Washington DC/Balto area -- Newbie alert!

Twmaster · Nov 9, 2003

Hi all,

I've been lurking here on these forums for a little while now and have been trying to soak up the advise given.

I have a couple of questions. I am working for an international courier/expediter company here in their Washington DC and Baltimore service area. I do a mix of dedicated and expedited work using an Astro. I am looking for info on who has steady work in the area. (or should I say east coast?) I am making around $750 week gross presently on about 850 miles a week with my fixed expenses at about $500/month (communications/insurance/van pmt).

I want to purchase a larger van as Astro is getting tired and I have been looking at B's (Express and Sprinter) and C's (Freightshaker Isusu UD) without sleepers so I suppose the $64 question is am I fooling myself by thinking I can make better money in expediting and these sized trucks? I'll add the disclaimer that I am not a newb driver and know how to hustle. I also posses a C CDL w/Hazmat.

The overall feeling I get is that I am getting the short end with this outfit with pay @ 48% and waaaaaay too many fresh faces sitting around waiting for work.

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Mike N

teacel · Nov 9, 2003

Hi Mike!
There is no way to candy coat the things I have to say, and I don’t think you being a seasoned driver is looking for that, SO!!!! No expedite companies have steady work, as you put it. Some may have a few more dedicated routes than the other, but do you honestly think a company hiring you fresh out of the pot is going to turn you onto a dedicated route? You may be a seasoned driver, but you’re green when it comes to knowing the freight lanes and how to keep your deadhead miles to a minimum. Expedite clients aren’t any different than the type of clients you are delivering to now. The distance may be longer, but if you aren’t running a team you quite honestly may be better off where you are. If you are grossing $750 a week, then increase your hours or change them around, to get more trips. I did that type of work for a short time and would pull in 12 to 14 hundred a week working 10 to 12 hours a day, 6 and sometimes 7 days a week. You will get the short end of the stick no matter whom you work for in this racket. Although I think you could tell the GM of the company you are working for he needs to start waiving the 2% administrative fees and pay you 50%. If you are a true hustler for him, I don’t see why he won’t do it. You would be surprised the things a good driver can get from the company. As for you getting a new van! If you decide to stay where you’re at the mini van from Dodge is a far more superior mobile than the Astro. If you decide to take the plunge I would have to say hands down the “D” unit is the better way to go, and find you a team. If it’s a van, you may want to stay away from the sprinter and go with a Ford or Chevy.

Twmaster · Nov 10, 2003

Thanks Tony. The reply is definitely appreciated. I suppose I should have been a bit more careful in my choice of language! I *know* the expedite world works just like the courier/routed/dedicated world I am working in presently in regard to the regularity of work, meaning it isn't very regular or predictable.

I suppose what one of the core questions of my post should have asked whether or not the Balto/DC area is a busy freight lane for expedited cargo. More to the point is this a good area to be home based?

Now for vehicles. I have pretty much boiled it down to two choices and that being either a B unit (preferably a Chev Express with a Unicell body) or a D unit. My only concern is upping my CDL to a B class.

Several of the drivers I have bought a cup of joe for at some of the truck stops had suggested a B unit since most of the freight they haul ends up being load sizes of one or two skids at about 2000 pounds.

Is this BS or the straight poop?

TIA,

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Mike N

cat can do · Nov 10, 2003

Whats the concern for upgrading to a B or A. I am a self taught B license holder that just upgraded to the A. I am just waiting to take road test. I will be the first to tell you If I can do it I am sure you can without fail. This A road test does not scare me in the least but the pre-trip inspection is when I get nervous.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Whiterabbit · Nov 18, 2003

Two differences...D units are "dock high",can be accessed at the loading dock with a hilo , ya know drive on an off...and whats loaded on the pallets are not always low enough in height to go into a cargo van,...i here that you get offered many more loads because of these reasons ...but that may be "poop" also , so i defer to someone with experience...so how bout it ?

Twmaster · Nov 23, 2003

As always the replies here are interesting and often useful but nobody has answered one of my core questions.

Is the DC/Baltimore area good to work out of?

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Mike N

geo · Nov 30, 2003

that is a good area for just about all companies in that area, i would go with the new splinter as i have checked it out and room
in them is great and if your good with your hand's could fix it up to
work out just right, or if you go up to a c or d unit get a lift gate
on it bring in about 100 to 200 extra a week
also going to a straight truck with out a sleeper still get landing
gear on the back save on rear axles
egl is big in that area
and also egl is going into home delivers like fedex ground is
their are alot of choice out there

Twmaster · Nov 30, 2003

Thanks for the reply. Whom is 'egl'? I have been looking at Sprinter and Chevy Express 3500 for small vans. I am concerned about the issues some folks have mentioned about Sprinter. It would IMHO be wise to let them get the bugs worked out for US service. I have also been kicking the idea of a 'C' unit with liftgate less sleeper for regional work out of this area. Finances will dictate which path I take. I can get financing on any Chevrolet product through a dealer I have done business with for 15 years. Otherwise I may not be able to finance a truck right now. My Astro is getting tired.

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Mike N