Apply Now!

A boatload of questions....

A

awj101

Expert Expediter
The people in this forum seem to be really helpful. I'd appreciate any insight I can get. I'm seriously thinking about getting into the industry, I just have a few questions:

1. Is it possible to operate a cargo van profitably while sleeping in economy hotels nightly?

I realize that this will amount to a significant expense, but it's really the only way I'd be comfortable operating.

2. Is the O/O expected have e-track or something similar installed already when they go to orientation, or can the company help with that?

3. What is the typical out/home cycle in a profitable operation?

4. Are any of the companies paying fuel surcharges for cargo van operators?

5. What is the approximate monthly insurance charge for a reasonably new cargo van used for expediting (assuming an excellent driver record)?

6. How much spare time will a cargo van operator get on the road? And how do you fill it?

Thanks a million for all of your help. I look forward to reading the responses.
 
terryandrene

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
>1. Is it possible to operate a cargo van profitably while
>sleeping in economy hotels nightly?

>2. Is the O/O expected have e-track or something similar
>installed already when they go to orientation, or can the
>company help with that?
>
>3. What is the typical out/home cycle in a profitable
>operation?
>
>4. Are any of the companies paying fuel surcharges for cargo
>van operators?
>
>5. What is the approximate monthly insurance charge for a
>reasonably new cargo van used for expediting (assuming an
>excellent driver record)?
>
>6. How much spare time will a cargo van operator get on the
>road? And how do you fill it?

AJ: Being both a van operaor and a sailor, I can provide answers to your boatload of questions.

1. No! However, most our runs have some nightime driving or early morning delivery involved so you wouldn't want to spend the money on a motel, economy or otherwise, everynight. It's the nature of expediting vs courier or other more circadian favorable driving jobs. This is why you see so much van related talk here about sleeping arrangements. If you get into this form of work, you'll soon form a way to sleep in the van mid-run or between them.

2. Some, but not all companies require E-Track. For my money, it's the best accessory available to secure your freight. You'll not likely get help from a carrier to install it. Best place would be from a fellow driver or this forum.

3. Your profitability will be dependent on your method of operation and the company for which you work. Will they get you freight near the location of your last delivery to take somewhere else or, must you deadhead back to their area of activity. You should expect to be available a minimum of the equivalent of 5 days a week or about 70% of the month. Some of your better runs much come just as you're ready to go home, so you'll stay out over weekends.

4. All the national respectable carriers return 100% of the fuel surcharge to the owners, including van operators. By contract, however, not all customers are required to pay the extra surcharge.

5. About $90 monthly for bobtail insurance via a company's group plan.

6. Expediting is like an ambulance service. Either might wait a day or two for a run offer, or have back to back jobs. No way of forcasting. My advice to you would be to initially go to the van gathering spots, usually truckstops, and talk to as many drivers, from as many companies as you can. each will tell you their company is the best and their van has the best gadgets for life on the road. Sort it all out, absorb what you need, then go to the Movies, the library or see the local sights in a new town.

Best of luck and success with your choices.
 
J

jimbo van

Expert Expediter
Hi,Wow a ton of info.!Is the fr8 a van classification?What van is your favorite make?May I ask who you run for?New to industrie and this forum.Thanks Jimbo van
 
Dreamer

Dreamer

Administrator Emeritus
Charter Member
>Hi,Wow a ton of info.!Is the fr8 a van classification?What
>van is your favorite make?May I ask who you run for?New to
>industrie and this forum.Thanks Jimbo van

Hi Jimbo van, and welcome to the forum!

I thought I'd post this link so Terry wouldn't get bashful! Here's a story on him and his van that Editor Jeff Jenson wrote in April.


http://www.expeditersonline.com/artman/publish/article_001518.html




Dreamer
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top