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What Current Opportunities are now available?
How long does it take to get started?
What are the Benefits?
What are Current Estimated Anticipated Wages & Fuel Surcharge
How often can I anticipate being loaded? Greet news here!!!
What can I expect in terms of:
How often I can go home? Seniority - Daily Work?
Is there an age limit on vehicles?
What kind of vehicles do we accept?
If I have a pick up truck, is this an ok unit?
Should I get a Sprinter, a Ford, or Chevy/GMC if I want to drive a van? Can I buy a Sprinter and use it at All Types ®?
If I have a cube van UNDER 10k pounds GVW, do I need to have a DOT Sleeper?
Why is OVER 10k a hard unit to operate if no sleeper?
Do I get hotels every day to sleep in?
How do I eat, do laundry and shower as an expediter?
If I sleep in my cargo van, how do I stay warm or cool?
Can I install refrigerators or microwaves in my cargo van or truck?
Satellite Expenses - THERE ARE NO SATELLITES AT ALL-TYPES ®!!! (because it's to expensive and a waste of $)
Satellites - What are they used for? If I don't need a satellite, how much does a Nextel or Boost 2 way radio cost?
Estimated Dead Head Miles Between Loads (great news here)
Referral Bonus Program
FAQ Coming Soon
Zero Tolerance / No Service Failure. Only the best in our crew.
No Haz Mat / Canada unless it is desired
24/7 Dispatch / Holiday schedule
What's the difference between a 3/4 ton & a 1 ton Sprinter Van
How should I set up the inside of my cargo van for going OTR
Will a Team be more productive? Usually! Read why...
When does freight slow down in expediting, how much will I work (typically holidays, Jan. Feb & July).
Time Off, How much will I get

 
What Current Opportunities are now available?

Immediate opportunities are available throughout the entire United States, no matter where you live we can hire any qualified driver and put you to work. The best freight lanes for Expediting, are in the Mid West. You may, choose a geographical area of your choice in which to work out of.

Example:
In Georgia only, or in Illinois , Michigan , Indiana & Ohio , East of the Mississippi , or go wherever the wind blows you.

If you do choose a particular area in which to operate out of exclusively, I hope you have a good reason for this. ANY TIME YOU create a limitation, restriction or boundary; this will either help or hurt you. It's one way or the other in most cases.

You must be able to work full time Monday thru Saturday. You can be home on the weekends after 12 noon. Each Monday morning, you'll start another great week of earnings, right from your home or, wherever you happen to be at. If you stay out some or most weekends, your week will begin from wherever you're parked at. We need you to be available on Saturdays, but not every Saturday you'll work.

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How long does it take to get started?

Two simple steps.

  1. Get a current copy of your driving record. Get this from your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Secretary Of State License Branch, where you would get your license plates or drivers license from or renewed. If you live in Detroit, go to 7 Mile & Evergreen to the License Branch, this facility issues these regularly, or just go to any nearby BMV.

    Regardless of where you go, it costs "about" $7.00 and be sure to have 2 IDs with you.

    Then, just fax it in to 260.483.1833, attn. Recruiter, then call in to see if your record qualifies (260.483.1833 Ext 105). Be sure to write your phone # on the MVR (Motor Vehicle Record / Driving History) so we can call you back after we receive it and approve it. Also, choose a faxing facility nearby your home and get their fax # and write it on the MVR as well, so later we can fax you your drug test instructions. If you have email (and it works), add that as well on your MVR, so we have it on file and we'll email you instead of faxing you.
  2. Drug test processing is next. Do not submit to this processing unless you know you can pass a drug test. Your drug test processing is non refundable. If you pass your 90 business day probation period, ALL Types will issue you a "Bonus" on your pay check, shifting this expense to ALL Types at that point. If you fail your actual physical Drug Test, you may be ineligible for hire and you will, be delayed in starting, pending failure procedures. Once you submit your drug test processing funds and we have initiated the clerical processing, we will not refund your money.

    You can start as soon as you purchase a QUALIFIED vehicle. If you have already, a qualified vehicle, your job is waiting for you as soon as you complete orientation.
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What are the Benefits?

All of our drivers are eligible for health, dental and vision benefits through our affiliates. We recommend AFLAC. You've probably seen the commercials with the talking duck. These benefits are very reasonable and can be for a single person or an entire family. We'll get you the information during orientation. There are other choices as well.

We are unable to offer you benefits directly, since your not an employee of ours, you'll be an Independent Contractor, getting a 1099 Tax Form at the end of each year. We recommend H & R Block to file your taxes with, they're familiar with our programs.

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What are Current Estimated Anticipated Wages?

