From the Driver's Seat: Looking Back . . . . . . Breaking Into the Transport Business Part I
For roughly 30 years I worked on a family farm in upstate New York. During that time we raised beef cows from day-old calfs, we raised hefers to replenish local dairy farms, and we tried our hand at milking cows. It was not easy work. Extremely long days and a lack of substantial profits finally convinced me that it was time to move on. Harvesting crops for our substantial herd and/or for resale had me driving during certain seasons all day long. My love for driving started once I could reach the pedals and still continues today. What if, instead of driving in circles harvesting crops, I drive in a straighter line and see our beautiful country? 💡 The idea was born.
We relocated to Myrtle Beach to be near my mother-in-law. My first attempt at stepping into the trucking business was to create our own company along with my own authority. I was planning to deliver cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, golf carts, and motorcycles to any and all destinations. This proved to be a long and difficult process, but we were determined to make it work. Even though we did as much research as possible, breaking into the trucking business is not for the faint of heart. We bought a cargo trailer and had it wrapped with the name of the company and pertinent information. We thought it would be like a rolling billboard and, when parked, I tried to keep it as visible as possible. This proved to be a mistake. I only received a few calls and not one came to fruition.
We then purchased a flat bed trailer to haul cars to increase revenue, buying into a dispatch system where you bid for particular freight in your area. After a year of struggling with low-paying freight, DOT fines due to everchanging rules, and chasing customers for payment, we decided to change our plan.
I then worked locally at a business that stored travel trailers. When a customer called, you would find their trailer in the storage lot, give it a quick wash, and then set it up at the campground of their choice. Being located near the Myrtle Beach area, they stayed relatively busy all year. The holidays were the busiest when 30+ deliveries a day was not uncommon. Unfortunately, low pay and poor management had me keeping an eye out for additional income.
While mowing my lawn one Saturday, my neighbor stopped me to inform me of an advertisement he saw listed in front of a major RV distributor stating "Transporters Needed." I figured that maybe I could work part-time at both jobs. I stopped in to see what the requirements were, and I was taken aback to put it mildly. What I thought would be to transport travel trailers locally was, in realty, to transport them all over the country. After inquiring about the rate I would be paid, I was packing for a trip to Indiana to sign-on with a transport company that I would grow to love being a part of.
I signed on with a relatively new transport company based in the capital of the RV industry in Northern Indiana. Even though the company was only six months old, the required experience and a clean driving record mattered greatly. They stated that they only hired the best of the best. With all my driving experience and a clean record, I somehow slipped through the cracks and got hired. Not long after a somewhat lengthy talk/interview with the President of the company, he became a great friend. After orientation, the classes began. I had a great instructor, who today, I consider another great friend. In the class we learned what the company expected with reference to safety and how to properly fill out an electric log book to be DOT compliant. After a driving test and, of course, a drug test, you are then given your company decals (truck magnets). Afterward, you receive your first dispatch. Although I have not mentioned every detail of the sign-on procedure, such as obtaining the proper insurance, etc., it gives you a summary of the process.
Drivers receive half their compensation upon picking up a unit from one of their multiple yards, and the other half upon delivery after electronically submitting paperwork. We were fortunate to receive the best rates in the business. Our safety record was very high, which translated into very few inspections at the DOT scales. If you did get pulled in, you had the advantage of the company's DOT record and number (unlike my own authority, which was scrutinized constantly). For a clean DOT inspection, drivers received $100 from the company.
Working for this company was, without a doubt, the best job I ever had. I continued this occupation for the next 12 years. Some of the drivers and superiors I have met are, and will continue to be, some of my closest friends. There were a lot of twists and turns during this time. I will share with you some highlights and a few downsides next week.
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