The Mother Load's here!

NoProblem

Expert Expediter
Yessiree, in the next few months, using history as a guide, most expediters will feel the pinch of longing for runs. Good runs. Many will take whatever is offered in order to make some money, settling for cut rates, short runs with long dead heads and more idling than rolling. Jan till March is slow - accept it and prepare for it. Hopefully most folks prepared for it all year long!

Hopefully, this slow season will be better than past seasons and hopefully folks won’t wait too long to position themselves profitably.

I am writing this because this is what I was looking at 4 or 5 months ago - I was trying to position myself to keep fatter than most when “skinny times” hit relying on my knowledge of the seasonal slow down to come, while some other drivers, concerning themselves with the present, neglected to worry about the future uncertainty of the seasonal slow period.

As some of you may remember from my previous posts, I quit the last expediter after two weeks - for which some folks criticized as my not allowing enough time for me to get to know the company better - but as raceman says: “it did not fit me”.

Nor can I fully understand how losing money while working for the purpose of earning money could ever fit anyone, but I will accept that it actually does.

Well folks, out of shear dumb luck, I out did myself and landed the mother load of expediting and wish to share my good fortune with you all.

Since I last posted "DIS-Orientation - finalized", I have made as much money in one month with my new company as I made in my prior 3+ months with two other expediters doing nothing more than the exact same job. That’s correct, you read it right, I more than tripled my income and have positioned myself to ride out the seasonal slow times in style!

The company I am with is A. Blair Enterprises out of Louisville Ky. Owned and operated by none other than Tom Robertson of EO fame. Here is a link to their web site: removed by LM

I would urge everyone - teams in particular and especially - who have the forward looking vision to know things will get tight in the next 3 or 4 months and who want great runs while making great money driving for an outstanding company, to look into this company same as I did. I firmly believe that if you do, you will soon discover the same thing I did - then you can thank me later:)

I can only say that things will get skinny for A. Blair Enterprises same as the whole industry - BUT - skinny times for me now means as a solo, I might only be able to hope for 2300 miles per week instead of the 3000+ I’ve been getting while driving his late model, fully loaded (including TV/DVD, fridge, microwave, etc. etc.) and very nicely spec’d. straight truck.

He has an outstanding bonus plan that is almost too easy to meet and really pumps up the weekly gross.

In the last month, I have not called in even one time looking for a load, and never plan to call in looking for another load again - with this company looking out for the driver’s welfare, there is no need to ever worry about calling in for loads again! I rested as I needed and ran only great loads for great profit.

My dead head miles are practically non-existent and have thus far been under 4% of my total miles!

Honestly, I could go on and on but the bottom line is this: this company has runs like you won’t believe until you are there and with the highest pay package in the industry, it’s a no lose situation. Don’t worry about going to NYC, Jersey or the like - they do not operate in that neck of the woods.

Teams would profit the most because long runs are the rule with this company - 1800 mile expedited runs each way are plentiful, common and frequent - and bring in an outstanding revenue for the drivers.

For those who might be interested, I urge you to check out the link I posted - I am here to tell you that I am living proof that what the link says is 100% true. For those who might wish to speak to me about it, I will give it to you straight with no BS - just message me with your phone number and I will be happy to talk with you about it.

Why am I doing this?

Simple:

I know that many of us have been getting the short end of the stick for way too long and I am willing to tell you what’s up with my new company in order to spread the wealth and good news.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and health, happiness and a very Prosperous New Year!

Steve
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
Congratulations...You're an indicator that there is a niche for everyone in this crazy business; all you gotta do is be informed and don't give up too easily. Now, don't give up altogether on Jan thru Mar. We may all be surprised.
 

NoProblem

Expert Expediter
I don't consider driving for a living to be a niche, the niche would be in surviving on a meager income - theres already plenty of drivers in that particular niche and I don't last more than two weeks under those conditions.
 

Doggie Daddy

Veteran Expediter
i can only speak for myself, but if 2005 is anything like 2004 the i don't expect any slow periods during the year. this past jan was a fairly decent month for us and it only got better as the year went on.i think it also has to do with having another year of experience, and that translates into making better decisions while we are out on the road. DD.
 

Weave

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
It really is just a matter of hooking up with a carrier that is right for you as an individual. There are plenty of places out there who can keep both teams and solos busy throughout the year. If you are not having luck at one carrier, it is much more beneficial to spend a little time and money to move on, rather than go broke hoping and praying things will get better where you are at.
I have found that gut feelings work the best, and phone calls to a carrier you are not succedding at rarely yield any long term improvements. If your guts say, "Things aren't working," then they probably aren't. Some folks do hook up at the right place for them the first time around, and have few worries about keeping loaded. For others, it can take a few tries. Don't get discouraged and give up just because your gig with expediter co. #1 didn't work out. It is as Raceman said, "Finding the fit."

