Canada advice for newbie considering expedite

[smith022]

I have looked at several posts and have not seen anything on this, maybe I am just blind. Right now looking at getting truck from Alumi-bunk and doing expedite of auto parts into and from US. I realize there is staying overnight, long drives, probably bad food, border delays. My Questions:

Is anyone in here who is doing auto expedite? Your thoughts.
What may be a typical day/average type day)?
How often do you get home?
Any tips, other items to look out for?
Possible questions for recruiters a newbie may not think of?
Does anyone know of a place to lease a new/slightly used truck without doing a deposit of 10 - 15K?

For all who read this thanks for your time, really appreciate it.

Drew Smith
London, ON

 

[RobA]

>I have looked at several posts and have not seen anything on
>this, maybe I am just blind. Right now looking at getting
>truck from Alumi-bunk and doing expedite of auto parts into
>and from US. I realize there is staying overnight, long
>drives, probably bad food, border delays. My Questions:
>
>Is anyone in here who is doing auto expedite? Your thoughts.
>What may be a typical day/average type day)?
>How often do you get home?
>Any tips, other items to look out for?
>Possible questions for recruiters a newbie may not think of?
>Does anyone know of a place to lease a new/slightly used
>truck without doing a deposit of 10 - 15K?
>
>For all who read this thanks for your time, really
>appreciate it.
>
>Drew Smith
>London, ON


Drew: I hate to see posts like this.
Why? You liklely don't have much money and are trying to do it on the cheap!
Auto Expedite; well you live in the best area in Canada for that kind of work.
Have you talked to any carriers BEFORE talking to Alumnibunk?
TST-911 in Windsor.
Thompson Emergency in Windsor.
Dynamex in Cambridge
K-DAC in Baden near Kitchener.
Are you qualified to enter the States?
NO criminal convictions?
Do you have a DZ license?
What do you see about Alumnibunk ( besides the no money down bad credit accepted bull sh*t) that interests you?
Have you driven truck at all?

Why not get your AZ and see about working for BR Smith or Verspeeten Cartage as a driver?
They pay the truck expense; they pay you to drive.

This probably isn't the answer you're looking for.

 

[smith022]

RobA

Thanks for the response. Don't have tons of money, enough for the deposit. The problem is more with trying to accomodate a family life into a trucker's realm, not having a lot of luck. Talked with TST Expedite and Thompson Emerg today. As for AZ have spoken very briefly with Elgin Motor freight and Walker for day/short runs, Walker is way out as a possibility.

In a nutshell my wife is away from home 1 - 2 days a week, these days I take and pickup our kids from daycare. I can do a 7:30 - 5:00 run of which TST if one is available can provide but the others no. I thought maybe as a o/o I could get more flexibility. If I am in a dreamworld let me know, any advice is appreciated.

Drew Smith

 

[highway star]

To be blunt, your circumstances would not be expediting friendly. If TST had a specific dedicated run, then maybe. But you would probably find yourself sitting home more than working because it would be tough getting you going early in the day on a regular basis. And, from time to time, there would be issues arising once you get out that would cause you to be delayed and messing up when you get home. Flexibilty is a must in this business. Local cartage would be a better fit for you at this point. Good luck!

 

[smith022]

Thanks Highway Star. I figured that would be the case but you never know unless you ask.

Drew Smith

 

[FIS53]

You might want to look for a local outfit that has out of town runs but here in Ontario. There are a couple in London and St Thomas that haul to the Toronto area daily and have the rush jobs.
Direct runs are same as expediting and you'll gain experience and knowledge.
I'm working out of Mississauga and get home almost everyday. Money is not bad and I have a lot of freedom to play with hours especially in the mornings. Only times not getting home are runs down east coast, eastern Quebec and northern ontario.
As for truck, check it out and keep money on hand for operating expenses (fuel, food, maintenance etc). Rememeber you have to buy maps and other little things and they all add up. Big diesel engines take a lot of oil and a lot of fuel.
Rob Fis