[GatorBait]

My girlfriend and I are looking into expediting.I have 3 years expedite experience,where she has none.She is in the process of getting her CDL only to drive a van or a sprinter. I know the big call is for straight trucks and tractor trailers.How is the van/sprinter business going? We are not going to get our Hazmat endorsements.So how are the carriers that do not mess with Hazmat doing? I see some van and sprinters around Northwest Ohio,but wonder how they are doing? We live in Northwest Ohio,but are looking at moving to somewhere in Florida next year.I know not much come out of Florida.I drive tractor trailer now,and I can tell you....I'm tired of being laid off due to automotive layoffs and strikes. Any help would be appreciated. : )

[greg334]

If you have tractor experience, stick with it.

[cheri1122]

Gatorbait: welcome to EO. The short answer is that you may well be contemplating jumping from the frying pan into the fire. If you take the time to read what's been written on that subject here over the past year, you may want to revise your plans. Or not - it's impossible to tell what "enough" means to you, or to anyone else. You have to decide for yourself whether the limited freight capacity (not to mention living space for two adults) of a van is worth investing yourself & your resources towards, at a time when vans outnumber available freight. Have you actually talked to any of the drivers of vans? In your shoes, I sure would! I'd also make every effort to attend one of the EO seminars, listed on here somewhere - definitely worth the time.

[pelicn]

Welcome GatorBait: I agree that you should read back through the forums the majority of your questions can be answered that way. There is a wealth of knowledge shared in these forums.
I will say that you are limiting your options in this industry by starting out with what you "aren't going to do". Your options expand greatly by hauling as much as you can and having all the endorsements that you can. Also, Florida is not a hotbed for expedite freight, so by moving down there, you may not get home as often either.