Happy Holidays,
-Weave-
 

Glen Rice

Veteran Expediter
Wow what a posting! When I first started reading I got out the razors to slash my wrists! Glad I read the rest...whooo that was close! We are all thrilled to hear how well you "fit" your new carrier. I wish you continued success and prosperity! From the sounds of your new found opportunity your 2005 should be a record setter!
 

Stranded

Expert Expediter
Thanks for this post, I plan to keep your link handy.
After speaking with many drivers who have been doing this alot longer than I have (8 months) they all say the same thing you did about it getting real slow after the new year and taking bad runs just to make some money. I am afraid that if the next few months are worse than these past 8 months have been, I will be in dire need of a job that has less dead head less idle time waiting and higher pay.



So far, I average 50% deadhead and only get about 1200 miles per week - thank god I don't own this truck or I think I'd go broke buying fuel to idle.
I would message you but my cell phone minutes are reserved for my calls to dispatch so perhaps you could answere a few questions I have like, whats the % payto the driver? I;ve been thinking of getting into a cargo van or sprinter van, does this company have them or only straight trucks? Can you name a $ amounts that a solo AND a team can make per week? I'm needing to bring home $1000 a week EVRY week, so far I cant barly make 1/2 that but is it possible with them? I stay out 3 or more weeks and go home for a few days now, how often can i get home with them?
 

raceman

Veteran Expediter
I just want to say congrats to Steve he and I have talked a number of times and I am glad to see him happy and making good money. I am also glad to see that my jersey or shirt talk worked for someone. If it don't fit try something else on. Really good news. I disagree with the slow talk about the first quarter though. I see no reason for straight trucks to be slow. I can not speak for vans and Sprinters but everything I see says it will be as good if not better than last year. Steve, glad to hear it worked out I know you were about fed up. I will wish you a Merry Christmas and it sounds like you are going to have one. You need to be getting a recruiting fee for that advertisment though. :)


The Owner once called RACEMAN
 

NoProblem

Expert Expediter
So far, I average 50% deadhead and only get about 1200 miles per week - thank god I don't own this truck or I think I'd go broke buying fuel to idle.

Been there done with that.


I would message you but my cell phone minutes are reserved for my calls to dispatch so perhaps you could answere a few questions I have like, whats the % payto the driver? I;ve been thinking of getting into a cargo van or sprinter van, does this company have them or only straight trucks?

There is no percentage pay, you get paid a flat rate that varies depending on what size vehicle you are driving - so yes, this company has cargo, sprinters and straight trucks.


Can you name a $ amounts that a solo AND a team can make per week? I'm needing to bring home $1000 a week EVRY week, so far I cant barly make 1/2 that but is it possible with them?

$1000 per week take home? A solo can double that figure and a team can easily do better than triple that take home figure.

I stay out 3 or more weeks and go home for a few days now, how often can i get home with them?

Since I've only been there a month, its hard for me to give an accurate answer for home time. What I can say is that I have been home two days for every 10 or 11 days out - I guess that works out to about 3 weeks out for every one week home so far.

Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
 

NoProblem

Expert Expediter
Thanks all for the congrats!

You need to be getting a recruiting fee for that advertisment though

I feel like I get one everytime I get behind the wheel :)

Whaddya mean by "The Owner once called RACEMAN" - you gonna change handles?
 

raceman

Veteran Expediter
NoProblem, The handle change comes because it breaks my heart that a guy named Kurt one the Cup title. It is a racing thing and I am not sure I still want to be none as the Race Man. I never dreamed that would happen and I so badly wanted Dale Jr. or Mark Martin to win it that I told those in the racing circle that if Kurt won that I may no longer be able to be a Race Man. I gotta go I am in tears again. I do thank the Lord That since he did win and Jr. lost, I am glad Jr. lost it by more than 25 points. If you follow NASCAR you know why I say that. Merry Christmas. Continued success and be careful out there.
 

Tom Robertson

Veteran Expediter
First of all I would like to say .... Thanks Steve, good press is hard to come by and I really appreciate your post.
Steve is an exceptional person. He is very bright, well educated, and most importantly has the can do attitude it takes to succeed in this or any other endeavor he could possibly choose. Truly a gentleman and a scholar.

I would like to address a couple of topics regarding this post.

