Getting Started in the Seattle Area

watrucker · Jan 21, 2013

Hi all, I am new here and I have been considering getting into expediting and I would like to test the waters. I don't care for driving the big tractor trailers and I like the idea of driving a straight truck. I do enjoy aspects of OTR, I did a very brief stint with a major OTR company but driving those massive tractor trailers just isn't my cup of tea and I went back into my old job. I am single and young, and I don't have the capital nor do I want to dive into being an O/O without any formal experience in the industry. I would rather team with a O/O for a while and learn about the business. So if anyone has any suggestions on who to apply with or who to contact to maybe get into a truck let me know.

paullud · Jan 21, 2013

Click on the Classifieds tab at the top then click on Driver Wanted on the left side. There are quite a few ads there to look over but you can also just click the Find Jobs tab to apply to multiple companies where they can help you get going and put you in a truck. Is there something a little more specific you are looking for?

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Wolverine · Jan 29, 2013

I was going to suggest you compose an Ad for "Team Driver Available", but I see you're way ahead of me. How is the search progressing?

Three things: 1) Stress your willingness to learn the ropes regarding expediting without worrying about how much money you'll make in the very short term. You'll make enough to survive and shorten your learning curve by weeks, if not months, by starting with someone experienced.

2) Lower your expectations about getting home that frequently. If you want to make money at expediting, home time is determined more by proximity to home after your last run than where you are in the calender.

and 3) Lose the cigs. I gave up smoking 15+ years ago when I realized I was on a one-way street to premature death. I don't want smoke near me OR my truck! Besides, you'll look a lot more intelligent.

Good luck.

watrucker · Feb 4, 2013

Been trying to loose the cigs for 2 years now.. it's a tough thing to do. I got to get home now and then to make sure my father is okay. He isn't getting any younger, and with my mom passed away, and no siblings I worry about him being home alone for that long.

Wolverine · Feb 5, 2013

watrucker said:
Been trying to loose the cigs for 2 years now.. it's a tough thing to do. I got to get home now and then to make sure my father is okay. He isn't getting any younger, and with my mom passed away, and no siblings I worry about him being home alone for that long.

It won't be nearly as tough if a doctor tells you bad things are happening and the symptoms are there for something much worse than a cough. Believe me, fear is a great motivator.

Funny thing is, the older you get, the more you begin to believe you really ARE mortal. Suddenly life gets a lot more precious.

I understand about the ailing parent part. After my father died from a sudden heart attack (he smoked to the last day), my mother lived alone for over 27 years. I worried constantly about her, but luckily there were other relatives that filled the void I left when I went out on the road.

Hey, maybe this just isn't the best time for you to expedite. It will always be there, waiting for you. I didn't begin until I was in my sixties and it was still fun!

watrucker · Feb 5, 2013

Yeah, I know its not going anywhere, someone did call me that saw my ad but I haven't returned his call. Sadly, I am doing physical therapy for my neck which is ticking me off because it's 2 times a week. Looks like I am going back into my old job as an armed security guard until that is done.