On The Road
by
Phil Madsen
(Written August 16, 2003. Edited March 13, 2007 for publication on SuccessfulExpediters.com.)
Several months ago, I began posting messages in this newsgroup seeking advice about trucking. I explained that my wife and I were considering a career change from our white-collar professions to trucking.
Some people scoffed at our upbeat approach and positive view of the trucking industry. They said we were crazy to leave our current jobs and chided us for our unrealistic trucking lifestyle expectations. They ridiculed our self-confidence, questioned our sincerity, and predicted that if we entered the industry at all we would certainly fail.
We nevertheless persisted in our research. It is a good thing we did. The negative people were wrong. We now know of dozens of successful driving teams that are living the life and earning the money on the road that we see for ourselves.
We have identified the skills and work habits of the top earners in the truck driving profession, and the character traits of the drivers that are happy in their work. Those skills, habits, and traits are well within our ability to emulate.
After thoroughly researching the industry's pros and cons, we decided to go for it. We got our CDLs and quit our jobs. Tomorrow our house sitter moves in and we move out to take up life on the road as a truck driving team.
We are heeding the advice many people gave; namely, drive someone else's truck to gain experience before thinking about buying a truck of our own. We addressed our lack of experience by selecting fleet owners that are seasoned drivers, savvy business people, and helpful. With them in our corner, and us in daily communication with them, we will avoid the newbie mistakes we might otherwise make.
The fleet owners we chose have a proven business strategy. Their top team grossed over $200,000 last year. Each of their teams grosses at least $150,000 a year. We expect to be in that same range in the very near future.
Thank you to those who provided good information and encouragement as we researched the industry and developed our business plan. Perhaps we'll have the pleasure of meeting you on the road one day.
Note to readers: So, how did we do? Find out by reading Five Fantastic Years!, which I wrote five years after writing this piece.