Driver Lifestyles
Expediting Specialists
Carroll Bean says that he never experienced the confusion and doubt that many are confronted with when planning a career or profession.
He says, "I had uncles and other family members who were truck drivers, so from the age of 3 years old or so, I knew what I wanted to do!"
Carroll says that he was so sure of his future profession that he shared his dream of driving with his childhood friend, Dora, who would eventually become Mrs. Bean.
His passion for driving was such that when he and Dora were still dating, the couple would occasionally grab a ride in a friend's tractor/trailer. "This was back in the time before today's restrictive rider policies," he laughs.
Carroll and Dora originally hail from Bethel, Maine, a small town near the Vermont state line. The couple now resides in Alburg, VT.
Carroll
At the age of 17, Carroll began his driving career behind the wheel of a small GMC truck, delivering soft drinks. He states that he was so excited to be driving professionally that, "I would have done it for free."
"I started driving tractor/trailer when I was 19," he continues. "I drove for a company that allowed me to drive at night, all within the state of Maine. My truck was an old White 9000 model; it was a single axle pulling a 40-foot open top van trailer. I hauled sawdust and wood shavings around the state."
Carroll says that during a truck-driving career that has spanned over 30 years (he's 53 years old), he has driven everything from tankers to flatbeds to lowboys to vans and has hauled everything except livestock.
"I did take a couple of short breaks from trucking," he says. "There was one period of a couple months when I ran a crane, but it just wasn't the same. Another time, I operated machinery for about a year, but again, I missed trucking."
"In my last trucking job, I hauled new cars. It was good pay, but it was a challenge to load/unload the cars; in fact, the job itself was a challenge. I worked as a car hauler for 15 years until my last company began shipping by rail and they closed all the terminals."
Dora
"I met Carroll in Sunday school when we were ten years old," Dora Bean remembers. "We would up living in the same neighborhood, we dated through high school and we were married in 1968."
Dora (53) worked as a homemaker, raising 3 children (2 boys, 1 girl). "For a time, we lived on a beautiful little farm. We tried to raise pigs, chickens and cows, but the kids made pets of them all and then we couldn't bear to eat them. When the kids were a little older, I worked as a waitress."
The Beans' children have pursued an interesting variety of occupations: Tim (33) works as a heavy equipment operator and Michael (31) is an extreme motorcyclist who performs with a group of riders called the "Ballistic Clown Crew." This group takes their show to racetracks and similar events and has produced videos of the show. Jenn (29) works in the medical profession as an assistant to an urologist.
Introduction to expediting
"At about the time the car hauler company shut down," Carroll says, "we discovered Roberts Express (now FedEx Custom Critical) through a truck dealer. We were thinking about buying a tractor, and although Dora wanted to drive with me, she didn't want to drive a big truck."
Dora adds, "I was tired of being alone after the kids were gone and we thought it would be great to work together and see the country."
"I didn't really know anything about expediting," Carroll continues, "and couldn't see how I could make a living with a small 6-wheeler. I was always taught that the more you could carry, the better it was, but I soon found that expediting is different."
Carroll says that the couple investigated the expediting business for about a year before signing on with Roberts Express around September 1994.
Their first truck was a 1995 Freightliner FL70 with an 80-inch sleeper and a 22-foot box that they operated for 4 1/2 years. Carroll tells us that the income they generated exceeded their expectations, but 1995 provided a rude awakening.
"With the reduced business that year, we had to tighten our belts. Fortunately, we had enough to see us through, but the lesson is that you have to plan ahead and save money. When you're prepared, you can weather those storms."
Dora says of expediting: "This truck is about as big a vehicle as I want to drive. I have to say, the first six months were stressful, learning to drive a bigger vehicle than I was used to. I was actually losing my hair with the tension I experienced in the beginning. Of course, I got over the stress, and now I love this lifestyle!"
Specialized expediting
Carroll states that he discovered long ago that one has to specialize in trucking to make a buck. He and Dora met people who were in Roberts' White Glove Division, the company's specialized handling department.
The unique qualities of the loads and the services provided by White Glove appealed to the couple, and after three years of "express" service for Roberts, they began the application process for White Glove.
"After beginning the White Glove acceptance process, nine months later we were invited up to Akron, OH. We met with Dave Hodge of White Glove, received our orientation and have never regretted it. In our time in this segment of expediting, we have found the people in White Glove are almost like family."
"Many new customers never realize that there is a company that provides a special service like ours. We've often seen this scenario: We'll pick up an extremely hot load, and at the same time, a company representative from the pick up will fly out to the shipment's destination to meet us when we deliver. They are usually quite impressed by the fact that we arrive when promised and they are fascinated by the way expediting works."
