Potentially Expediting

Hey guys,
I'm John from Cookeville, TN and I've been talking to a guy for the past week about going in on a team with him. He is driving a truck for Expediter Services out of Memphis/Southhaven. The truck is leased to Panther. Not sure how long he has been driving for them but he talks like they are a real good company. I have been looking on here that past week and found a lot of good information on them as well. I was about to go OTR with Swift, but after reviewing things on this page, it seems like it probably wouldn't be in my best interest. A little background

I am turning 33 next week and have nothing to show for it. I have worked in many jobs in my life and just never stuck with one. I got my class B's about 12 years ago, I have drove for some small businesses (hardware store/paving company) and have always enjoyed it. But I have never been out for 3-4 weeks at a time like I might be doing soon. I really have no desire to get my class A's. I've got my permit and drove big rigs, but I just don't think it is my cup of tea right now. I have been married for almost 10 years and have 2 kids. I am not wanting to leave them, but I know that financially I can't afford the job that I'm at currently.(small paid temp job). I want to drive for a while to get money built up to buy some land and have a small house put on it.

If I go out I will be starting orientation with panther on the 20th. I am thinking about driving for a year, then possibly buying my own truck or van and going out on my own. I have a friend that is talking about driving, and I may try to tag up with him and do some hauls. I know that its kinda far out there, but if I can get my own van, i might try to put a couple more on the road and have some guys hauling for me as well. I'm not looking to get rich, I just want financial stability that my family has never seen before. The guy I might be teaming up with has already told me he has plans to purchase his own truck, but he didn't give me a time line.

One major question that I have is if i go at it on my own in a van or truck, do i need to start a business? I know there are many expenses that will be in play by going at it on my own, and I think I know most of them, but I am thinking in the long run it might be more income.

Thanx in advance for any help you guys might have

John M.

 

thanx chinatown, i will look into it

flatbedn, they told me we will be splitting 35% of the haul. expediters gets 65%. that seems a little steep to me but then again there is nothing out of my pocket except what I eat, and also deadheading home for my time off. Guy told me that he averages about 700 a week himself. He wants me to get my hazmats so that we can potentially get better paying loads. i'm still nervous about the whole deal. The job I have now doesn't pay well, but I love the work and people there. Small 4 man operated machine shop. Owner told me he was hiring me as soon as my contract is over, about a month and a half away, and will give me a dollar an hour raise. I love being with my kids every night and that's the only reason I haven't fully committed to that guy yet.

I know some of you might smack your heads for me saying this, but what is the potential drawbacks to going through expediters services path to ownership? If I got my friend to go team with me and we purchased our own truck, what is the pro's/con's

 

lol....500 is a lot more than what i'm getting now. thanks i'll consider it, but i heard that for local haulers fedex has a 45000 buy in for their routes. idk but i don't have that kinda money. I have the potential for raises when i get hired on, but i doubt he'll offer insurance, and with a certain someone in power, its almost impossible for me to get affordable insurance.