Whats up with the tractors????????
- Thread starter N DA WIND
- Start date
I agree, I was goin' to post asking about tractor trailer work in expediting... I've asked before and have gotten more negative than positive. I've spoken recently to Nations Express and All-State Express - both in NC.
I've been told that their solo tractor drivers are doin' well, however Nations Express has about 30 tractors, while All-State has about 15 tractors. Both pay about the same, both are very similar, though I will add that I got more of a patient voice out of people I've spoken with related to All-State than I have with Nations Express. That's just been my personal experience though.
I am looking to go back to solo tractor trailer work very soon.
Interested in hearing from tractor drivers and tractor O/O's.
How are the miles for solo tractor drivers?
Do they really keep you on interstates like they say they do?
Are the docks for tractor drivers in expediting tight or ???
I realize some are and some aren't, but there's a big difference in manuevering a straight truck and an 18 wheeler.
I'm very curious about tractor work in expediting.
I'm told by All-State that I can easily average 10K miles a month as a solo driver (in a tractor) in expediting.
Is that true?
Also, when I drove for PII a couple years ago, my log had to match the QC exactly - on everything. I'm not sure if that's still the way they log, but I found that to be a hassle.
Also found it cut down on my hours alot because I had to log every single little thing I did.
When it cuts into hours, it cuts into revenue.
Any comments on any of this are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Bob.
I've been told that their solo tractor drivers are doin' well, however Nations Express has about 30 tractors, while All-State has about 15 tractors. Both pay about the same, both are very similar, though I will add that I got more of a patient voice out of people I've spoken with related to All-State than I have with Nations Express. That's just been my personal experience though.
I am looking to go back to solo tractor trailer work very soon.
Interested in hearing from tractor drivers and tractor O/O's.
How are the miles for solo tractor drivers?
Do they really keep you on interstates like they say they do?
Are the docks for tractor drivers in expediting tight or ???
I realize some are and some aren't, but there's a big difference in manuevering a straight truck and an 18 wheeler.
I'm very curious about tractor work in expediting.
I'm told by All-State that I can easily average 10K miles a month as a solo driver (in a tractor) in expediting.
Is that true?
Also, when I drove for PII a couple years ago, my log had to match the QC exactly - on everything. I'm not sure if that's still the way they log, but I found that to be a hassle.
Also found it cut down on my hours alot because I had to log every single little thing I did.
When it cuts into hours, it cuts into revenue.
Any comments on any of this are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Bob.
dieselphreak2K
Expert Expediter
Well, I can definitley say that the Panther QC controls your logs. Don't vary from that punched time. Unless, you go to your driver site and see if they pinged the truck while stopped, and log it from there, but I think that would be too much hassle.
And yes, straight and 53' is a big change. Contrary to poular belief, theres alot of times that a t/t could have made the corner alot easier than my 40' of straight truck.
And yes, straight and 53' is a big change. Contrary to poular belief, theres alot of times that a t/t could have made the corner alot easier than my 40' of straight truck.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
the reason not very many posts about tractor trailers,is most of the expedite industry deals with the straight trucks,and straight truck people dont know about tractors in expedite.
in expedite the most money to be made is a team tractor trailer,runnning single you may as well go to some other work,as you will be much busier
i know the d people might disagree with me about how much to be made,but im talking in drivers wage,if your talking bottom line between D unit and a tractor,there are quite a few d umits that clear more money than a tractor,but they wont clear more than a top tractor,its just how you run your business
im not going try and recruite you to any company,its just what you want out of your business
expedite is straight thru delivery,customer needs you,glad your there in most cases,regular freight,they dont care if your alive
good luck
hope this helps a little
ooida 263839
fed ex cc since 1984
E6613
steve gilbert
in expedite the most money to be made is a team tractor trailer,runnning single you may as well go to some other work,as you will be much busier
i know the d people might disagree with me about how much to be made,but im talking in drivers wage,if your talking bottom line between D unit and a tractor,there are quite a few d umits that clear more money than a tractor,but they wont clear more than a top tractor,its just how you run your business
im not going try and recruite you to any company,its just what you want out of your business
expedite is straight thru delivery,customer needs you,glad your there in most cases,regular freight,they dont care if your alive
good luck
hope this helps a little
ooida 263839
fed ex cc since 1984
E6613
steve gilbert
I'm hearing Team, and I'm hearing Straight truck...
yes, I know expediting has an awful lot of straight trucks.
There's also a good amount of cargo vans as well.
I know there is money to be made in a team operation.
Everybody knows that, it's simple math...