"It's so amazing that in expediting, time sensitivity is key. It's not always get the load there as fast as possible, but quite often, at a specific time," says Carroll. "In expediting, we serve a special need and we're always trying to solve a problem and find a solution."
Dora says that it's her job to take over at the docks, and act as a spotter when Carroll is maneuvering into a slot.
"I enjoy visiting with the shippers and consignees, and the people treat me better than they do Carroll," she adds jokingly.
Some loads require real physical labor, but Dora tells us that, "FedEx has been good to us when we need help with heavy loads. The company will usually send a couple of other Fed Ex Custom Critical contractors out to our location and they will assist us in unloading or moving the freight."
She relates an anecdote about this business: "We were delivering some NASA material one time, and there were some important looking scientists or engineers standing nearby. I was a little intimidated, thinking what could we talk about with them, when they began asking about our truck, the work we do, the places we see, etc. They seemed to be very interested, and I realized that we had a key role in what they do, and an important role in business as well."
Hazardous transport
"We're trained for nuclear and explosives transport," Carroll says. "It's an aspect of the industry that White Glove Division services and it requires specialized training - particularly with radioactive materials. We don't usually haul any radioactive material that is all that hot, however, it's low-dosage radiation."
He continues, "We've found that many contractors shy away from nuclear hauling because of the time-consuming safety procedures, and not because of the danger."
"Safety is key with these materials, and it can be a slow process going through the proper steps in loading, unloading and transport."
"For explosives and military loads, we need to know the background on the level of explosives, and the hazards associated with them. We take a lot of ammunition and similar loads that require extra security, such as the Dual Driver Protection System (DDPS) and other security measures."
"We're frequently asked why we don't have a climate control box, particularly for White Glove type of work. We went back and forth about climate control when spec'ing our White Glove truck, but we haven't found it necessary, and Fed Ex Custom Critical has been fine with our choice; we stay very busy as it is."
"Ironically, many of the military shippers do not want a reefer around some types of explosives."
An endorsement
Dolli Cocciolone is a FedEx Custom Critical White Glove Services Senior Agent/Dispatcher. Dolli has been at FedEx Custom Critical since 1984.
"The Beans are one of the finest teams White Glove has ever had. I am so very proud to send this team to any customer we have. I know they will get the job done in a very professional manner."
Carroll and Dora return the respect that the company bestows on the couple: "We think FedEx Custom Critical is a great company; obviously, we wouldn't have been with them this long if we didn't like them."
"Like all businesses, it has its ups and downs, but that's due to the economy. They're great to work with; they're professional, personable and they treat us like human beings. They've always been quick to help with any customer situation, directions, etc. We've never any problems with settlements or paperwork."
"We find that it's best to work with your company and not against them."
The Beans' current truck (their second one) is a 1999 FL70. This truck is outfitted with a 70-inch sleeper and a 24 foot cargo box that's 13' 6'' high and 102" wide. They equipped it with a 4000 lb. Lift gate, but did not choose to go with climate control.
Carroll and Dora say that the expediting business has provided them with rewards that are not measured in dollars and cents. Dora says, "This business also allows us to see so many places we never thought we would ever see. We've been to so many places in this country. We can take the time to go places and we love to travel together."
The limelight
The Bean's have had their moments in the spotlight prior to this profile. A few years back, ABC Nightly News produced a segment for the show about technology. The Bean's, and how they used the Qualcomm satellite system in their business, were the subject of a 3-4 minute piece on the news program. Carroll says the film crew spent a full day with the couple - filming them driving, making a pick up, etc.
The couple has also been spotlighted in print media as well; they've been interviewed by Owner/Operator magazine and Overdrive.
Carroll and Dora have also been honored by FedEx Custom Critical with a Four Star Award in 2001. The team has logged well over a million accident-free miles, with no moving violations.
Carroll adds that one of the honors of which he is most proud is when he and Dora were nominated for the American Trucking Association's "America's Road Team" in 2000 and 2002. In 2000, they not only made it to the finals, but also received a runner up award.
"I can remember when truck drivers were the knights of the road," says Carroll. "Truckers would stop and help disable motorists, give directions and just in general, help the motoring public. We'd like to see that image of trucking return to that."
An entertaining pastime
Dora's mother was in a nursing home for a period of time and Carroll's mother resides in a home as well. The couple says that they can appreciate the loneliness and boredom the senior citizens experience in the homes, so for a few years now, they donate their time and services to various nursing/retirement homes around the country.