This question is best answered by one of our friendly recruiters, as this depends on many factors... such as the type of equipment you have and how much you are willing to put into the position.

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How often can I anticipate being loaded?
This question is best answered by one of our friendly recruiters as this will depend on many factors such as the type of equipment you have and how much you are willing to put into the position.
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What can expect in terms of:
How often I can go home? Seniority - Daily Work?

This is another question best answered by one of our friendly recruiters as this will differ for each individual depending on where they live.

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Is there an age limit on vehicles?
Yes.
Gas or Diesel is fine: Model years must be no older than 10 model years. Most colors are fine. All vehicles must be rust free and in presentable condition.
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What kind of vehicles do we accept?
RUST FREE & mechanically sound is a must. DOT Inspections are required on ALL units. All vehicles need cargo harnessing equipment.

All Vehicle Requirements (Owner Operators) - from smallest to largest:

  1. You must have now, or the ability to obtain a 3/4 ton HEAVY DUTY (8,600 # GVWR) or 1 ton PICK UP with & 50" (underside opening) custom cap with an 8 foot bed.
  2. You must have now, or the ability to obtain a 3/4 ton HEAVY DUTY (8,600 # GVWR) or 1 ton CARGO VAN SPRINTER, FORD, CHEVY OR GMC; NO DODGE's.

    Sprinters will have a 8,550 or a 9,990 GVWR ? the heavier 1 ton will need to have a sub floor over the wheel wells, the entire inside floor.
  3. You must have now, or the ability to obtain an under 10,000# GVWR 1 ton CUBE VAN with any length box. (usually, under 14').
  4. You must have now, or the ability to obtain a 16 to 24 foot
    DOCK HIGH STRAIGHT TRUCK WITH DOT APPROVED SLEEPER. This truck can be under CDL (25,999# or less GVW)or can be over CDL (26,001# or more GVW) In either case if you cannot locate your truck, contact us and we can recommend a dealer for you. Either under or over CDL, they must have an ICC bumper (NO LIFT GATES).

    Example:
    Section 5-1 of the Michigan Commercial Driver License Booklet state " An air brake endorsement is only required if your vehicle needs a CDL"

    Page 1-1 says you must have a CDL to operate any single vehicle with a gross weight rating GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

  5. You must have now, or the ability to obtain a late model TRACTOR with a 48 or 53 foot trailer.

    In most cases we will provide the trailer to a qualified unit / driver.

Colors are optional, any color accepted. If your vehicle is over 10,001 pounds, it will be required to log & a have a sleeper.Pick ups are acceptable but have some draw backs, the best choice if you want to drive a smaller unit is to start with a cargo van. If you have a pick up, it's best to trade it in for the more "industry appropriate / functional" unit of similar size - a cargo van. Read our web site for details why.Full Size Pick Up Trucks

  • 3/4 Ton Heavy Duty (8,600# GVWR) With proper custom caps.Regular full size CARGO VANS and Sprinter CARGO VANS.Non dock high CUBE VANS and non dock high trucks (regardless of lengths, but under 10k GVWR).Dock high trucks (regardless of box lengths). These units really need to have ICC bumpers to perform the best.
  • Landing gear (dolly legs) are beneficial, but not absolutely required.

Tractors With Trailers Trailers need to be 48 or 53 footers, with or without air ride. For qualified tractors, we will supply the trailers.Any Cargo Vans (and pick ups) that DO NOT, have a back door clearance of at least, 48 inches tall, floor top to underside of upper door hook / door jam (whichever is shortest) is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED from coming on board. Ask a Recruiter for details & explanations.

  • At this point, tricots must be accompanied by a trailer unless approved.We pay 80% of the load if you have your own trailers, simply because your supplying the trailer.We have locations all over to stage trailers when not at docks.We are the highest paying TT company in the U.S. . No company can come close to our programs . You'll need your own IFTA's if your unit is over 26,000 pounds.
  • In some cases, we may provide a trailer. See a recruiter if this is a temporary obstacle for you.


Special Note: Straight Trucks
If you're upgrading or you have not got your straight truck yet, you have the power of choice. Buy wisely; you really need to talk to our Lead Recruiter for this, regarding the dimensions required for the units box.Box dimensions, gross vehicle weight and especially box length are KEY FACTORS determining profit / loss - success / failure. Most Recruiters will just tell you a blank & useless "Oh, just get any 24 footer." This is wrong.. dead wrong, and we can prove it.You need to buy right and according to finances and lifestyle - choose carefully, NOT just any truck will do. You need to buy right. Buy according to your financial / income requirements and your lifestyle (family & home time) - choose carefully, NOT just any truck will do. While you have the power to choose, be sure to choose the unit VERY wisely.. Any unit over 10,001 pounds (GVWR) is required by law to run a log book. Any unit over 10,001 pounds SHOULD have a sleeper. A sleeper is not mandatory but a sleeper will greatly influence your profit.

