Getting Started

[seanoo]

hello everyone,
I'm new to the expediting thing but am very eager to get started and start making some real $$ for once in my life. my uncle drove truck all his life and made some good money I love to drive and wanna know whats the best way to get my foot in the door...get a van? or a straight truck? I know vans are cheaper to get started with but you can make more with a straight truck. I am also curious how it is to get financing on a truck...i'm looking to get a used one to start with but do a lot of places want to have a lot of money down to get a truck? if so i am kinda out of luck only have bout 2K to play with.
If anyone can give me some tips on how to get going....i would really appreciate it


Thanks
Sean L.
Chicago, IL

 

[Weave]

First off, Chicago is an excellent spot to expedite out of. $2k isn't going to get you into a straight truck with all the other expenses associated with one. It would be a good down payment on a new van though, so I would go that route to start. Talk to the expediting companies on this site first before doing anything, and do a little research, as you will see needs vary greatly. For instance some companies don't need vans now, some require you to have a CDL C to haul hazmat, etc. Shouldn't be a problem hooking up with a place in Chicago though. If you have a CDL A or B or could get one and want to drive a straight truck, you may be able to hook up with a fleet owner in your area and drive for them for a while, and save some money to get your own truck. There are a lot of ways to get your feet wet in this business, so weigh your options.
-Weave-

 

[Whiterabbit]

Yup ...and as i learned insurance costs will eat ya alive if you go the owner operating thing...but dont get discouraged,lots of good leasing (with an established co.) deals going now and get on the phone...you got one good thing goin for ya ...location!

 

[seanoo]

thanks for the info ...i was wondering if 2K was enough to get a loan but i think i will get a van to get started and go from there....i'm calling come companies to see what they have for loads for vans so hope things go well.....thanks again for the responce


Sean

 

[seanoo]

thanks for the responce,
i was thinking 2K wasnt enough to get a straight but i am looking into companies that are looking for vans...so that might be the way to go to get started...i just hear that theres not a lot of loads for vans though but i may be wrong...will have to see...i have a class B and i am working on getting my hazmat as well, so when the time comes i will be ready to go with a bigger truck.

thanks again for the info and the responce