Carroll says that when the couple pulls into a new town, they will contact a home and offer to provide the residents with a "mini-concert" free of charge. Carroll is the guitarist and singer of the duo and Dora provides accompaniment on the keyboard and synthesizer.
With a repertoire that includes country, the 40's and the 50's, with older dance music thrown in, the couple entertains the residents for 15 to 30 minutes, "or as long as they'll listen!"
Carroll states that over the years, the couple has performed at dozens of nursing homes and they have always been invited back to entertain.
As if the Beans' didn't have enough on their plate, Carroll and Dora are also Trucker Buddies to Mrs. Merrell's 3rd grade class at Yellowstone Elementary School in Rock Springs, WY.
"We try to write a letter every week and tell the class where we've been. Carroll will talk about safety and he'll do a printout map of where we've been. I'll answer every letter from the kids."
"This is our fifty year with Mrs. Merrell's class," Dora continues, "but so many families have moved out of the area, the school is closing at the end of this semester. We've only been there once, but we'll be sorry to see it gone. It's an eighty year old building, and walking down the hallways is like a trip back in time."
Ellen Voie, Executive Director of Trucker Buddy says, "Trucker Buddy drivers such as Carroll & Dora Bean take time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences on the road with young students. Not only are they teaching these children about the trucking industry but they are helping them with their reading, math, and geography skills."
The business
Carroll states, "It's hard to predict the future of expediting, I foresee a continuing need for this type of transportation. We have a fast-paced economy and I believe the manufacturers will have an increasing need for time-sensitive trucking."
"This business will have it's up and downs just like the economy. It's not normal trucking, what we sell is service. Expedited freight has to go at a moment's notice, and customer satisfaction is key."
A new ride
Carroll says that he has always liked good-looking trucks, especially the look of a conventional, so the couple picked out something special when they ordered their new unit.
"It's a 2003 Western Star; it's a twin screw, with a 315 inch wheelbase. I spec'd a C12 Cat engine with 430HP, with a 13-speed transmission and 3.42 rears. It's a tractor in all respects, just no fifth wheel. We chose a 76" Western Star sleeper and it will have a 24 foot box with 4000 lb. Lift gate."
Carroll and Dora figure to hit the road in their new 'Star sometime in June.
The lifestyle
"We get a chance to see friends and family when traveling around the country," Dora relates. "We stay out for two to three months, then we head back home for a week. We don't maintain our own residence any longer, so we stay with our daughter and her husband for those few days off the road."
"We don't have a fancy sleeper on the new truck, we might not even put a fridge in it. We like to use motels because of the convenience and the services they provide. We try to get out of the truck whenever possible."
She continues, "We both love the excitement of not knowing where we're going next. Just like other couples, we try to overlook the little things that irritate, so if I want some alone time, I'll send Carroll back to the bunk and he'll play his guitar.
Favorite restaurants on the road?
"Cracker Barrel and Lone Star - especially their baked sweet potatoes."
Favorite truck stop chain?
"We buy our fuel at Flying J because we can cash our business checks there. We've found that they have good clean fuel and clean showers. The downside is that they don't always have enough personnel behind the registers."
Favorite area of the country to drive?
"From the Great Lakes to the Gulf (Midwest) and we also love it out west. When we first started, Dora didn't like the swamps or the desert areas of the country."
Favorite music while driving?
"We carry cd's and we have the satellite XM satellite radio. The XM is the best thing going for what we do. Dora and I listen to the Open Road (Trucker) channel as well as the news, easy listening and weather channels. As far as the overnight trucking programs, we enjoy Bill Mack, the Trucking Bozo and we love listening to Dave Nemo."
Hobbies or interests that you enjoy on the road?
"Dora knits, crochets and makes beautiful Afghans. She enjoys different crafts. I enjoy my new hobby of photography; I take pictures of the US for our Trucker Buddy class. We also practice our music in motel rooms."
Advice for prospective or newbie expediters?
"Keep good records and know your costs. Provide good service and look at the big picture. Remember, it's not a nine-to-five job, it's an around the clock lifestyle.
Most unusual load?
"We were dispatched to pick up President Clinton's Christmas cards at the printer's and delivered them to a Secret Service office. Another run that comes to mind was when we hauled a Buddhist statue to the private residence of an eccentric older lady. We've hauled everything from a 5 pound box to 13,000 pounds of sugar; we've even carried lumber to Lazyboy."
Pet peeve?
"People on the highway who are in a hurry, but they never get that much ahead. Other truckers who throw out trash in a parking lot."