Carrier Profiles
Rocket Expedited Services
Established in 2000 to provide time-sensitive shipping, Rocket Expedited Services of South Bend, IN is an independently-operated subsidiary of Towne Air Freight, a full service trucking operation founded in 1963.
This relationship allows Rocket the ability to extend its resources to include the collaborative talents of Towne AirFreight’s 33 Service Centers. This translates into enhanced freight opportunities for larger truck sizes (straight trucks and tractors).
Rocket's primary service area is Midwestern-centered with occasional shipments to the east coast.
The company utilizes an all-independent contractor fleet that is composed of forty percent tractor-trailers and the remainder straight trucks and cargo vans.
Ron Martin, the Director of Recruiting for Rocket, has been in the transportation industry for 19 years, working in LTL, expedited, logistics and specialized handling.
He says, "We're looking for owner-operators who understand the expedited business. He should be aware that expedited freight runs from customer to customer and he should understand that after the delivery, there might be a wait for the next load.
Patience and a good business sense are very important to be successful in this business."
The company operates on a first in, first out dispatch policy with no forced dispatch. Rocket doesn't use a Qualcomm or other satellite tracking system, the driver is only required to possess a cell phone with nationwide coverage.
Martin says that Rocket Expedited doesn't require its drivers to possess a CDL unless USDOT-mandated. However, a Hazardous Material endorsement is required for CDL "A" holders and the endorsement is recommended for CDL "B" drivers.
Martin explains, "For example, I'm looking for a straight truck owner-operator out of Detroit for a scheduled run that will require a driver with a Haz Mat endorsement. We also have similar runs from the Chicago area. The endorsement simply offers the driver more freight opportunities."
Martin says that straight trucks must have a 22' - 26' cargo box and while sleepers are not required, they are preferable. He tells us that Rocket welcomes fleet owners: "We have one owner with 11 trucks and another with 17."
Tractors and straight trucks must be 7 years old or newer. Cargo vans and Sprinter vans must be 5 years old or newer.
He adds that his company is seeking owner-operators in all truck sizes who are domiciled in a number of locations. These include:
*Chicago, IL
*Detroit, MI
*Nashville, TN
*Louisville, KY
*Indianapolis, IN
*Philadelphia, PA
*South Bend, IN
*Applicants must be 21 and have 1 year of verifiable OTR experience in a commercial motor vehicle.
*Rocket applicants must attend, complete and pass a 2-day training class and road test in the vehicle to be leased.
*Applicants must be able to read, write and comprehend English
*Applicants must pass drug screen test and USDOT physical.
Cargo van owner-operators leased with Rocket Expedited can generate around $1,000.00 per week says Martin, while straight trucks on average do around $1,500.00 per week.
Solo tractor drivers generate around $3,000.00 per week with tractor teams producing around 6,000.00 or more per week.
The Rocket Expedited "package" includes:
*100% of billable fuel surcharge goes to the driver
*$25.00 for each additional stop when authorized
*$25.00 / Hr detention time when authorized
*Weekly Settlements
*Fuel Card Program
*Direct Deposit
*Comdata card
*Affordable vehicle insurance available
*Affordable medical, dental, vision insurance available
*24-hour emergency roadside assistance
*Escrow account
*Safety and Service Awards
*Sign On Bonus
*Referral Bonus program
Recruiter Jennifer Whitney lists the qualities she's seeking in Rocket Expedited applicants:
"I'm looking for a full-time, career oriented individual with business sense who has done his research into the expedited freight business."
"I'm also looking for someone who asks a lot of questions during an interview and there are two reasons: One, it demonstrates a knowledge of the industry and two, I want them to know what they're about to enter into."
She continues, "Good people skills are a must. Naturally, he will be dealing with the customer so customer service skills are essential."
Ron Martin adds, "It's about customer service. Our dispatchers treat drivers like family and we try to make everyboddy happy If a driver doesn't get enough loads one week, we will make a real effort to find him sufficient loads the next. It's not about the miles, it's about the money the driver can earn. If a driver is willing to run, we have the loads available."
"We offer great customer service, great knowledge of the industry and we offer the opportunity to an owner-operator to make as much money as he wants. There is a lot of growth potential with Rocket Expedited."
Applicants should call Jennifer Whitney at 866 234-7464 or visit the online pre-application.