Taking the plunge

letsdrive · Feb 23, 2014

Well finally decided to step out. Been doing my research comparing between cv and str8 decided to go with cv with fleet owner as many have suggested starting with owner. Been trying to get prepared but even when your prepared you see howw much your not thanks for all the advice ive acquired from you all its appreciated

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ttruck · Feb 24, 2014

if u should change r mind and would br8interested in driving a st8 trk let me know work for landstar
art,863-634-6032

letsdrive · Feb 24, 2014

Alright thanks! I wanted to start small get a feel for things. Get to know expediting in general I wiill keep that in mind.

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chillout · Feb 24, 2014

Are you registered for the EOU workshop in Knoxville next week? It's a great place to get info on getting started in the buiness!

letsdrive · Feb 24, 2014

No I thought about it but will start driving this week just didnt know where I would end up

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Moot · Feb 24, 2014

Driving for a fleet owner is a good way to get a feel for expediting. During your apprenticeship pretend the van is yours. Drive it like you own it, not stole it. Keep a record of all revenue the van generates, not just your cut. Keep track of all fuel purchases and fuel mileage. Record all maintenance costs, even though the owner is paying the bill.

After six months or so you should have a general idea of the industry and whether it will be profitable for you to buy your own van. While out on the road talk to other van drivers and ask to see how their vans are set up. Many fleet owned vans aren't set up for comfort.

letsdrive · Feb 24, 2014

Thanks I set up 2 excel sheets on my labtop to keep track of what you just described thanks again

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sanderson · Feb 24, 2014

Congrats Letsdrive. Keep us updated. I almost took the plunge put I realized I needed to talk with more fleet owners and ask more questions.

sanderson · Feb 24, 2014

ttruck said:
if u should change r mind and would br8interested in driving a st8 trk let me know work for landstar
art,863-634-6032

Hi Art,

Concerning Landstar, is it strictly team based straight truck? I'd like to solo in a str8 but not much luck there. I almost got lucky with one offer unfortunately they required previous experience.

Treadmill · Feb 24, 2014

sanderson said:
Hi Art,

Concerning Landstar, is it strictly team based straight truck? I'd like to solo in a str8 but not much luck there. I almost got lucky with one offer unfortunately they required previous experience.

Landstar requires 3 yrs experience in the last 10 years in the vehicle that you want to drive if I remember correctly.

letsdrive · Feb 25, 2014

My uncle recommended landstar but I dont have 3yrs thats why I decided to start with cv see where things go and my brother is thinking of getting his cdl I think teams would work great with me and him

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runrunner · Feb 25, 2014

letsdrive said:
Alright thanks! I wanted to start small get a feel for things. Get to know expediting in general I wiill keep that in mind.

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If you start in a van, you may have trouble with the experience thing when wanting a bigger truck.
I don't mean to but in, but, I would really consider that Landstar offer,way better than a van.
Good luck!

runrunner · Feb 25, 2014

Moot is so right,keep track of everything,all the way down to deadhead miles.I used to keep track of every run on index cards.No matter how you do it,do it,and don't put it off,do it as you complete each transaction.

letsdrive · Mar 23, 2014

letsdrive said:
Well finally decided to step out. Been doing my research comparing between cv and str8 decided to go with cv with fleet owner as many have suggested starting with owner. Been trying to get prepared but even when your prepared you see howw much your not thanks for all the advice ive acquired from you all its appreciated

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After the past month Aall I can say is what a blast. Its everything I expected its not a job but a adventure lol

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rymilburn · Mar 24, 2014

Amen. That's exactly how it was for me when I started 9 months ago. Decided to buy my own $printer since I liked it so much.....

BillChaffey · Mar 24, 2014

Straight truck Solo. What about heading over to the Expediters Services EGG deal coming up in about two weeks.

letsdrive · Mar 24, 2014

BillChaffey said:
Straight truck Solo. What about heading over to the Expediters Services EGG deal coming up in about two weeks.

Egg deal? Whats that

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sanderson · Mar 24, 2014

congrats on your adventure, letsdrive. that's great that it's all working out for you.

1expeditor · Mar 25, 2014

letsdrive said:
After the past month Aall I can say is what a blast. Its everything I expected its not a job but a adventure lol

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you are so right...its a adventure every week welcome to the crazy world of expediting good luck out here