If you are over 10,001# and HAVE NO SLEEPER, you will be required by law to rest / sleep for a full 10 hour break after 11 hours of on duty time in a DOT approved sleeper or hotel room (if you stay out on the road). Ask our recruiters for up to date details on the specifics of these issues and any possible changes.

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If I have a pick up truck is this an ok unit?
If this is all you can provide at the moment and you can't upgrade right away, we may be able to accept your unit. If it has an 8 foot, bed, is a 3/4 ton HD (Heavy Duty, 8,600 # GVWR) or better yet a 1 ton and you can purchase a custom cap that has a 50' door height, then we will accept the unit.
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Should I get a Sprinter or a Ford or Chevy / GMC if I want to drive a van? Can I buy a Sprinter and use it All Types ®?
Any of the above are fine, just be sure if it's a Ford, Chevy or GMC it is a minimum of a 3/4 ton Heavy Duty. These will have a GVWR (on the door jamb) of about 8,600#. It's best to get the extended wheel base / long chassis but a short will do well as well. To see if it's a long wheel base or a short chassis, just measure from behind the drivers chair to the back door. A short wheel base is 108", the longest is about 132". Sprinter long wheel bases are 158" or a 170".

If it's a regular Dodge cargo van the rear doors are not tall enough for a full size 48" tall pallet, we will not accept the unit. These doors are only about 46" tall.

Can I buy a Sprinter and use it All Types ®?
Yes, we suggest you purchase the 2500 SHC 158' wheel base or the 170" wheel base. You could get a 3500 SHC series with the 158' wheel base but you WILL BE REQUIRED to build your own sub floor, above the wheel wells, from wall to wall, front to back. This is fine if you are willing to do the work. You'll still get above average loads and weights.

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If I have a cube van UNDER 10k pounds GVW, do I need to have a DOT Sleeper?

No you do not. If you have this under 10k unit, we really want to sign you up. This unit is very favorable to us since it has a larger width, height and depth. This makes this a very desirable unit for us and money making ability for you.

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Why is over 10k a hard unit to operate if no sleeper?
Simply due to driving restrictions and logging. If you intend to be an expediter, don't approach this only partially correct. You need the right equipment in order to really make a profit and enjoy the job and you need to be able to work OTR during the week as well.
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Do I get hotels every day to sleep in?
NO. You've seen the big tractor trailers on the roads, they have sleepers right behind the drivers / passengers seat. This is a bedroom attached to the truck. If you have a van, open the back doors, look inside, and what do you see? A Bedroom! Most van drivers will use a folding cot, a hammock or a small / medium mattress from a truck sleeper or a roll away bed. Your van will double as your sleeper. Of course if you have a good week or month, treat yourself to a motel or deadhead home once in a while, but watch your expenses. Just like the big truckers, your unit is your motel on wheels. Often times, people will add paper towel holders, shelves above the wheel wells, fold down beds against the walls, even have folding tables or propane grills. Any truck stop will have space for you to sleep at, shower, laundry etc.
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How do I eat, do laundry and shower as an expediter?
Simple, just like the big rigs, they sleep in their units and shower at truck stops during the night or when they wake up. Showers at truck stops offer very nice large private showers / rooms with sinks, showers and fresh towels. Every time one is used, it's cleaned by their shower staff and re-supplied with fresh clean towels. Your not rushed to get in or out and these facilities are very, very sanitary. These facilities also have restaurants, barbers and laundry. These facilities are all over the country.
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If I sleep in my van how do I stay warm or cool?

This depends on your unit type. Large trucks have generators that run on diesel engines with one cylinder, independent of the big engine. These generators will power bunk heaters or bunk A/C units. It's cheap to operate off a one cylinder engine vs. a 400 HP 8 cylinder monster engine. Normally, these generators run about 18 hours per gallon. Cargo vans can idle their engines with gas or diesel motors (diesels are better to idle) but it's best to run bunk heater in the winter and there is many different types you can hook up inside your vans. In the warm months, the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable, so consider some low voltage fans screwed into the inside of the back of the van or get a larger oscillating one.You can always install power inverters to plug these into regular outlets in the inverters. You can get these with 2 to 16 outlets to power your coffee pot, alarm clock, skillet, fans etc. Extreme expediters are known to install an inverter and a small air conditioner right in the wall of the wan by cutting a hole, caulking around it, supporting it with some wood above the wheel wells and plugging into an inverter, powered by an external generator. Of course there's little Honda ® gas operated generators used for RV's that are very quiet that are gas operated that can be operated outside the units, secured with a lock and a cable or, they have boxes that go into a hitch and the generator is locked into the hitch and removed when operating the van. These are nice. A gallon of gas can run 2 or 3 nights, preventing you from idling your engine.

