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straight up talk regarding expiditing

K

kybowtie_1

Expert Expediter
:) First of all: Thanks to whomever set up this format.
Now a little background. I am 50 and have worked 25 years as a constuction electrician. I quit that five years ago and took a electrical maintenance job but I am not an inside (factory) person. I used to haul livestock (bob truck) and I enjoyed it. I am the kind of person who is dedicated to my work.
Here is the question: There is no doubt that I would enjoy expiditing but I don't want to expidite unless there is some money in it.
I live in Western Ky. and I am willing to stay out 10 days or so but I would like to be in for two days after that. (to visit my wife)
I have been visiting chat sites and there seem to be more expiditers saying that they want out. (not making money) Could some good expiditers give me some direction here as to whether I need to pursue this? Thanks so much
 
davekc

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Your best bet is to research the archives here at EO and attend one of the upcoming workshops. Feb is Knoxville, and a little closer to your home in Louisville in March.
Between all that it will put you in a place to make a well informed decision.




Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 
R

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
You will find many of the Expedite companys exhibiting there with equipment and personel. These companys will be the major players but there are smaller carriers that may not be able to afford the exhibit costs but might fit in very well with your needs.
You will probably be able to speak with present expediter drivers and fleet owners and get a feel if this is what you want to do.
Some individuals paint this industry as a bed of roses,that it is not. It has many frustrations and is not for everyone. Income and your lifestyle is erratic. If you need and want a organized lifestyle,expediting is not for you. It is not unusal to receive a call at 9 PM or on a Saturday at 2 PM with a trip that MUST be covered now.
Having said that,lots of folks including me thrive on the iregularity of Expediting.
I think one of the main reasons that I have stayed in expediting for 20 years is ,that when If I want to take Tuesday off I do it. The income is adequate but the freedom is priceless. At least to me.
 
B

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
Stay where your at until you have all your questions answered. Spend your free time, traveling to these Confrences and talking with REAL DRIVERS not just the recruiters.

You will soon find out who is tellin it straight. Dave said the Freedom is pricesless have to agree, but know the downsides as well, before you decide. Income will be based on how you base it. Going home every ten days impossible, where you live though is a great location central in the Country so thats a strong plus.

Do you want to be an O/O or drive for someone else and share the revenue? Do you want to team (I highly discourage that one)? Your gona have to figure out how to market yourself to a company or O/O.
 
K

kybowtie_1

Expert Expediter
To all who took there time to respond to my questions A BIG THANK YOU! Being home ever 10 days isn't possible?
 
R

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
If you come to the Louisville show I believeall of the Expediting Exhibitorswill be concentrated in the West Wing of the Expo. Stop by the EO booth and say hello. In fact that invitation extends to everyboddy,nice to put a face besides the name. Maybe Reddytruck will remove his paper bag.:p
 
K

kybowtie_1

Expert Expediter
I am looking forward to the expo in Louisville. I am searching the archives and listening to you who have experience, trying to decide if this is a real opportunity or isn't. I will keep plugging away and any advice any of you would like to share with me, please do because it is much appreciated. Thanks again;)
 
LDB

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
To get some idea on money go to:

http://www.ooida.com/trucking_tools/CPM/cost_per_mile.htm

That will give you an idea of various expenses to expect. You can experiment with it and see if you like the results. If you are flexible in that you might go out and in 7 or 8 days get a load delivering near home and go home while next time you may be out 15 days before you get a load delivering near home you should do ok. If you are rigid in 10 days out then 2 home you'll have lots of deadhead expense to deal with. If you get with a good carrier and learn your business you can make money. The carriers you see advertising here are good however some are very good for teams and not strong for solo and some are the opposite so you need to research them well based on your particular plans. Good luck to you.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 
B

BigBusBob

Veteran Expediter
Driver
That's a great link Leo! Thanks!
I printed it out and plan on reading it very closely.

Kybowtie... just go to the truck show in Kentucky... I will put money on the table that you WILL enjoy it. Take film for the camera and bring batteries for it if it's digital.
Take the camcorder with extra tapes and good batteries as well.

Bring comfortable walkin' shoes, and be ready to carry alot of free brochures and stuff around in bags.

