Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Critical

[terran]

Greetings Everyone!

I'm new to the Expediting Business, however I have previously operated for ABX as a local route driver back in the mid 1980's. I am in the "ask a lot of questions phase" with regard to Expediting as a new venture and career move. I have contemplated the "pro's and con's of buying a new versus an old truck, and in my personal situation, I have concluded that purchasing a new truck is best. I have decided to operate a D Unit - 22' Freightliner Business Class Single Axel 72' Sleeper Configuration for FedEx Custom Critical. I will operate the vehicle as a single driver for the first year and recruit a responsible "road warrior" type like myself thereafter. I have been pre-approved for the purchase or lease via my personal bank as well Daimler Chrysler. My plans/concerns are as follows:

The Plan
- My personal commitment with regard to dispatch availability is Mon thru Friday nites--home on weekend (i.e. Sat/Sun)

Concern
- Given the above commitment, what can I expect to earn as personal income after necessary obligations (i.e. Truck Payment etc.)

- FedEx Custom Critical quotes that personal income is driven by 58% of revenue from freight. As long as I meet my personal dispatch availability requirements (see above) what should my average weekly, monthly and annually income be?

- Given the type of straight truck that I will be operating (see above) what is the typical revenue from a single expedited pickup and delivery?

- How many can I average per day, per week?

I realize that is a lot if info, but the decision is so huge that at the age of 41, one needs to minimize the possibility of a "bad call"

Many thanks in advance!

 

[RichM]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

Well you may not like this response but here goes:
Plan..this will not happen unless you are prepared to absorb costs related to long deadheads.In expediting there are no guarantees as too where you will find yourself on Thursday night or on Fridays.You could easily be a 1000 or more miles from home.If you need to be home every weekend this business is not for you.
Concern. To give an accurate answer need to know your truck payment.If you are running single as you said it should be less that $1200 a month.

Important issue is where do you live,some areas of the country are hot beds of expediting and some are not.

Average run gross as a single.between $300-650.

How many runs per day, one if you are lucky as operating as a single you have the HOS restrictions.

Hope this helps you to make your decision,long time ago a old timer told me "Never buy more truck then what you need. You can always trade up when the business is there but when the business is not there the payment stays the same"..

 

[davekc]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

While I don't run for Fedex, I see two issues you need to address as well. Getting home every weekend will be difficult as mentioned, regardless of the carrier.
In addition, unless you know EXACTLY what you are jumping into, drive for a owner for a short period who has a truck leased to FedEx. Why throw all of your cards on the table if you don't have too.
Even though you have obtained financing, that is much different as to whether you can truly afford a new vehicle and absorb all the risks. Used trucks are not necessarily a bad way to go if you understand what you are looking for.
Davekc

 

[Doggie Daddy]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

terran,we(wife and i)are leased on with FECC.we are a team operation,but at times i am out as a solo also. what rich and dave are telling you is very true.my findings on running solo were that i was like a regional driver once i left from the house(we live in ohio)but once the weekends rolled around, i was able to get the longer and better paying runs,because i had the extra day or two to get the load there.so what i'm saying is it's tough enough making good money as a solo driver,but by not working the weekends you would really be losing out.DD.

 

[exTVguy]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

>operation,but at times i am out as a solo also. what rich
>and dave are telling you is very true.my findings on running

I'm very close to Louisville, KY and very seriously considering running a single D-unit. How do you think I'll do as a single for FECC?

I have no objections to working weekends, holidays or nights. Nor do I object to being on the road for weeks at a time. (I do that now)

Do you have any other words of wisdom for me? Especially how much I can make as a single driver?

Thanks

 

[barney]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

Go to your nearest truck stop and talk to as many FECC drivers as you can find. If it is a fairly nice one you should find several.

 

[ramblingon]

RE: Considering Signing-on with FedEx Custom Criti

I tried to post this very question on the recruiter page over the week-end. Thanks for posting and asking my questions better than I did!

I am watching the posts answering your questions.