Another form of staying cool is to get a crank open / close skylight with direct hook up into your units power supply that has a fan right in it. If you can afford it, go to an RV dealer and have a roof mounted A/C unit for about $600.00.

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Can I install refrigerators or microwaves in my van or truck?

 Absolutely! Some drivers have taken out the front passenger seats and had a Norcold ® refrigerator plopped right on the same spot and then a microwave right on top of that, just be sure their safely installed by a qualified installation specialist and secured.

Of course there's cheaper ways than wiring those right into your battery system, you could just get a power inverter and plug in a small apartment sized refrig. big enough for a gallon of milk, 2 liter pops and some food OR, an Igloo ® cooler / warmer to plug into your inverter or cigarette outlet. You can buy these at camping retailers or truck stops. Your larger truck stops will have isles and isles of supplies like these.

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Satellite Expenses

THERE ARE NO SATELLITES AT ALL-TYPES®!!! This is a huge annual cost savings! For you the driver and no holes punched into your roof. Satellites are also called "Globes" or "Quall Comms".If you're considering a company that forces you to have a satellite, YOU WILL PAY FOR IT one way or another. The expense of this item will not please you I'm sure. There are a few different ways that companies will present this purchase to you to Soften you up or make it appear inexpensive.

  1. A typical cost for this qual comm is $35.00 per week times 52 weeks a year = $1,820.00 or $152.00 per month . Sometimes, the carrier will pay for part of this which is certainly generous, but still the remaining cost to YOU, you can certainly do without. These satellites have to be installed by a carriers outside vendor or sometimes the carrier themselves. 99% of the time your charged for the labor and a labor profit / mark up (for the carrier). This installation cost is typically about $300.00. Normally, this is not required up front but it will be deducted from your first paycheck.
  2. These satellites have to be REMOVED, sooner or later by the carriers outside vendor or sometimes the carrier themselves when you leave the company. As in the installation, 99% of the time your charged for the labor and a labor profit / mark up (for the carrier). The removal cost is typically about $300.00 as well. Normally, this is not required up front but it will be deducted from your first paycheck along with the other $300.00. So expect to owe them money when you sign on with them. This usually isn't asked of you up front since this would typically be a deal breaker for most financially struggling expedite driver start ups, especially when you most likely have many other start up costs already, therefore this is usually taken out of your first settlement check.

Another way companies will present this "purchase" to you to "Soften you up" or make it appear inexpensive is to insinuate there are no satellite fees.Here's how this usually gets slid in.

  1. They may reduce the installation or removal fees.They may reduce the weekly rental fees to around $15.00.They may say there are no fees for install / removal or rental.The carrier claims to absorb these costs.
  2. If any one or more of these claims are made, it probably has some underscoring factors. These factors are usually:
  • They may reduce or pay for the costs to you, BUT, one way or another it comes back to you, typically by a reduced paid per mile rate to you.They may charge you for weekly insurance to the unit (but there's no rental fee)
  • Or, some additional fee (s) which make up for the expense, for the equipment. One way or another, the equipment is expensive, requires insurance, requires labor to install and remove and costs to operate and use. Often times the carrier will also charge you .10 or .25 cents a character beyond that of a flat number of characters (in the text messages) beyond a pre-designated number your allowed.

It's just a matter of presentation / how they decide to present it - that sounds best to you, by the carrier!

If you have one, your paying for it, like it or not! Nothing is free.

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Satellites? What are they used for? If I don't need a satellite, how much does a Nextel or Boost 2 way radio cost?

Remember that there are no Quall Comms at All-Types ®.

Satellites are just like a cell phone. The main purpose of a satellite is to give the carrier the ability to track your movement along your deliveries. Since they are GPS (Global Positioning Systems) systems, the carrier can monitor your movement while your driving. They can tell the carrier if your moving or sitting still, they can tell the carrier if your engine is idling or turned off, they can tell where you are, within a few feet. This benefits the carrier, not you. When this equipment came out years and years ago, it was great (but expensive). They came out when cell phones were the size of a brick or in a bag, to carry on your shoulder, with big bulky batteries. At that time, only the rich had cell phones, with antennas on their rear windows and usually a big pocket phone.

