A Lot of New Straight Trucks

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
yep the economy hasn't been to kind to fleet owners....I see a lot of junky trucks out there...they haven't been replaced...even a new paint job would be an improvement....

Doesn't help that the cost of expediting continues to rise, including cost of trucks, repairs, insurance, etc, while the rates drop. Something is bound to get neglected, and that would be repairs, while the trucks skirt the scales.
 

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
some keep saying they are rising?.....could it be in your sector because of the increase in competition you are seeing the fall?....

Rising in what context? If they go up a nickle, while inflation rises a dimes-worth, then rates are falling. But what I've seen in recent years, is that rates PLUMMET, then creep a little higher every once in awhile. That isn't really an increase either.
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
Rising in what context? If they go up a nickle, while inflation rises a dimes-worth, then rates are falling. But what I've seen in recent years, is that rates PLUMMET, then creep a little higher every once in awhile. That isn't really an increase either.

But, but but..I was going by what the drum beaters have said....?????
 

wwgx90

Rookie Expediter
I agree that there are a lot of junkie stra trks out there! Been looking at used 07 or 09, but my 03 is in better shape and looks better than the ones I have seen, oh and has a lot fewer miles on mine and its paid for. It looks like you would have to have a 2011 or newer to run Calif. with their requirements or pay big bucks to upgrade an older model. I have turned down several Calif. runs in the past just because I did not want to deal with the hassle.
 

Tennesseahawk

Veteran Expediter
I agree that there are a lot of junkie stra trks out there! Been looking at used 07 or 09, but my 03 is in better shape and looks better than the ones I have seen, oh and has a lot fewer miles on mine and its paid for. It looks like you would have to have a 2011 or newer to run Calif. with their requirements or pay big bucks to upgrade an older model. I have turned down several Calif. runs in the past just because I did not want to deal with the hassle.

Have you seen the prices of some of these trucks? Or trucks in general. I talked to an owner about getting in his truck. He offered a lease-purchase. His offer for his 98 with 1 mil +... 5000 down, 1500 a month for 12 months. $23,000??? The bad thing is, he's far from the only one out there who makes Ellenbaum look like a discount dealer!
 

pearlpro

Expert Expediter
That is the issue too on New trucks, there either speced so expensive or wrong, who is cookie cutter ordering these things....Ive about come to the conclusion that when I buy the new truck, IF I DO...I may build it myself, Buy a Cab and chassis and finish the rest myself...its not that hard, Ive built many a trailer and truck/chassis for all types of companys from Loggers to Linemen, Freight haulers to Utility vehicles, even 6 wheel drive off road utility vehicles with Booms and Cranes.....

Heck might be a better living then driving...I worked for Fruehauf, Trailmobile, XTRA and have built prolly a couple thousand refrigerated and special purpose trailers and trucks.....but I was young....today NOT SO MUCH....
 

zorry

Veteran Expediter
Well, we finally got a Volvo Dealer that will order what YOU want.
Not what HE wants to sell. ImageUploadedByEO Forums1393372089.573087.jpg

Bruce on his first week out. A Happy Camper
 
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zorry

Veteran Expediter
I guess there are multiple answers to your question.

A poorly speced truck would be on built totally wrong for any application.

When one buys a cookie cutter truck it may be better for the guy hauling 800 lb loads east of the Mississippi vs the guy that starts out his week with 14,000# of magazines from Chicago to Sacramento.

If you've come out of a truck with leather , swivel, two armrest seats, into a $250,000 truck with non-swivel, cloth seats ,you may think what crappy specs every time you sit in the truck.

How happy will you be if you pucker-up at every scale because the front axle isn't as stout as you require ?
Or the dealer uses body company A over body company B, which you feel is a superior body ?

I've driven 3 expedite trucks I didn't own. All relatively decent trucks. None had my preferred brand of liftgate.
Every time I used the other liftgate I cussed under my breath about someone specing a different liftgate to save a few hundred dollars.

I've seen choices made that I question. Axle size, tire size, axle placement. Major components I wouldn't choose. Those are just personal preference

I was alerted to a dealer that had a new unit in stock that had a bodybuilder sticker warning that the body was not built to withstand forklift useage.
Did this dealer skimp on this body, saving a few hundred dollars, to increase his profit by eliminating a necessary upgrade that many would overlook ? Would that sticker be removed during the PDI ?

Who would buy a $250,000 truck that wasn't built to handle a forklift ?
 
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T270_Dreamin

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Well, we finally got a Volvo Dealer that will order what YOU want.
Not what HE wants to sell. View attachment 8691

Bruce on his first week out. A Happy Camper


I wonder when they will start making the 780 with a extended frame and 22 or 24 ft box. The oem sleeper seems very nice and luxurious... I never driven a Volvo but everyone tells me they ride like a Cadillac ;)
 

Daffyduck528

Expert Expediter
Funny how no one compares the ride of a volvo truck to that of a volvo car. They are premium nice cars in the US. And the 2 companies are no longer related.
 

KickStarter6

Veteran Expediter
Could one buy one of the Volvo 780's used and simply put a box on it? Does that even work well or is the cost not justify it?
 
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