Why Did You Choose Your Carrier?

Choosing a motor carrier is one most important business decisions you make as an expedite owner-operator or fleet owner. But when it comes to evaluating carriers, there is no "one-size-fits-all" option.

So, what should you look for in a carrier to ensure it's the best fit for your own business and lifestyle goals?

EO spoke with three expediters to find out why they chose their carrier and what advice they could offer rookie expediters on selecting a company. Here's what they shared.

Joseph and Amy Leto
Role: Fleet owner -- operating five vehicles
Truck(s): Fleet is comprised of five total vehicles, including mix of straight trucks, Sprinter vans and a Ram Promaster 3500
Carrier: V3 Transportation
Year Started with Carrier: 2015
Why I Chose My Carrier:

V3 Transportation strongly embraces what the expedite industry was founded on -- the true values of providing a quality product to their customers and treating their fleet owners and drivers like family. So, when we evaluated V3, the two most important considerations was their integrity and the knowledge of the supply chain within their organization. They understand the importance of supporting their business partners, wanting to see you as an owner grow with their company.

Advice to Rookies:

• Make sure the expedite industry is the right fit for you and your goals. Do your homework and research every aspect of expediting before making your final decision.
• Look into multiple companies in which you're considering. Try to speak with a few of their drivers within different capacities and learn from their experiences within the industry.
• Always have a positive attitude, no matter the situation.You will get out of the relationship with your carrier what you put into it.
• If you don't know, ask! No question should go unanswered. Ask questions that help you determine if the carrier is a good fit for your business plan.
• Make sure the piece of equipment -- the vehicle -- you choose to operate for this business is the best fit for you and your carrier's daily demand.

Daryl Winslow
Role: Owner-Operator
Truck(s): 2015 Freightliner Cascadia
Carrier: All State Express (ASE)
Year Started with Carrier: 2014
Why I Chose My Carrier:

I chose All State Express after exploring many companies. And, for me, ASE's "Lease Success Program" was the clincher.

Advice to Rookies:

• Choose a carrier that lets you talk to several operators and shows you actual settlements.
• Be realistic about your expectations for miles and home time. Expediting can be very volatile, and you'll need to be flexible.
• Communicate with as many different people at the company because this can give you a good understanding of how the entire company operates. Keep in mind that working with the accounting and safety departments is just as important as working with dispatch.
• Almost every carrier you consider will require you to build up a deposit or escrow account. This is normal; think of it like a deposit on an apartment and be prepared to forfeit some or all of it when it's time to move on.
• When you are available to work, be ready to go in an instant. Expediting may mean hanging out all day, then getting a call and driving all night.

Rick Guffey
Role: Owner-operator and fleet owner
Truck(s): Two vans -- 2015 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500
Carrier: Square One Transport and Logistics
Year Started with Carrier: 2015
Why I Chose My Carrier:

I chose Square One because they are a smaller but established company. They were honest and open during my interview. The owners talked with me personally, and everything we discussed was accurate and has proven to be true. My personality and theirs match very well, and I really like their small-feel atmosphere. They call you by name, not by your truck number.

Advice to Rookies:

• Find a company that fits your personality and life requirements. Some people like large companies and everything they offer. I prefer well established small companies that are more personable.
• Decide how important home time is for you. I go home every three to four weeks and stay as long as I want (usually three or four days). I take three weeks off in May to go on vacation with my family, and that's not a problem for Square One. Just make sure you can afford to be without a payday for those weeks you're on vacation.
• Be prepared for downtime. No matter what company you drive for, downtime is what drivers struggle with most. I buy books (Detroiter has a HUGE used book selection) and use my downtime to read. I also don't hang out at truck stops more than necessary. I go there to get fuel, truck stuff and shower, then I find a local park or beach or other quiet place to sit and wait for my next load. I found by doing this, it allows me to eat healthier, and take a mental break from the "hurry up and wait" game of expediting. Just find something you enjoy to pass the sometimes long wait between loads.
• Get to know your dispatchers. I've also found with smaller companies, dispatchers are great. They want to find you loads as quick as possible; after all, their pay is based on loads dispatched, too. So, ask them questions, like "Is this a good spot?" Are there other company drivers already there? Is there another location that would help them find me a load quicker or easier?
• Be willing to deadhead a little to reduce your wait time between loads. It's well worth spending a little gas money to get a load faster. Don't look at loads individually, look at them as a weekly and monthly total. We all take loads we don't want, but at the end of the month, it sure pays off!