Nowadays, cell phones are cheap, everyone has them including teenagers in high school. Nowadays, cell phones have GPS as well, cameras, live navigation technology included, etc., etc.. Nowadays there's a cheaper and more flexible way and that's to have cell phones OR 2 way radio's (Nextel or Boost Mobile) with GPS. You can get these Nextel or Boost 2 way radio's without, activating the cellular aspect of the cell phone and ONLY ACTIVATE the 2 way radio, as it's cheaper monthly. But only do this if you insist on keeping your present cellular provider, otherwise, get the Nextel OR Boost 2 way radio and be sure to tell them you want the 2 way radio activated and perhaps the real time navigation as well, saving you money from getting a stand alone GPS navigation system. These carriers with satellites still use them due to long term leases and / or simply because they spent massive dollars for them. They also keep them because they're possibly paid for and now they can charge you for them to get a return on their investment.We here at All Types ® used to have a form of satellites, but did away with them long ago when technology became more versatile and much, much cheaper. We did this to reduce your costs and keep more money in your pockets or, at the very least to offset other staple costs you have.Most of the time, carriers often use your cell phone (which you have anyway) simply because it's quicker than a Quall Comm and provides instant information . Satellite's not only track your movement but they are also used for communication between you and dispatch. They work exactly like a cell phone or perhaps a better way would be to say EXACTLY like email. They make no noise, you can't hear a voice, they are essentially a typewriter or laptop computer. They will send you a "Text Message" from a dispatcher, asking you (for example) how the weather is, or send you the delivery information in text message. I'll tell you what though, the dispatchers will use your cell phone more than the Quall Comm. It's quicker than typing and sending, typing and sending. Try this while your driving, back and forth. We say, it's simply too much money and obsolete!!!Estimated Summary:
$300.00 installation
$300.00 Removal
$55.00 x 52 weeks = $2,860.00
Annual cost of the above $3,460.00We'd rather see you pay some other bills with this much money. The odds are you have a cell phone, that ought to be good enough.All Types uses Nextel "Direct Connect" cell phones to track and communicate with. If you already have a different cell phone, you will have to get a Nextel, but if you have another brand cell in your possession, you can opt to activate the Nextel "Direct Connect" (walkie talkie feature) and not the cellular portion of the phone. Or, eliminate your other cell phone and replace it with the Nextel / Sprint) model instead.Finally, the Nextel has standard software in it as well that can map out your deliveries / route in the shortest and quickest fashion. You do not have to activate the mapping software on the Nextel though if you already have some other form of GPS / navigation equipment like a laptop, Garmin, Magellin or Lowrance GPS system.The Nextel is also nice since it has the software to navigate / map the best route, use it or not, it's on the phone.We like the Nextel so much we have made this our standard communication equipment and it has the added features of walkie talkie and navigation all in one. Another nice feature is you can "Direct Connect" / walkie talkie to anyone, anywhere at no cost to you with the right plan. This plan gives you unlimited talk time to ANY direct connect / Nextel phone (and of course our dispatchers). The Nextel system will give you AUDIO turn by turn directions as your moving. It's really the best way to go and the most economical way to communicate to dispatch, other Nextels and the cellular aspect of the phone to boot! We've been using this Nextel system now for about, the last 5 years +. The navigation on a Nextel or the other mentioned above are the real KEY ELEMENT for you in order to perform your job as required . Remember: If you can't do your job on time as required, or you get lost and waste gas, you're doomed for failure. You'll need the best tools and you'll need a good head on your shoulders if you expect to thrive!If I don't need a satellite, how much does a Nextel cost?

With a Nextel cell phone. To get actual costs on these phones with or without cellular minutes and the new technology, call any Nextel dealer near you, just check the Internet or the yellow pages . Contact a Nextel dealer for the most current rate plans available to you.

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Estimated Dead Head Miles Between Loads

What's Dead Head?
Dead Head is a term that identifies the distance / miles from your current
position to where you are picking up your next load. Technically, its any miles accumulated when you're NOT loaded. We pay you .10 cents per mile, after 50 miles IF YOU'RE TRAVELING TO PICK UP A LOAD. Typically you will pick up within 30-70 to Miles of home (depending on which state your home is in) or within 30-70 miles of your last load / current location. These estimates are NOT written in stone, but a fairly accurate distance based on our methods & procedures. You will at times also travel less than 30 and over 70 miles to get a load. To accurately determine how much dead head you will actually have depends on many factors such as:

  1. The time of day / If you drop a load at 10 pm, you may not be loaded again for several hours (but everyone has to sleep)The day of week - Sundays are very slow in this business and Saturdays, if your not loaded by noon, you won't be until Monday morning, regardless of where you are Monday morning.The type of unit your driving are you in a geographically productive or unproductive area?The national & world economy
  2. Is our country at war?