Try to park close if you can, in case you need to walk out to unload the stuff.
The 3 day show is awesome, and I'm planning to attend it myself.

I went to the Dallas show and it seemed smaller to me than the last time I went to it (back in 99 I think it was - the 1st year they had it).

The KY show has been goin' on for over 30 years now though, and it's HUGE!
The Chrome that's there, oh my - don't even get me started.
 
K

kybowtie_1

Expert Expediter
Thanks Rich and Leo for the help.
You mentioned something that is already on my mind and that is what co. to go with. One factor that I am sure of is that I will be a solo, that is just what I like. Tri State has sent me some material and to be honest at first glance it is quite confusing because I don't know the lingo. $1000 escrow? Escrow for what? Qual Comm- $250 escrow?
I have talked to three recruiters on the phone and they all make a good pitch but I can tell you this, I will give much more weight to what I can dig up from you people and other places than I will just listening to a recruiter.
Here is a very important question idf anyone would could help. What about health insurance? Of course I realize that I would be paying but if I could get in on a goup rate, that would sure help my situation. how do you guys handle health care?
Thanks Again for taking time to help
 
B

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
Health Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or others. We are ALL self employed no carrier has the responsiblity of paying any benefits or your classified an employee. In Expediting, there are no empoloyees that I am aware of. If so I WOULD LOVE A JOB, hard worker, will stay out etc.... etc... if benefits are included...

Thats what I thought I will keep my day job being self employed.
 
K

kybowtie_1

Expert Expediter
BroomPilot, Thanks. What I am referring to is the fact that i am diabetic and health insuance underwriters will not insure me even though one pill a day keeps it under control. However, I am told a group plan would take me with no questions.
 
B

BigBusBob

Veteran Expediter
Driver
The last time I went to the Louisville, KY Truck Show was the 1st time. and that was back in 2000 I think - nearly 6 years ago.
I'm gettin' misty-eyed just thinkin' about it.
All my favorite things,
Chrome, lights, truck stuff, and Southern women.
Anyways, I ended up staying at a bed and breakfast place (I think it was called Central Park Bed and Breakfast) that was nice, but a bit pricey - I had the whole 3rd floor of the place to myself. Would I stay there again, no. Bed and breakfast places are nice if you don't mind a breakfast that tastes really good, but you have no clue what it is. I would have stayed at a hotel but they were all booked up that were close to the fairgrounds.
This year when I attend I'm planning to stay in the truck.
Does anybody know if there are showers there for the drivers that park at the fairgrounds??? I doubt it.
I don't remember a whole lot of the area 'cause it's been awhile since I was there.

I remember there was a Cracker Barrel right out front. The Pride and Polish competition was awesome too. I remember walking for what seemed like miles inside looking at booths.

I'm tellin' you, if it's not at the show, and it's got to do with the trucking industry - somebody can get it.
and if they can't, then it don't exist.

The show is like no other, and I've heard that the Expediters pavilion at the KY show has been well spoken of.

I almost went a couple years ago but the schedule and loads unfortately didn't take me near there.
This time -
I'm planning on taking my "home-time" at the show.

There's plenty of hotels that surround the fairgrounds.
Many rooms are booked for next years show while people are attending the show. I'm sure that somebody on the board here can clue you in more about the hotels and area's around the show - I'll be trying to read and keep up myself regarding the topics regarding the truck show in KY... in the end of March.
 
R

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
If you can't get a room in the lousiville area try lexington KY,only about 1 hour away.
 
x06col

x06col

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Retired Expediter
US Army
If you are diabetic, I suggest you forward your physical evaluation results to the Carriers you are considering. Because diabetes is controlled does not mean you will be qualified with the Carriers Doc reading the results. At a minimum you may be required to test and send results frequently to the carrier. Allthough not a show stopper, the pain in the ##### to comply with requirements may get overwelming.
 
T

The Gibster

Expert Expediter
Regarding the showers Bob, there are some . . .but they're like campground showers and only cleaned after close. Bring your own stuff and towels. They're along side the main building, up from the pride and polish area. When we drove into the truck parking areas last time you're basically pointing right at them.

The Gibster
"Hey, leave some chrome for me"!


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