Eagle Logistics Services. Indianapolis, IN

Eagleops,my email is sdholmes1966@Gmail,if it's possible,I would like to work with you,or at least hear about the experiences you've had since being there,and I promise your identity will not be compromised by me!!

 

I'll be happy to get in touch with you. When you get a truck#, post it here or PM me and I'll see about working with you a little bit.

 

Ok,I'll do that.Thanks!

 

Eagleops,if you feel so inclined,you could still post your experiences and tips for all of us. I'm sure everyone would be interested in what you have to say!!.
It could make a difference to all of us,and our future with eagle....

 

Ok, well just remember...you asked

So some steps to succeed in the L/O business:
1) Own it- This is my #1, #2, and #3 probably. It's without a question the number one thing that separates those that succeed from those that don't. To be a successful L/O driver, you have to realize that this is your business. You're no longer just a truck driver, you're a business owner. You don't just drive a bunch of miles a day for $x/mi anymore. Now, you set your schedule, you make the decisions, and most importantly, you own the responsibility.

Never wake up wondering "where am I going to make money today". Where you're going to make money today and what you're going to do should have been decided yesterday, so today you can focus on planning tomorrow and keeping yourself profitable.

Being an L/O driver is very hard work. Don't ever let anyone tell you it's easy or promise you free money. That said, the rewards and freedom that come with it seem incredible to me. If driving a 53' trailer didn't scare the ever loving hell out of me, I'd certainly consider it.

Overall, always be asking yourself "Am I making what I want?" if the answer is "no" then figure out how to fix that. You're in charge now. I hate that I even have to say this, but if your DM at Eagle isn't working with you, ask to find another that will, and if (for some reason) your GM denies that request...pack your things and find a company that will make you money. If you do that, you're already the kind of person that can succeed at this job (although, it pisses me off that any DM would allow a driver like that to leave).

2) Know what you're getting into
Realize that this job is NOT the same as a company driver. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard of drivers that don't want to book their own loads (or even look) and complain that they aren't getting enough miles. Company drivers care about miles. L/O care about money. An easy way to know what you should care about: Ask your bank if you can pay your mortgage with miles, they'll tell you "no" and ask for money.

I've seen, first hand, a driver turn down a route going 350 miles and paying $900 to his truck in favor of a 600 mile route paying $1000 with all else being equal. You can't make choices like that, and more importantly not realize why it's bad, and expect to survive as a small business owner.

The best drivers are the ones that get up every day and say realize that the U.S. Mint hasn't yet printed a dollar bill with the words "You can't have this one" on it, and until that happens, you should be out there trying to get them all.

3) Be honest and communicate
Some people think that they can be consistently dishonest about when they plan to arrive/stop, not communicate when they're run into traffic, or not be easy to reach during their trips (not counting issues of safety, never put yourself in an unsafe situation to answer a phone or whatever). The key to this business is planning and communication. Without those, it's very difficult to succeed. If you're going to be late, it's better for all parties to know sooner than later. If you've had a maintenance issue, don't wait to tell someone, just get it out there and let's fix it. If you really need to go home, say so. It's ABC, Always Be Communicating. Information is power and the more we share, the more powerful we can be as a team.

4) Relax
Broker freight can be a nightmare sometimes. It's always late, overweight, missing, or damage. All we can do is roll with the punches the best way we know how. Don't stress out if you got delayed at the shipper and now your preplan is in jeopardy. Just communicate as quickly and effectively as you can and let's start working on a new plan of attack to keep you rolling. Truck driving is hard enough without adding extra stress to it by worrying about every little detail. In some ways, that's what your DM is there to do. Help share the burden of planning and timing so you can relax a little.

Bonus: Understand how your tax liabilities change when you become a L/O driver (small business owner). You can deduct almost everything you spend during the course of the year on yourself and your truck. There are plenty of independent L/Os that have little/no tax liability at the end of the year because of what they've spent on their business.

Realize and account for this so if you make $50,000 in a year, understand that for a non-driver, that take-home is like making $80,000-$90,000 and paying taxes. It can help perspective a little bit.

Well, that's about it off the top of my head. I know some of it sounds harsh or direct, but that's just how it is. It's never fun telling someone it's their fault that something went wrong, but you can't be afraid to have an honest discussion with a driver, DM, shipper, etc. if you want to be successful.

 

Well said,thank you for your insight and taking the time out of your day to share with us,I realize you have no vested interest in us ,other than we all could be coworkers at some point and share a common goal!!!.
It all makes perfectly good sense to me.....

 

Man I like the way you put it down I will be leaving l q in on Monday myself what eagle op is saying is 100% that is no bs if anyone think it is bull I am leaving out hopefully Monday are Tuesday your class eagle up stairs back office/room to the left

 

Ok THX but that's general knowledge stuff for any lease op......I meant more directly how right now at eagle....and what are u seeing that we or anyone at eagle do to increase revenue knowing how inefficient a lot of things are there right now.....

 

And also what do u see there in office that needs to be changed to help us more? One thing I can think of...is that management needs to communicate more! Tell us where this companies focus and near term direction is.....what they are looking at to help us increase THERE revenue....by increasing OURS! And for God sakes communicate the policies and procedures we should be following......coz seems just a free for all....and im not kidding.....

 

Also provide training for all those young kids there in the offices,about trucking in general,driving and living on the road...they for the most part dont have a clue...there too young from what I have seen, not trained and have no awareness of the trucking culture......