All these factors as will as others influence the flow in manufacturing, retail etc.. We can estimate what normally happens, but it's anybody's guess what actually will happen. The exact same issues will also apply to how much money you will really make each week. Excess dead head miles are sometimes paid at full rate after 50 miles (to pick up a load) when we can bill extra to the shipper to compensate the extra travel. This is another tricky category depending on the company you're choosing to work with. Be careful to weigh this information when it is given to you.

Here's an example why:
Some companies are known to tell a rookie driver, considering their company "We pay twenty five cents a mile dead head after 100 miles". An under informed driver may think this is more attractive than our 10 cents after 50 miles. Remember, we typical only have to dead head 30-70
miles accompany that raises the pay, has to do so to obviously justify a distance problem and sweeten it up by "Psychologically" making it sound attractive, being a quarter.

Example:
If you're driving 175 miles at .25 cents after 100 miles you'll earn .25 cents for 75 miles equaling $18.75 in dead head pay for the whole 175 miles. 175 miles will average around 3 hours of time at around 62 MPH eating 3 hours of your day, and if your logging your time in a log you've just wasted VERY VALUABLE on duty hours for $18.75. Summary: I'd rather drive 30-70 miles making a few bucks and virtually no travel time and drive the rest at FULL RATE!!!

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Referral Bonus Program
$200.00 for every referral we can link to you. Paid after 90 consecutive runs by the referred driver.
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FAQ Coming Soon

Information coming soon

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Zero Tolerance / No Service Failure

Prompt and reliable service with our company is not just expected, it is our BENCHMARK. Our drivers pride in reliability and unparalleled commitment together with our Zero Tolerance Policy is the foundation of this success.Our compensation to our drivers & ability to retain their jobs is based on individual performance. We only hire drivers who want to and can demonstrate that they can manage their own business and wish to become members of a separate and distinct team within our ranks.When you come on board, part of your orientation will be dedicated to this topic. It will be the last thing discussed and in quite length. We go out of our way to protect you and your business from avoiding late pick ups & deliveries by educating and at times re-educating you to curb SF's from occurring / re-occurring. A SF is essentially the only thing that will ever put your retention in jeopardy.The most significant type of SF is when you DO NOT meet your required "Door Time" / Protect Time) for pick ups and drops. This normally occurs because a NEW driver has failed to pay attention to exits, planned a route wrong, has no navigation tools, makes to many unnecessary stops wasting time, getting lost, not waking up from naps, poor communication regarding unforeseen traffic events and road conditions so the customer is kept in the loop regarding potential delays, poor judgment etc. Time is money!!!There are other procedural SF's but none that equal a delivery protect time. Procedural SF's are 99% fixable through training and normally do not re-occur.Our drivers are required to meet time critical shipments as required and as our customers expect. If our drivers fail to meet the pick-up and drop protect times they will be issued a service failure for failing to meet either of those deadlines. Any avoidable service failures caused by any driver can and will be dealt with up to and including immediate termination.

Prompt and reliable service with our company is not just expected, it is our BENCHMARK.

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No Haz Mat / Canada unless it is desired

Currently we do not mandate you to haul Haz-Mat material. Canada deliveries are not mandatory with us either. We prefer our drivers to remain in the U.S.A. simply due to the sheer volume of our U.S. freight without having to go elsewhere.

We are not an approved Canadian carrier.

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24/7 Dispatch / Holiday schedule
 Dispatchers are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to service our drivers, our customers & affiliates. We do close every major U.S. holiday and we shut down the first 2 weeks of every July. We still have a limited staff 24/7 ion holidays and during shut down as well as a few on call drivers, just in case our customers call on us, otherwise expect to enjoy these time frames off. Sundays are normally freight free and not a required "On Call" day for drivers except during rare circumstances.
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What's the difference between a 3/4 ton and 1 ton Sprinter Van
The point we're trying to make here is that you'll need to build a sub floor, above the existing vans floor to raise it to just above both wheel wells. A 3/4 ton (2500) Sprinter van is 8,550# GVWR. A 1 ton (3500) Sprinter cargo van is 9990 GVWR.

The 1 ton unit will have dual rear tires, 2 on each side. This causes the width in between the wheel wells to shrink to BELOW 48" wide, roughly 42". When this occurs, you will not be able to get a full size, (normally,48" or more) skid loaded inside the unit. If you can't get a normal sized skid on your unit, you'll find it incredibly difficult to haul enough product to make a living.