2 drivers = twice the miles and miles equal money.
I'm being sung to by recruiters of expediting co.'s.... with tractors needing solo drivers. Soooo, is there anybody on these boards that can honestly tell me (preferably with past experience) if a solo tractor driver can comfortably "Take Home" over four grand a month? I'm figuring those numbers on what I've been told... 1.40 per mile to the rig, with driver getting 35 to 40 percent. Averaging about 2,500 miles a week roughly...
1. is it possible? I'm sure it is.
2. Does it happen regularly? I'd like to know.
3. Does anybody drive solo tractor trailer in expediting Currently?
4. if answer to above is yes, Please Please reply.
I've inquired about this before. And from what I'm gathering...
so far... solo tractor trailer work in expediting can not offer 4K take home a month Regularly. If it can... I'm in.
I'm doing my homework/research very very good before I jump.
Thanks again, also interested in hearing from All-State drivers and/or drivers with past experiences with All-State.
Thanks, Bob.
yes, I know expediting has an awful lot of straight trucks.
There's also a good amount of cargo vans as well.
I know there is money to be made in a team operation.
Everybody knows that, it's simple math...
2 drivers = twice the miles and miles equal money.
I'm being sung to by recruiters of expediting co.'s.... with tractors needing solo drivers. Soooo, is there anybody on these boards that can honestly tell me (preferably with past experience) if a solo tractor driver can comfortably "Take Home" over four grand a month? I'm figuring those numbers on what I've been told... 1.40 per mile to the rig, with driver getting 35 to 40 percent. Averaging about 2,500 miles a week roughly...
1. is it possible? I'm sure it is.
2. Does it happen regularly? I'd like to know.
3. Does anybody drive solo tractor trailer in expediting Currently?
4. if answer to above is yes, Please Please reply.
I've inquired about this before. And from what I'm gathering...
so far... solo tractor trailer work in expediting can not offer 4K take home a month Regularly. If it can... I'm in.
I'm doing my homework/research very very good before I jump.
Thanks again, also interested in hearing from All-State drivers and/or drivers with past experiences with All-State.
Thanks, Bob.
easyrider2697
Expert Expediter
Well lets start by saying that I (we now) am a con-way transplant, and from my point of view, since the transfer I am making more money and running less miles to do so. I average around 2600 miles a week when I was running solo and a little over 5500 a week as a team. Not every week will be as good as the next but as most of you know that is part of the buisness. Taking the good with the bad is all part of it. If you have a good work ethinc and are responsible enough to make on time pick up and deliveries and deal with the frequent beeps from the qc you will be fine.
I have had very few trips that took me too far off the interstate but have had a couple that did, again all part of the job, I have had loads that were less than 25 miles (deadhead included) and loads that were over 2500 all in the same week. I tarted out in this buisness over 8 yrs ago in a cargo, then moved to a straight and my final destination in a tractor where I have spent the last 5 yr in, I dont know where the misconception came from that there is not a lot of expedite freight for a tractor, but there is,I cannot remember a time in the last 5 yrs where my truck has sat for more than 24 hours without a load (other that oos or hours problems).
As for the tracking part of the QC and having to match your logs to it, I really dont see a problem with following the law and logging it as you do it, this way there is never a problem with it and your company will stand behind you 100%
I hope this answered some of your questions, if not send me a message I will try to answer them to the best of my abality, based on the numbers that my truck has done..
I have had very few trips that took me too far off the interstate but have had a couple that did, again all part of the job, I have had loads that were less than 25 miles (deadhead included) and loads that were over 2500 all in the same week. I tarted out in this buisness over 8 yrs ago in a cargo, then moved to a straight and my final destination in a tractor where I have spent the last 5 yr in, I dont know where the misconception came from that there is not a lot of expedite freight for a tractor, but there is,I cannot remember a time in the last 5 yrs where my truck has sat for more than 24 hours without a load (other that oos or hours problems).
As for the tracking part of the QC and having to match your logs to it, I really dont see a problem with following the law and logging it as you do it, this way there is never a problem with it and your company will stand behind you 100%
I hope this answered some of your questions, if not send me a message I will try to answer them to the best of my abality, based on the numbers that my truck has done..
kwexpress
Veteran Expediter
KW Express
o/o till I die.
My brother drives as a solo in a company owned truck.
hes home every night has insurance and retirement and brings home 980.00 a week after taxes
The company he drives for is bestway express out of Vincennes,IN
he has the same run everyday home every night and off every weekend.
they dont call it expedited but he hauls parts for toyota suppliers.
never hauls more than 10,000 lbs. on about 8 skids but they only use tractors.
so if he can do it with a regular otr company you should be able to do it as an expedite driver no problem but I wouldnt count on being home eevery night.
now I have a question for you $1.40 a mile for a tractor?
