Picking my own freight baby! My journey to & of being on Schneider choice, the Adventure & Numbers!

I ran a PA to NY this week, scaled at 79500lbs with a half tank of fuel...

 

Been watching this thread for months now...., and, have definitely appreciated all the real world info you guys have posted. Been back and forth with the idea of coming on board. Definitely didn't want to start this new business venture until mid march/ beginning of april. I have been accepted into the program and am scheduled for orientation in April. I've been driving for 7 years and have dragged it all from van, reefer, to flatbed. Hold all endorsements....., and also hold a Business Admin degree. Not sure if that's what it takes to get accepted into the program but I think SFI has become extremely picking when it comes to adding new IC's. On youtube a guy was saying that "even with his own truck they wouldn't touch him for another 6 months". Not to mention he would have to add a tanker endorsement. So....... yes, the line has formed and they are not taking on newbies. Sorry kids if you haven't put time into the industry they aren't even looking at you. With that said I'm looking to do more of a regional business model. I live in MD about 30-40 miles outside of B-More. I see so much orange fly by my house it's halloween year round. With that being said I plan on focusing my efforts on the east coast. I know this is percentage an if the rate is there I shall follow. I plan on working my rear end off during the grace period to get as much saved up as possible. I'm sitting on a solid amount to get me through the honeymoon stage of this. I know it is about rpm throughout. Revenue is the big thing for me not miles driven. But, until I get good at this I may not be able to string together those multiple loads in a day. Don't know the shippers yet. IF a drop-n-hook all of a sudden goes wrong that could kill your whole day/week? So initially I'm looking at maybe a good tri-haul. With a solid headhaul. Regardless, I can have all the strategies I want but it is all totally dependent on the board. I guess ultimately I asking am I too far off base? I'm thinking maybe I can get this done without going no more than 500 miles from the house?

 

You live in a great area for high paying freight heading out. High paying heading in as well if depending on where its coming from.

You have a good plan. Probaby could cut that 500 mi from home down to 300, or 250 once you learn the market.

 

You should be able to very well where you live as @PoleCrusher stated...good luck...if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask anyone...

 

I rarely go more than 500 miles from home.
Usually within 300..I tend to run the same customers week to week.
Profitable Yes..Boring Yes..Easy sometimes.
It's all about learning the lanes in your area.

I'm 45 minutes North of Baltimore.

 

Appreciate the info and words of encouragement guys. I'm excited and cautious all at the same time. I can't take on the new chapter in my trucking career if I keep re-reading the last one LOL. Being company has been fine don't get me wrong. I was with a solid carrier and have no complaints just time to start something new. I'll definitely keep you posted as to how I'm doing. Growing pains come with growth. I can't wait to get started.

 

Wow. You have been pretty quiet on the forum since 2009. I'm sure you've done a lot of reading. Good luck. A lot of good people here to help you out.

 

Congrats

 

I just submitted an app Friday. Been looking at everyone posts and seen that Schneider is picky on who they choose. What do they look at when they pick new ICs