To build this sub floor is not hard. It will cause you to gain extra weight and more importantly, loose height and have to resort to shorter loads, limiting what you can haul. These units were designed to give you an edge over traditional cargo vans that are only 48" tall with a depth to only accommodate 2 full size pallets. It's best to get the 2500 series and capture the extra height vs. loosing about 12" to the sub floor, decreasing (not eliminating) your "edge". The best Sprinter cargo vans are designed for expediting and have a tall roof with roughly 72" of height (without the sub floor). Our owner operators have good ideas on creating a sub floor for the Sprinter Cargo Vans.

Best Sprinters to help maximize your income: 2500 SHC (tall roof) either a 158" or 170" wheel base.

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How should I set up the inside of my van for going OTR
Straight trucks with sleepers are already equipped with bunk, refrigerator, power outlets, storage, TV etc.

Cargo vans normally do not come with OTR equipment. We do not suggest you build a permanent sleeper in your cargo van taking up VALUABLE cargo space. We don't believe you should build a
space, in a space (inside the back of the van) to sleep. To us, this is like building a closet, in a closet. We suggest you use ALL of the cargo space for living area, not just a fraction of it. We suggest you maximize on this rear cargo space by easily insulating it, attaching a paper towel holder, installing a camp type electric stove, a TV, a microwave, a DVD player or VCR and getting a folding card table and folding chair. We suggest you outfit your van like a big truck, with as many comforts of home as you can as there's plenty of room. Outfit it like an RV and don't limit yourself to a small built in sleeper, instead: Get an inflatable mattress, a cot, a roll away bed, a sleeping bag or build a collapsible bed that folds up against the side wall above the wheel wells. Turn your cargo van into an RV / office on wheels. To see some examples of what our drivers have done to maximize on comfort and commodity. Some folks will ask, "where will I sleep when there's cargo in my unit"? Well, when there's Freight On Board (FOB), you'll be transporting it / driving. Expedited freight goes from point A to point B with no intermediate stops in between (except for gas / bathroom breaks), therefore you won't be able to sleep, you'll be required to expedite that freight to it's destination. Periodically you may arrive at a destination early where you could cat nap, so keep a board / shelf behind your front seat to close the gap in between the two front seats, throw a blanket for some cushion and throw a pillow against the door, curl up and nap, no biggie...

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Will a Team be more productive

Some drivers feel that if they are a team, that they will no doubt be more productive, this is not always the case. Keep in mind that trucks benefit more from teams due to logging and hours restrictions, but look at it this way - a cargo van, if you team, you will NOT double your wages. You can put 10 drivers in a van, it doesn't mean you will get 10 times the amount of business. Just because you add a co-driver, does not, mean you'll double your wages. There are benefits, ABSOLUTELY, but not, doubling benefits. Normal cyclical patterns like "most things happen during 9-5 / daylight hours" means you'll generally, be at peak productiveness only during certain cycles, the majority of time. So, if you have 2 drivers in a unit, and one sleeps during the day while the other is driving, the one driver wakes up after unloading at midnight - that refreshed co driver may wake up to sit there til morning when normal operations resume.If you drove all night and deliver at 5 am, you may then go to sleep until 5 pm and wake up just in time to do nothing, and miss out on that days revenue. This is rare but can happen. It's anybody's guess what you'll do or where you'll go and when. No matter what business you're in, you'll have no guarantees on what will happen or won't. A restaurant, a carpenter, whatever you do, you'll never know for sure how much you'll make or how many customers you'll service that week or month. Therefore, it's best to be financially stable and run EVERY aspect of your business as frugally as possible. Be prepared for good times and bad but work towards averaging things out. And don't blame your carrier if your own unstable financial situation limits your growth or success as an expediter. Unfortunately, this is often the case....

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When does freight slow down in expediting, how much will I work
Let's pull out our crystal balls and try to make some accurate
predictions.

Annual Shut Downs – Normal Slow Periods. There are 52 weeks a year. There are 96 Saturday's and Sundays a year. Weekends are slow, often dead. There are times when you'll work on weekends but if your not loaded by noon on Saturday, you probably won't be again til the
following Monday. Either remain where you are for the weekend or dead
head somewhere else or home. A lot of customers / factories are open 24 hours but they may not have shipping / receiving hours. Some drivers think just because factories are 24 hours that we should be able to procure loads 24 hours. There are over 50 holidays a year, some resulting in lost revenue, here's some that you can expect no work on. Some are ridiculous holidays others are meaningful.