Isnt that kinda low?
o/o till I die.
My brother drives as a solo in a company owned truck.
hes home every night has insurance and retirement and brings home 980.00 a week after taxes
The company he drives for is bestway express out of Vincennes,IN
he has the same run everyday home every night and off every weekend.
they dont call it expedited but he hauls parts for toyota suppliers.
never hauls more than 10,000 lbs. on about 8 skids but they only use tractors.
so if he can do it with a regular otr company you should be able to do it as an expedite driver no problem but I wouldnt count on being home eevery night.
now I have a question for you $1.40 a mile for a tractor?
Isnt that kinda low?
Interesting replies. as far as the 1.40 being low for a Tractor in expediting, I don't know... From what I understand though, is that most co.'s are gettin' 1.40 to 1.50 per mile to their tractors.
EasyRider, The idea of tractor solo drivers being rare in expediting has come up because there does not seem to be many at all that talk on EO. Most of the EO members are teams, and/or solo's in either straight trucks or cargo vans. I'd consider goin' back to a straight truck, but from what I've been told... and experienced myself, it's kinda tough to make it as a solo in a straight truck due to the teams out there now.
Now PII never really went after me. Actually, out of the 3 or 4 co.'s in expediting that called me back... only one is still actively trying to recruit me. That, to me, says something. My record is clean too, so I doubt it's a desperation thing on their part.
The tractor comments are especially helpful, keep them coming.
Thank you. Bob.
EasyRider, The idea of tractor solo drivers being rare in expediting has come up because there does not seem to be many at all that talk on EO. Most of the EO members are teams, and/or solo's in either straight trucks or cargo vans. I'd consider goin' back to a straight truck, but from what I've been told... and experienced myself, it's kinda tough to make it as a solo in a straight truck due to the teams out there now.
Now PII never really went after me. Actually, out of the 3 or 4 co.'s in expediting that called me back... only one is still actively trying to recruit me. That, to me, says something. My record is clean too, so I doubt it's a desperation thing on their part.
The tractor comments are especially helpful, keep them coming.
Thank you. Bob.
kwexpress
Veteran Expediter
KW Express
o/o till i die
Interesting replies. as far as the 1.40 being low for a Tractor in expediting, I don't know... From what I understand though, is that most co.'s are gettin' 1.40 to 1.50 per mile to their tractors.
are the expedite companies gettin that or given that?
I find it hard to take that 1.40-1.50
when its posible for a new start-up company to get those kind of rates or better than that off getloaded I would not see why anyone would want to expedite for that.
I thought panther was paying $1.65 for tractors back in 1997 and thats when fuel was .95 a gallon.
they surely didnt drop there rates to owners so they could act like they was given a fsc did they?
I guess thats why I am confused about the 1.40 to 1.50 cause the fuel has more than doubled they surely arent paying that.
I just booked a load from dart that paid 1.85 on 1100 mile and that was cheap south texas freight.Yes it took me a couple hours of people tring to convience me that I wouldnt get more than 1.10 for truckload but brokers try to pull that crap everyplace anymore and I just say no thanks and hang up after 20 or thirty calls I usally get $2 plus so I would think expedite would be better than that.
I was under the impression that expedite was more like $3 per mile
dont seem unreal to me as far as tractor freight goes.
o/o till i die
Interesting replies. as far as the 1.40 being low for a Tractor in expediting, I don't know... From what I understand though, is that most co.'s are gettin' 1.40 to 1.50 per mile to their tractors.
are the expedite companies gettin that or given that?
I find it hard to take that 1.40-1.50
when its posible for a new start-up company to get those kind of rates or better than that off getloaded I would not see why anyone would want to expedite for that.
I thought panther was paying $1.65 for tractors back in 1997 and thats when fuel was .95 a gallon.
they surely didnt drop there rates to owners so they could act like they was given a fsc did they?
I guess thats why I am confused about the 1.40 to 1.50 cause the fuel has more than doubled they surely arent paying that.
I just booked a load from dart that paid 1.85 on 1100 mile and that was cheap south texas freight.Yes it took me a couple hours of people tring to convience me that I wouldnt get more than 1.10 for truckload but brokers try to pull that crap everyplace anymore and I just say no thanks and hang up after 20 or thirty calls I usally get $2 plus so I would think expedite would be better than that.
