They purchased a 40’ brand new 2007 M2 112 Freightliner with a C9 Engine straight truck, which also included a 96†AA sleeper with a murphy bed and a table. After the initial purchase of the truck they added a lift gate, pusher axle, and an engine brake.
After researching expedite companies the Hamner’s talked with a FedEx Custom Critical recruiter and signed up to attend orientation. They have only been on the road for five years and have all ready had an illustrious career, recognized by earning the prestigious FedEx Custom Critical 4-Star Award twice.
One of Frank and India's favorite shipments are gaming loads, as the people are fun to work with and are happy to see them arrive with their new machines. Another type of freight the Hamner's enjoy hauling is military loads. When transporting these loads it make them roud to be Americans and gives them a chance to shake hands and thank soldiers for serving our country.
One of the Hamner's more memorable loads was carrying a dinosaur bone. All
the couple traversed the country they sang songs such as “Diggin up Bones†and “Them
bones, them bones, them dry bonesâ€.
Another interesting load that India and Frank told me about was a load of brand new Xbox games. They picked up a load of these games to be delivered to one of the distribution points. They arrived at a parking lot full of store managers who had just finished a pizza party. When the managers saw them a HUGE cheer went up and they felt like honored guests.
One of their greatest concerns when they started driving was adverse
winter driving conditions.
After their
first year on the road Frank had OnSpot automatic chains installed on the truck.
These chains have relieved many of their
concerns when pulling into an icy dock or parking lot.
With a push of button they can activate their
chains. When the chain law is in affect on a snowy mountain instead of getting
out to install chains, just flip the switch and they can continue on. One of the advantages I see with these chains is the Hamner's are quick to use these on a slick parking lot where in a traditional situation a driver would not get out and put chains on.
While on layovers the Hamner’s have many hobbies some of which are computer games, reading on India’s Kindle, and watching DVD’s they pickup at the various RedBoxs located near truck stops. India enjoys cooking in the truck using her crock-pot, George Forman grill, and her microwave.
One of the reasons that drew the Hamner's to expediting was the ability to tour attractions around the country. A memorable layover they were able to take a bus tour of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. They enjoy meeting other couples on the road that share in their passion for business and customer service.
One of the things Frank and India did before they started was to have a sound business plan and they would suggest this to anyone that is considering getting into expediting. Before you get into expediting figure your expenses and set up a plan that clearly shows you what it will take to make a profit. Their second tidbit of advice is to maintain a sense of humor! Don’t miss the fun part of this job.
Thanks to India and Frank for sharing all of this information with me!
Bob & Linda Caffee
Leased to: FedEx Custom Critical 

TeamCaffee

Saint Louis MO
Expediters 6 years been out here on the road 11 years
Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 

Expediting isn't just a lifestyle, it's an adventure;

Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;

Expediting isn't just a job, it's a business.