Bob of SW Ohio
Seasoned Expediter
After much research and info gained here on the EO webpage my plans are to start driving a van as an employee of a local expediting company (I live near Cincinnati,OH)involving mostly in-state,Kentucky and Indiana runs. I start at 30% of load and increase to 40%. Average loads are small so low pay but no expenses nor costly commitment and home most nights. I have a reasonable retirement income so low wages not an issue at this time.
My ultimate goal in expediting is to be a O/O of a "D" staight truck and team with my brother who is due to retire soon. Folowing my stint as a van driver, my brother and I plan to locate a fleet owner and drive for him/her to save money towards our own truck. As I have no CDL at this time (my brother has an "A" CDL) I am questioning how is the best way to acquire a ""B" CDL with air brake endorsement? Also, are the financial rewards of having a HazMat endorsement worth the study required to get it?
I have the Ohio Commercial Drivers Handbook and am aware of webpages offering preparation assistance. I know of Expedite Solutions that provides training but they offer team training only and require other commitments (plus charge $1700-1800 and I have to live in Indy for 2-3 weeks). The local community college offers CDL "A" training for $3200 and 120 hour of class/road time. If I elect to study on my own to get my CDL and pass the written portion, where do I get experince with a 33,000 lb. GVWR truck w/airbrakes plus get a loaner to take the driving portion? HELP!
Does anyone know of a school similar to Expedite Solutions that offers individual driver training? Does anyone have suggsetions other than a formal training program? I am aware that some expediter companies will pay for your training upfront but then deduct it from future wages (ie; an upfront loan to get you to drive for them.) Luckily, I can pay for my training without this option that requires a commitment to a given company.
O.K. experinced expediters, how did you get your CDL's? Was it the best way? If you had other options, what were they? Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance!
My ultimate goal in expediting is to be a O/O of a "D" staight truck and team with my brother who is due to retire soon. Folowing my stint as a van driver, my brother and I plan to locate a fleet owner and drive for him/her to save money towards our own truck. As I have no CDL at this time (my brother has an "A" CDL) I am questioning how is the best way to acquire a ""B" CDL with air brake endorsement? Also, are the financial rewards of having a HazMat endorsement worth the study required to get it?
I have the Ohio Commercial Drivers Handbook and am aware of webpages offering preparation assistance. I know of Expedite Solutions that provides training but they offer team training only and require other commitments (plus charge $1700-1800 and I have to live in Indy for 2-3 weeks). The local community college offers CDL "A" training for $3200 and 120 hour of class/road time. If I elect to study on my own to get my CDL and pass the written portion, where do I get experince with a 33,000 lb. GVWR truck w/airbrakes plus get a loaner to take the driving portion? HELP!
Does anyone know of a school similar to Expedite Solutions that offers individual driver training? Does anyone have suggsetions other than a formal training program? I am aware that some expediter companies will pay for your training upfront but then deduct it from future wages (ie; an upfront loan to get you to drive for them.) Luckily, I can pay for my training without this option that requires a commitment to a given company.
O.K. experinced expediters, how did you get your CDL's? Was it the best way? If you had other options, what were they? Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance!