I was under the impression that expedite was more like $3 per mile
dont seem unreal to me as far as tractor freight goes.
As a Contracted Driver, a "Driver For Hire".... I'm not going to fuss over 40 percent of either 1.40 or a 1.50 per mile.
Especially when I'm not payin' for fuel or tolls.
I don't believe tractors in expediting are gettin' much over 2.00 per mile. In fact, upon further researching, I think most of the "Main Carriers" within the expediting community are averaging 1.50 roughly.
Additionally, A co. may pay 1.85 per mile to the tractor, but if a driver "Feels" more comfortable in a co. paying 1.40 or a 1.50 per mile to the truck - that's a factor in the decision process.
I can work for a co. making more money, but I can also be watched over much much more. I'm not an "outlaw trucker", but I do like to make money. The 1.85 co. may have you doin' 34 hour restarts every other weekend, while the 1.40 co. may be able to keep you rolling with more miles, or more friendly dispatch, or more truck friendly locations and routes. Yes, the amount of money per mile is a main factor... but, there's additional factors besides money per mile to consider.
I'm still curious to hear from more tractor drivers in the expediting community. Their experiences as tractor drivers in the expediting sector of truck transport... their types of loads and freight, their types of locations they tend to frequent. I'm also curious about the consistency of loads and miles they're getting...
all questions we have yet to have answered on this thread.
Bob.
Especially when I'm not payin' for fuel or tolls.
I don't believe tractors in expediting are gettin' much over 2.00 per mile. In fact, upon further researching, I think most of the "Main Carriers" within the expediting community are averaging 1.50 roughly.
Additionally, A co. may pay 1.85 per mile to the tractor, but if a driver "Feels" more comfortable in a co. paying 1.40 or a 1.50 per mile to the truck - that's a factor in the decision process.
I can work for a co. making more money, but I can also be watched over much much more. I'm not an "outlaw trucker", but I do like to make money. The 1.85 co. may have you doin' 34 hour restarts every other weekend, while the 1.40 co. may be able to keep you rolling with more miles, or more friendly dispatch, or more truck friendly locations and routes. Yes, the amount of money per mile is a main factor... but, there's additional factors besides money per mile to consider.
I'm still curious to hear from more tractor drivers in the expediting community. Their experiences as tractor drivers in the expediting sector of truck transport... their types of loads and freight, their types of locations they tend to frequent. I'm also curious about the consistency of loads and miles they're getting...
all questions we have yet to have answered on this thread.
Bob.
Let me bump this back to the top to ask "more questions"...
Say there's 3 Expediters sittin' ina truck stop...
1 tractor, 1 straight truck, and one cargo van/Sprinter.
All are signed on with the same co.
all are solo drivers.
all of them have hours available.
500 mile trip comes up, any of them could easily take it...
The load is 2 pallets, who is gonna get it? and why?
The little guy 'cause he can run it harder and maybe a bit faster?
More questions, the load goes far out into the mid-west...
would the tractor get it because tractor freight is easier to get?
Another different question is: Let's say a solo tractor driver is out there in an area where's there's no expedited freight available... but there's plenty of regular freight available to many locations throughout the Eastern US... will that mean the tractor will have a chance at it, or will the expediting co. hold that tractor out there until an expediting load becomes available in say 2 or 3 days?.
Once again, lets add that the driver has hours available and conditions are favorable.
Let's say they're in "expedited freight lanes"...
Who would sit more...
a solo tractor or a solo straight truck?
Thanks,
Bob.
Say there's 3 Expediters sittin' ina truck stop...
1 tractor, 1 straight truck, and one cargo van/Sprinter.
All are signed on with the same co.
all are solo drivers.
all of them have hours available.
500 mile trip comes up, any of them could easily take it...
The load is 2 pallets, who is gonna get it? and why?
The little guy 'cause he can run it harder and maybe a bit faster?
More questions, the load goes far out into the mid-west...
would the tractor get it because tractor freight is easier to get?
Another different question is: Let's say a solo tractor driver is out there in an area where's there's no expedited freight available... but there's plenty of regular freight available to many locations throughout the Eastern US... will that mean the tractor will have a chance at it, or will the expediting co. hold that tractor out there until an expediting load becomes available in say 2 or 3 days?.
Once again, lets add that the driver has hours available and conditions are favorable.
Let's say they're in "expedited freight lanes"...
Who would sit more...
a solo tractor or a solo straight truck?
