Expedite vs. conventional trucking

brandiwyne · Jul 19, 2008

hi! I have been expediting with Tri-State out of Perrysburg, ohio, for the past 6 months. I am team driver with someone who isnt my husband (for an owner of the truck) that leases to Tri-State... I have my doubts about continuing expediting. As 'just the driver of the truck', i get 20% of the loaded miles I run. these are direct profit (banking) (since i am a irs-1099). however.. i do not get paid to deadhead 200 miles to pickup or if i have to move to another board because there are too many trucks on que in that board. comparatively, i can make up to $0.32/mi loaded or unloaded going back to conventional trucking.. my question is.. is this 20% of only loaded miles, since i dont pay fuel or anything, better than going back to conventional trucking (where the company takes out taxes, etc? I am wanting to become a sole proprietor, and i am pondering security vs income potential. if anyone has answers, i would love to hear them. I make no more than 1150/week..some weeks i make 150/week,and I need to make money, bottomline.

arkjarhead · Jul 19, 2008

Either way you go you have to pay taxes. It's really all about what would you rather be doing? Do you have experience in a t/t? If so you may be able to find a job that pays more than 32 cents a mile depending on your experience. It's something you have to make your mind up about. No one else can do it for you.

spudhead911 · Jul 20, 2008

I wouldn't be in a rush to go out on my own just yet, especially if you have limited experience in expediting. You can look at the classifieds here on EO for other truck owners, and talk to them to see what they are paying their drivers. I know I would want to get paid for all miles I drive, not just the loaded ones. You are still behind the wheel, loaded or empty.

With freight rates and fuel prices the way they are today, I would find a good fleet owner and drive for him for at least a year. It would give you a beter feel for expediting.

nightcreacher · Jul 20, 2008

you say you get 20% of loaded miles,you need to look for a different owner.
most of the drivers that dont pay fuel get about 20%,that should be for all moneys taken in that week,dead head included.Now what you have to look at is bottom line,your income divided by your miles. if that total isnt what your looking for,then moving to a regular company is your best move.My co driver averages over 60cpm,we dont run globs of miles but thats why i pay him a percentage instead of a flat rate mileage

moose · Jul 20, 2008

for me , its not about pay-per-mil./%of gross...
its about income per nights away from home.
and the lifestyle you like.
one need to set a goal or a rezone for driving Expedite.
have a realistic goals and follow the plan to get them .
as Greag say : "follow your million $ plan "
Ownership is not for everyone , but in my opinion its the way to make money in trucking, if you are inn for the long run .

as for the question of Expedite vs. Conventional trucking ,
assuming you have a T.T experience , then by far Conventional trucking presents many more opportunity's in a match more diversify industry .

at any case looks like you are under-payed for your time in the truck , so it might be the time to move on...

Moose.

jcars · Jul 20, 2008

How about a compnay that 40% of the truck revenue to the
team drivers? They cover the cost of everything except your
personal needs. They are fleet owners and lease to compines
like Panther, Fedex CC, Tri-State, etc

Good, Bad?

J.

kwexpress · Jul 20, 2008

as a company driver after taxes you should bring home $900 plus after taxes

you are better off not haven the headaches if you think your only worth 20% of the loaded miles you drive.

your taken it in the rear.

try to get at least 20% of all miles

even schneider pays better than what your getten.

most owners are paying at least 40% when the owner is paying for the fuel.
but you and your team member would split that so 20% on all miles + extras

if your not getting at least that then go work for jb youd profit more

Suds43 · Jul 20, 2008

Brandiwyne? What does your contract with the owner say?
Do you get the 'bonus' money or does it go to the owner? It should be going to you, your the one doing the driving. All depends on what the contract says.
As far as only getting 20%, that's about right if your not paying for fuel. Sounds like your on a 40/60 split with the owner covering fuel. That's 20% to you, 20% to your co-driver. FSC to the owner.
I believe T-State pays .20/mile deadhead after the first 50 miles..........so if your deadheading 200 miles.......200-50=150. 150x.20=$30. Where does that $30 go? to the team or the owner?
Again, get your contract out and see what it says.........You DO have a written contract with the owner, don't you??
As far as making $XXXX one week, and $XXX another, keep track and see what your average is for the month..........
It's just the nature of expediting...

nightcreacher · Jul 21, 2008

not to brag,my co averages 200 bucks a day,everyday we are away from home,but thats an average,some days more others less,and hes been to a couple of regular route carriers,he about dbls there pay here