[Streakn1]

In a previous thread Nightcreacher said "Gary, don't discourage people from FECC". I would never discourage anyone from any carrier as all have their good points. What may fit for one may not fit for someone else when it comes to carriers. As ATeam responded when I posted a thread about disappointing numbers (revenue earned for the year), "You will never know until you fully embrace the opportunity which means getting all the credentials" such as DOD,A&E, Radioactive,and T-Val when leased to FedEx. With that said I only ask that you seriously consider the following before you choose your carrier.

1. Will you be receptive to searches of your cab and sleeper areas prior to entering certain facilities the carrier services? These typically include military and nuclear facilities, and can possibly result in all of your personal belongings being rumaged through by a total stranger. You WILL NOT have a say in how the search is done or the condition that your cab and sleeper area are left in after the search.

2. Will you be willing to allow an on-board "Courier" to ride along on multi-day trips and possibly provide total use of your sleeper. This can be a requirement of doing the run offered you? Certain freight in the specialized expedite areas will come with a courier.

3. Are you willing to get all of the credentials the carrier requires (if optional) to fully service their customer base, or will you be selective about what you are willing to haul?

4.What size sleeper do you require for your comfort as it may or may not affect how much payload you can carry. Over time your comfort level can affect your happiness and performance, so a fine balance must be found between comfort and payload.

5. If you are considering a T/T and want a large sleeper, how long are you willing to be on your overall length? To stay at the legal lenghts which vary state by state you will be required to choose between a 48' or 53' trailer to have the longer wheelbase sleeper or down size the sleeper area to be able to pull a 53' trailer. Keep in mind many customers are now requesting 53' trailers only, and refuse to load anything less. Many locations cannot accomadate a T/T longer than 72'. We currently run 78' long with our 327" wheelbase and our 48' trailer.

These are just a few of many important questions you should be asking yourself. Your happiness in what you do as an Expediter will be affected by these. Remember, its NOT just about "how much money can I make" but also will you be happy with what you are doing and with your carrier's requirements!

Depending on the carrier, the more that you are willing to do dictates how much revenue you can make. That means being a FULL service driver. Otherwise, you need to decide if you want to just run surface freight as many do and avoid much of the above, or do you want to get into the special services such as White Glove or Elite which can greatly increase your earning potentual. You are the one that has to decide.

If you feel that you will have a problem with such things as I've mentioned above and that you cannot "fully embrace" the services that a carrier offers the customer then you should seriously reconsider your options before signing on with that carrier. You will not be doing yourself or the carrier justice!

It is my hope that the points that I've mentioned will help you in a positive way in choosing the right carrier for your wants and needs in a career in expediting!

[moose]

Good points !
now , is there any chance in hell , a single O/O can qualify for this line of work ?



Moose.

[greg334]

I caution people to be careful about what they wish for because they may get it.

[nightcreacher]

Gary, that is a good post,but 1 other thing you didnt mention,after coming back into the states from canada,you could go thru a total search of your truck by customs,that can upset your whole day,when you have to put your truck back together.Also,as far as the searches in nuclear plants,if you take the items out of your truck that you dont want searched,most places will give you a secured area to store them and they wont be searched,this also can be done at some military facilities.Ive never had a courier do an over night,but in a truck your size,they better be willing to sleep on a cot,cause my bed wont be available.Oh i have an idea,put them in the trailer,thats where the load they are watching is.

[Broompilot]

Great Points,

I will admitt any Govt facility or any place in the 48 I have never had a problem with thiings not put back or asked me about in there search.

Once I was told no lap top, no cameras no tape recorder. So when I asked before handing these over for a recipet, I was told just put them next to the shack. OK now i need a reciept. Answer we do not give a reciept: Real answer in return, than they do not leave my truck so how you gona get the freight off with no dock?

Real Answer: Navy Yard in Norfok, along came the straight stake truck, and they unloaded it not at the dock but right there with the Guards.

P.S. guards were outside hired company. No recipet no responsibilty and its my stuff to loose not theres. Second choice it was going to a warehouse and could be trucked in by another carrier.