Thanks,
Bob.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
If that expedited driver knows the business,he doesnt sit out in never never land,part of the reason for high tarrif,he dead heads to good area,may get paid,might not for dead head,but better to be in busy area than sit days for no freight,and if company gets him cheap broker load,in long run, hes loosing the revenue he would get from the expedited tarrif,also why take freight to a bad area
you want to make it in this industry,take the pay your offered,then figure the miles you will be running,loaded and empty,included where about your next run will be,if the revenue is right then go for it,if not say no
fed ex cc since 1984
ooida 263839
E6613
steve gilbert
you want to make it in this industry,take the pay your offered,then figure the miles you will be running,loaded and empty,included where about your next run will be,if the revenue is right then go for it,if not say no
fed ex cc since 1984
ooida 263839
E6613
steve gilbert
marvinkwagner
Not a Member
Steve is right.
Watch where there sending ya if the areas bad dont take the load, if its agood take it.
Tractors for the most part hold there own.
I agree with the above.
Kev
Watch where there sending ya if the areas bad dont take the load, if its agood take it.
Tractors for the most part hold there own.
I agree with the above.
Kev
NoProblem
Veteran Expediter
Let me bump this back to the top to ask "more questions"...
Say there's 3 Expediters sittin' ina truck stop...
1 tractor, 1 straight truck, and one cargo van/Sprinter.
All are signed on with the same co.
all are solo drivers.
all of them have hours available.
500 mile trip comes up, any of them could easily take it...
The load is 2 pallets, who is gonna get it? and why?
The little guy 'cause he can run it harder and maybe a bit faster?
2 skids going 500 miles is a van load – the cargo van guy gets the first offer because:
1) It’s a cargo van load, and 2) the cargo van’s rate is the lowest.
More questions, the load goes far out into the mid-west...
would the tractor get it because tractor freight is easier to get?
Not necessarily.
Another different question is: Let's say a solo tractor driver is out there in an area where's there's no expedited freight available... but there's plenty of regular freight available to many locations throughout the Eastern US... will that mean the tractor will have a chance at it, or will the expediting co. hold that tractor out there until an expediting load becomes available in say 2 or 3 days?.
Once again, lets add that the driver has hours available and conditions are favorable.
I’d say this scenario all depends on the O/O and also the carrier.
Let's say they're in "expedited freight lanes"...
Who would sit more...
a solo tractor or a solo straight truck?
The straight truck would sit more.
My .02
Say there's 3 Expediters sittin' ina truck stop...
1 tractor, 1 straight truck, and one cargo van/Sprinter.
All are signed on with the same co.
all are solo drivers.
all of them have hours available.
500 mile trip comes up, any of them could easily take it...
The load is 2 pallets, who is gonna get it? and why?
The little guy 'cause he can run it harder and maybe a bit faster?
2 skids going 500 miles is a van load – the cargo van guy gets the first offer because:
1) It’s a cargo van load, and 2) the cargo van’s rate is the lowest.
More questions, the load goes far out into the mid-west...
would the tractor get it because tractor freight is easier to get?
Not necessarily.
Another different question is: Let's say a solo tractor driver is out there in an area where's there's no expedited freight available... but there's plenty of regular freight available to many locations throughout the Eastern US... will that mean the tractor will have a chance at it, or will the expediting co. hold that tractor out there until an expediting load becomes available in say 2 or 3 days?.
Once again, lets add that the driver has hours available and conditions are favorable.
I’d say this scenario all depends on the O/O and also the carrier.
Let's say they're in "expedited freight lanes"...
Who would sit more...
a solo tractor or a solo straight truck?
The straight truck would sit more.
My .02
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
I can say that every time I am at Driver's Lounge it seems that TRI-STATE has purchased more new trailers.
The tractor division is headed up by a former Con-Way Manager.
My experience with Con-Way TT freight operations has been very positive. I have found them to be quite professional and the TRI-STATE tractor division has benefited from that professionalism.
The tractor division is headed up by a former Con-Way Manager.
My experience with Con-Way TT freight operations has been very positive. I have found them to be quite professional and the TRI-STATE tractor division has benefited from that professionalism.
They key with tractors is keeping the wheels turning. That is difficult at times to do with expedite. What we do is have a blend of different kinds of loads including expedite,lanes, general, dedicated and even run some straight truck loads with our tractors. We also have a local program that pays on percentage. The success of our tractor fleet has been based on the gross pay per week versus the pay per mile. This is very important for fleet owners that pay thier drivers per the mile. The majority of what we haul is expedite, but I am sure not going to let one of my guys sit in Texas or the East Coast for 3-5 days. I will move that truck and get the O/O back in the loop and making money as soon as possible.