Need Help.

Flet12345 · Dec 22, 2019

Here's the story. I was an otr driver with a few trucking companies over the years but getting abit older i wanted something different. Started research.Got general information and knew this would not be easy but was willing try. Here is where it get crazy. I got my own authority and insurance. I was mislead by some so called advisors on companies to lease on with. I bought a 2019 Ford Transit 250. Thats when the people that were helping me dropped out. I am finding out most brokers dont want someone with a new authority. Long story short ( i know im not the first to do this mess). I still want to do this.So Im looking for someone that can lead me to a company that would be interested in giving me a chance. When I research some places like Bolt and APlus. The reviews are not so good but i'm at a point where I'm willing to try anything. Please, any advice would be helpful. Thanks

fastman_1 · Dec 22, 2019

Bolt is a good company to learn the game, once you learn you’ll know where to go from there,also bad time of the year to start freight slows down till after the first of the year, the slowly starts to come back

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Grizzly · Dec 23, 2019

There is another option ....
Sell the van while you can. With low mileage it'll still have value.
Van market is completely over saturated.
Good luck ...

Flet12345 · Dec 23, 2019

Thanks for the replies. I will check out Bolt and other companies.

Worn Out Manager · Dec 23, 2019

A person with their own authority AND experience can do better than many of us working as owner operators. BUT, the key word is experience. It will take 6 to 12 months to develop experience, knowledge and contacts. The current (and future?) market does not work in favor of a start-up.

I'm going to agree with Fastman1, Bolt makes an excellent place to learn the ropes, and for many, a permanent home. I also agree with Grizzly, getting out if you still can may be a smart move.

There are currently 12 states that will issue drivers licenses to undocumented (illegal) immigrants. CA, NV, UT, CO, NM, WA ,IL ,VT ,MA, MD,DE. NJ and NY. I mention this as something to consider because many have blamed the reduction in rates on an influx of Eastern Europeans. In reality the many immigrants getting into trucking are not, IMHO, not the problem - it's the greedy carriers that exploit them. Now those same carriers have a much larger pool of drivers to choose from legally.

Moot · Dec 23, 2019

Also, you got poor advice as to buying a 250 (¾ ton) van.

Grizzly · Dec 23, 2019

Moot said:
Also, you got poor advice as to buying a 250 (¾ ton) van.

I completely glossed over that.
Good point!

Grizzly · Dec 23, 2019

Worn Out Manager said:
A person with their own authority AND experience can do better than many of us working as owner operators. BUT, the key word is experience. It will take 6 to 12 months to develop experience, knowledge and contacts. The current (and future?) market does not work in favor of a start-up.

I'm going to agree with Fastman1, Bolt makes an excellent place to learn the ropes, and for many, a permanent home. I also agree with Grizzly, getting out if you still can may be a smart move.

There are currently 12 states that will issue drivers licenses to undocumented (illegal) immigrants. CA, NV, UT, CO, NM, WA ,IL ,VT ,MA, MD,DE. NJ and NY. I mention this as something to consider because many have blamed the reduction in rates on an influx of Eastern Europeans. In reality the many immigrants getting into trucking are not, IMHO, not the problem - it's the greedy carriers that exploit them. Now those same carriers have a much larger pool of drivers to choose from legally.

Brand new authority, in a cargo van ... I think the timeframe is even longer.
It's really difficult to find the right contacts, freight, etc.

LDB · Dec 23, 2019

I retired going on 8 years ago so things have changed. Back in the day some of the more reputable choices for learning the business, in no particular order, were Bolt, Panther, PTL, Tri-State, Landstar and Fedex. You'll likely need many months of that sort of experience to get taken on and make a go of it with your own authority. Good luck.

Worn Out Manager · Dec 23, 2019

Grizzly said:
Brand new authority, in a cargo van ... I think the timeframe is even longer.
It's really difficult to find the right contacts, freight, etc.

I was being generous and supportive

I agree, that's why I thought about but never acted on getting my own authority. I'm quite happy letting Murray & Sally do the legwork & paperwork.

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Flet12345 · Dec 24, 2019

Grizzly said:
There is another option ....
Sell the van while you can. With low mileage it'll still have value.
Van market is completely over saturated.
Good luck ...

Worn Out Manager said:
A person with their own authority AND experience can do better than many of us working as owner operators. BUT, the key word is experience. It will take 6 to 12 months to develop experience, knowledge and contacts. The current (and future?) market does not work in favor of a start-up.

I'm going to agree with Fastman1, Bolt makes an excellent place to learn the ropes, and for many, a permanent home. I also agree with Grizzly, getting out if you still can may be a smart move.

There are currently 12 states that will issue drivers licenses to undocumented (illegal) immigrants. CA, NV, UT, CO, NM, WA ,IL ,VT ,MA, MD,DE. NJ and NY. I mention this as something to consider because many have blamed the reduction in rates on an influx of Eastern Europeans. In reality the many immigrants getting into trucking are not, IMHO, not the problem - it's the greedy carriers that exploit them. Now those same carriers have a much larger pool of drivers to choose from legally.

Flet12345 · Dec 24, 2019

Thanks for the advice.

Flet12345 · Dec 25, 2019

LDB said:
I retired going on 8 years ago so things have changed. Back in the day some of the more reputable choices for learning the business, in no particular order, were Bolt, Panther, PTL, Tri-State, Landstar and Fedex. You'll likely need many months of that sort of experience to get taken on and make a go of it with your own authority. Good luck.

Thanks, I'm checking some of these companies out now.

geo · Dec 25, 2019

something to check out is frayt.com apply on your phone

Grizzly · Dec 26, 2019

geo said:
something to check out is frayt.com apply on your phone

Do you have any personal experience using frayt?

geo · Dec 26, 2019

not yet only what I have been told. give me a pm with your phone number we can talk

Grizzly · Dec 27, 2019

geo said:
not yet only what I have been told. give me a pm with your phone number we can talk

My question was asked because the OP appears to be at a crossroad. He came on here seeking help. Tossing out ideas that we have no personal experience with might seem helpful or from another perspective might not.

I signed up on frayt when it started. I have not booked a single load on that platform. He cannot make a living using it. Nuff said ....

geo · Dec 27, 2019

way it was explain to be was you have to go out and find load for yourself. I'm signed up but looking for drivers in Va before I start looking customers

Grizzly · Dec 28, 2019

geo said:
way it was explain to be was you have to go out and find load for yourself. I'm signed up but looking for drivers in Va before I start looking customers

You have to go out and find loads for yourself? You're responsible for making the sale?
Then what do you need frayt for?

Flet12345 · Dec 28, 2019

geo said:
way it was explain to be was you have to go out and find load for yourself. I'm signed up but looking for drivers in Va before I start looking customers