Memorial Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Easter
Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve / Day

You will no doubt experience days off for:
Mechanical breakdowns, Sick Days, Severe weather days, no driving

The first 2 weeks of July, every year, we are “normally” slow to dead. This is the time of year when MOST, US factories / manufacturing operations shut down for inventory - model changeover, robotic re-tooling etc. You can also expect another slow period, nationally, from Thanksgiving to Dec. 31st of each year. These are the best times to take your vacations. Looking at these time frames alone, your looking at around 5-8 weeks off. In regards to the Annual July shut down, the last week of June can be very slow because, people will slow down this last week so they don't have freight setting on their docks for 2 weeks +, tile after they return and get back into the swing of things and production.We are also “normally” very slow if not stopped, on the 7 major US
holidays above. You can expect that the days before and right after a
major holiday can be slow or dead.You can expect to be slow on Sunday’s as well. It is recommended that you always take the loads when they are offered to you. Never refuse loads as tomorrow is very unpredictable. Economies, weather, national elections, wars, politics, holidays, Sunday’s will affect your annual revenue. It is best to take what is given you. If you are slow one week, don’t complain the next week you may be hammered and vice versa. Also, don’t complain if your slightly, or moderately overworked one week or two in a row, the same applies, those days may be followed by a day un-worked. It is very erratic, yet, predictably erratic..The moral of the story is this: There are normal cyclical time frames that Americans are awake and operating. Basically, everything runs during daylight hours, the majority of the time so again, if you have 2 drivers in a unit, and one sleeps during the day while the other is driving, the one driver wakes up after unloading at midnight - That refreshed co driver may wake up to sit there tile morning when normal operations resume.If you drove all night and deliver at 5 am, you may then go to sleep until 5 pm and wake up just in time to do nothing, and miss out on that days revenue. This is rare but can happen. It's anybody's guess what you'll do or where you'll go and when. No matter what business your in, you'll have no guarantees on what will happen or won't. A restaurant, a carpenter, whatever you do, you'll never know for sure how much you'll make or how many customers you'll service that week or month. Therefore, it's best to be financially stable and run EVERY aspect of your business as frugally as possible. Be prepared for good times and bad but work towards averaging things out. And don't blame your carrier if your own unstable financial situation limits your growth or success as an expediter. Unfortunately, this is often the case...You should average 8-11 hours a day of work, so lets say 10 to keep it simple. 10 hours a day of work mean 14 hours off. This is when you'll be sleeping, eating, showering, resting, watching TV, doing maintenance on your unit. Expediting is more productive being an OTR driver, going home when your reasonably close to it, limiting wasted precious resources . Deduct all the estimated or actual time off for holidays, weekends, vacations, bad days, etc., and you may find your only working around 40 weeks a year + or -. Be prepared for this as no matter what business your in, it will be the same way, no matter how you slice it or dice it. Have a reasonably secure financial situation, operating capital, limited debt and high interest, a good work ethic / level of ambition and a good head on your shoulders and you should do well. Others do, perhaps you will also.So be prepared for this financially and mix in the ability to run your business wisely and efficiently, including saving receipts and doing taxes correctly, among a million other things, and you'll be like the millions of other hard working Americans that are self employed and manage to struggle through the trials and stumbles of being your own boss.

Do you have what it takes? Carriers won't make you successful, you
have to make your self successful...

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Time Off, How much will I get
Here’s another way of looking at abuse of time off and NOT, preparing to cover those critical Mon-Sat days off you miss when ABSOLUTELY un-preventable

A DAY OFF
There are 365 days per year available for work. There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have 2 days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work Since you spend 16 hours each day (normally) away from work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available for work.

You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee or smoke breaks which accounts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available for work. With a 60 minute lunch period each day, you have used up another 48 days, leaving only 22 days available for work. You normally spend 2 days per year on sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days available for work. We usually have 5 holidays per year, so your available work time is now down to 15 days. You'll get 14 days vacation every July (1st two weeks off in July) of each year, which leaves you with only 1 day available for work.If you do miss a day off during the week, you should try to make it up by;Doing a double load one day Working a weekend Missing a day or two off from home that month and working instead. Plan your days off around that of weekends, especially Sundays Avoid any & especially major deadheading AT ALL COSTS!Being self employed is no walk in the park. If you ***avoid days off during peak time and you ***work everyday during the month your suppose to, you ***buy fuel at the best possible prices each & every time, ***use your navigational equipment, ***squirrel away money for rainy days – You should have no problems surviving & profiting.If YOU make a lot of $ in this business it’s YOUR fault…
If YOU make a little money in this business, it’s YOUR fault..

Affiliate of ours and / or recent acquisitions/ mergers:
www.MidWestExpediting.com
www.ExpeditersInsurance.com
www.ExpeditersUnion.com (not a union - a "group" of partners)
Chase Expediting. Rush Expedite.

We're growing because we treat our drivers like business partners.....

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