Looking to get started in Expediter Work

I already have my class B license and have been working with a transportation company for almost 3 years. My current pay ranges from $500-$1000/month, I think I've gotten 2 pays that were closer to $1500. I was looking at possibly going for my class A and going OTR. Someone suggested that I look into expediting. I know NOTHING about this. So, are you saying that there is no money in it anymore? That it would be a waste of my time?

 

Expedited and hot shot is two different things,there good money in expedited I was speaking about hot shot loads.If you got your CDL B you can drive a straight truck still good money.Again hot shot and expedited is two different worlds.

 

Well, I know nothing about either. I thought maybe they were one in the same.
I just got done checking the list of companies on expeditersonline.com and the majority want o/o's and are in the midwest. I do NOT own my own truck, nor do I have the means at this time to get one. Are there no companies in or near NJ?? I was looking for a company that would hire drivers and offer some training if needed. I've never delivered freight before.

 

Doesn't matter where you live expedited companies hire all 48 states,most do anyway.With no prior exp and expedite is what you want to do your going have to start at Panther Expedite Services,they will hire you with no exp for straight trucks and cargo vans only,they required 6 months exp for t/t. Other expedited companies do offer no exp for cargo vans like Bolt Express and I think Tri State as well but all required within 6 - 24 months exp for T/T and most required 6 months for straight trucks.Fedex custom critical also will hire you with no exp for straight truck as well but required a road test first.Most owners are fleet owners from couple trucks to 20 + trucks so owning your own truck is not needed,not yet anyway.Best bet is to try Fedex and Panther first and those the only two that will hire you with no exp but straight truck or cargo van only.Place an ad on that your looking for work,if you want to drive T/T your going have to start at a reg carrier like Swift,Werner,FFE just name a few.

 

THANK YOU! That was VERY informative! Not sure if it's the route I want to take yet. Still trying to sort out if it is the "best fit" for me. Got time to do the research, so that's what I'm doing.
Do you have any other insights? How is the training usually handled for someone like me with no experience with this industry? Do they just "throw you in the deep end" or is there a real training period to help one be successful?

 

Although expedite carriers will let you start without training it would be good to try to find a fleet owner willing to let you team with an experienced driver for a while . That may not be easy because fleet owners prefer same household teams .
Don't even think about pickup hotshot . That's dog eat dog with too few good paying loads . No one will help you get good loads .

 

Much appreciated. Initially, it sounded like a good idea for my current situation. But the more I dig, the more it seems like it would not be a good fit for me at this time. Don't worry, I have no interest in hotshot, too much on the edge for me. I want to start out with some good solid training, that is my first priority.

 

You're telling the truth there about the few good paying loads I see maybe one or two a day at most. LTL stuff is an exercise in wasting time and money.

 

A lot of good loads never hit the boards . Brokers will call experienced hotshotters that they have worked with in the past .

 

I have a couple of straight trucks leased with an expediting company. One was leased to Fedex Custom Critical at one point and when they got to the East Coast they did pretty well in the NY/NJ area, nice rates for short runs. They pay mileage and percentage; you need to know what you're doing with percentage with them, might be better to start on their mileage plan, though I could never bring myself to do it as it seems like such a low rate, but it's for all miles. But, have to say, they could make you go broke fairly soon, too...it's kind of a game with them and when you know how to play it, you can do well, but many never get to that point. Something to consider though. You can also try Expediter Services, Jeff Tacker, though they look more often for teams.