1. This issue of “finding the right fit” is still somewhat puzzling to me. In today’s expediting environment, I believe all carriers would admit that there is a very real shortage of quality experienced drivers. The shortage of experienced teams available is even more evident. {look at the posting for “driver’s available” (192) vs “teams available” (8) }
All carriers have a “business model” to work within. Most have a specific number of trucks needed to achieve the results they want for their specific goals.
Driver turnover is an issue that all carriers face. It is my belief that the majority of driver retention problems in this industry are directly related to misunderstood statements made by the companies hiring the drivers. In essence... “promises made...promises broken.”
We have had drivers and teams leave for a variety of reasons, this year. One driver was diagnosed with diabetes, one h/w team had to leave to take care of an elderly parent, one driver failed to re-qualify on technical issues and another was a member of the National Guard called into action to Iraq. And yes... we have had those who failed to “fit” into our system, by ignoring phone calls or refusing to follow directions (the latter two definitely being my mistake, in judgment).
I can say that we have not lost drivers due to the major issue stated above, “promises broken.”
In our 20th year in business, I understand importance of maintaining the numbers dictated by business models, but do not think that those numbers should exclude the needs and desires of the most important element of any carrier... the drivers. In fact our driver/partner’s needs and desires are paramount. If we cannot meet those needs, we will lose that partnership and be forced to find another. Driver turnover is an expensive proposition. We keep ours to a minimum by careful screening and taking the time to understand our new partner’s expectations. If those expectations are beyond our ability, we will tell the prospect that we cannot meet his/her/their expectations.

2. To anyone doubting that the first quarter of the year is the slowest in this industry, I will simply state that your experience is lacking. If you only operate one or two trucks then perhaps your numbers will not indicate this fact, however speak to any carrier and they will advise you of the truthfulness of this statement. Our first quarter of 2004 was much better than the first of 2003, but as usual still the slowest of the year. As stated earlier, we have been in expedited field for twenty years, and for all the ups and downs, this is one of the indisputable facts of this industry. Let’s all hope the differences in the first and second quarter mirror last years results, a less than dramatic difference.


PS - Raceman (once and presently known as RACEMAN)

I think I may do one better than offer a recruitment fee to Steve. We’ll keep you posted on the results!
 

Weave

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
First quarter Jan-Mar is indeed the slowest quarter as Tom stated. But, at least for me and many others who stay in service throughout it, it does not mean famine or effort wasted. No, maybe not summertime figures, but I have had first quarters that have made keeping the truck up and running well worth the while and thensome. Some folks shut down Jan-Mar, not me, no way! For those who do shut down.... Guess who is happily running all your loads? ;)

Happy Holidays,
-Weave-
 

Tom Robertson

Veteran Expediter
Weave...
Very well and simply stated... we'll be happy to pickup (pun intented) where the others stop!
Same for us in the month of July... so many take off because of the automotive shutdowns... great !
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
My hat's off to Tom Robertson (Blair Enterprises)
How refreshing is it that a company takes interest in their drivers and actually delivers on what they say.
It goes to show that when something is ran correctly,
everybody wins. I think there are some carriers out there that could learn much from his operation.
Davekc
 

NEVERHOME247

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Its really great to hear a story of success. Expediting is a crazy business. One of which many people enter into with big dreams. Only to end up with those dreams crushed. And ultimately fail. Keep us posted on your success.
 

raceman

Veteran Expediter
I agree with DaveKC. My hats off to Tom and more importantly to NoProblem. Tom, Yes the first quarter will be slow for many. It will not be slow for me and it has nothing to do with experience or number of trucks. Thanks for pointing out to me again I need to remember not everyone does what I do. I apologize if I gave anyone the impression that their business would not be slow it may very well be. Good luck doing whatever you do.I am sorry I somehow always say something that just does not belong on here. I keep forgetting I have no idea what I am doing. Merry Christmas to all.

The >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> oh well just me
 

NEVERHOME247

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Tom, Can you give us some real world figures on 2004 average gross revenue for a team? Average gross revenue for a single? Also do you employ company drivers as well as independent contractors?
 

NoProblem

Expert Expediter
Thanks again Tom and all - I am really very excited with my new venture and am looking forward to a long and prosperous carreer with A. Blair!

For Kitty Litter and Ms Puss,

On that take home of $1,000, is that after you have paid your fuel, taxes, etc?

I think you mis-read my post because $1k per week net is chump change around here. Thats right, I said $1k per week NET is chump change around here. Around here, we make folding money every week and use the the pocket change for fuel. I'm not exagerating.

You will have NoProblem doubling - or at least nearly doubling that $1000.00 net after fuel, taxes etc. :) I certainly have had NoProblem doing it. :)
 
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