Hello..I need help badly!!! I'm desperately hoping you may take the time to answer some questions for me? I am 50 years of age and have found myself displaced from my job and desperately seeking a new line of work..Not easy at my age!! I have been thinking of getting into the expedite business. I have never driven over the road . I am considering driving a cargo van but from what I have heard lately I have a lot of reservations about
this business?? I have talked to several drivers around my area but seem to get different answers from everyone?? I have heard that I can expect to gross around $35,000 a year as a single driver, if I plan to be home most weekends??
I have been told to expect the cost of operation to run around 40% or possibly even grater by most I've talked to. That mean's a net earning of only $21,000 approximately a year and that would be before taxes !!! WOW... That sure doesn't seem
like much earnings for such an undertaking and the up front expense involved here. Can you please help me buy giving me some insight here?? I don't think I could afford to work that much or spend that much time on the road for such little income?? Do I have my facts straight??...Can you please give me any advise or information that would help me before I decide to make a major life decision such as this ..NEED YOUR HELP
Thanks, Randall Benningfield
************************************************* ********* Hello Randall, Don't feel bad most people considering Expediting as a career change are faced with the same dilemmas and flood of conflicting or confusing information. My first recommendation is to read the entire Business Strategies section of Express.com. The information there is derived from the book about expediting (Business Educational Successful Techniques of Express Trucking). This educational info will explain the
good, bad and ugliness about the business and the risks involved.
Here's a comparison. If you've ever invested in stocks you know there are low risk investments and high risk investments. Usually the higher risk stocks produce the most returns but you have to make sure you're financially prepared before you take that kind of risk because you could loose everything. Of course there's a chance that if all goes well you could realize a substantial profit.
A career in
expediting is just like an investment in a high risk stocks. If all goes well you will earn a substantial revenue however if things don't go well you will lose on your investment. Ask yourself if at this stage in your life you can afford to take that chance. Consider whether or not you have a supplement income to sustain your expenses both business and personal. Also are you financial prepared to start a business where you have enough money put aside for several months of expenses for the
times when freight is scarce.
Expediting could be a very profitable business but it is one of the most volatile markets to be in. There is no consistency. You can read more insight on this business in our Expedite News archives section.
If you feel you want to give it a try you may want to consider driving for an owner operator in the beginning and if you feel comfortable with this profession then look at purchasing your own vehicle. Contact the expedite companies listed in
the ExpressTrucking.com directory and ask if they have a contractor who is looking for a driver. They can get you connected.
I hope this helps. Like I said if you read the material we have made available you will have a better idea whether or not this would be the right career choice for you. You will also learn the tricks of the trade including the right time to start and operating strategies which can help you maximize your profits. Good luck to you, and if you have other questions
feel free to contact us here on ExpressTrucking.com
