Are There Loads For Everyone?

[ds2007]

I was originally looking at purchasing a D unit to run team with my wife. After considering how much easier a Sprinter would be to get around in, etc., I had almost convinced myself to go that route.
Now I am reading several posts that there is an over-abundance of vans out there and many good folks are struggling to make it. If the loads aren't there, I would certainly go with the D unit. Can anyone give my an accurate accounting of the number of loads for vans vs. straight trucks? If you are currently driving a van, would you go that route again or try a different size truck? Other than the difference in revenue generation, are there other major considerations I should be looking at? Thanks in advance, this forum is a great place for advice and information.

 

[Jayman]

I cant give you facts and figures. Have been researching the best route for me to enter the biz for over a year now. Plus, I have had to wait on other issues to work out before I can make the jump. I may do expedite and I may do something else in trucking. All comes down to money, job security, working conditions, home time, and a couple of other things.

One thing that I have learned is this. The smaller the truck...the more competion you will have since the investment in a smaller truck allows more people the chance to get into the biz. Plus, many have told me work is scarce during January and February for trucks smaller than D units. Too bad the rules for vans didnt apply to D units. Would make life a lot easier.

 

[Turtle]

There have been a glut of vans in the industry ever since the second van came into service. The impending demise of vans in the industry goes back to about three days after that date.

I doubt that any driver, owner/operator or fleet owner could come up with any kind of accurate figures of the number of van loads versus straight truck loads. Percentage-wise, and it's something that most shippers will confirm if you ask them, there are more van loads of one and two skids than there are straight truck loads of three or more skids. But of course, percentage-wise, there are many more vans on the road than there are straight trucks, too. There are, no doubt, more vans on the road than there are van loads. There are also more straight truck loads available than there are straight trucks to handle them, as evidenced by many shippers often having to employ two or more vans to handle one shipment.

Be that as it may, a team will always get more loads in a straight truck than they will in a van. Always. Straight trucks are more in demand. A carrier will dispatch around a van, be it solo or team, to keep a straight truck loaded and happy, as replacing a straight truck in the fleet is much more difficult than is replacing a van.

A solo driver in a straight truck will sit just about as much as a solo in a van, due to hours of service restrictions. If you're a team, there is no question that you will make more money in a straight truck than you will in a van, because by and large, in a van, there are no board position preference for teams versus solos.

So, you have to weigh in the pros of not having to log and scale in a van, of being able to park wherever you want, of not having to wait to get loaded or unloaded, with the pros of a straight truck in more loads for more money. A straight truck will cost more, up front and in maintenance, but it pays more, so it's a wash, really, when compared to a van on a load by load basis. However, a straight truck will get you more loads, more revenue, by far.

All else being equal, a straight truck team is like royalty to a carrier. Big trucks, solo and team vans, and straight truck solos will always take a back seat to the straight truck team. If you're looking to make a little money and do a lifestyle of half driving and half an RV experience, then a Sprinter is a good choice. But if you're looking to make some real money, a straight truck team is where it's at.

Good luck.

 

[Packmule]

Turtle,

I think you are very accurate in your description. You hit on the Good Bad and ugly of the different avenues available to folks wanting to get into this business.
I made a change from a "D" unit to a "B" unit out of necessity due to health issues, and so far it fits the lifestyle I must maintain to stay healthy.

Can you make as much money in a Van as compared to a Stright truck? NO! Even though the overhead is much lower (approx. 38%), which more than offsets the difference in the income generated $/mile between a van and a stright truck, what I am hearing from others on the Forum is the Van freight pie is being cut into too many peices. An over abundance of Vans, Van loads going to stright trucks to keep them moving,Vans not being versatile enough to compete with the Stright trucks on special customer needs.

Am I complaining? No! and I didn't mean to come over that way in a previous post on Van loads.

Would I do it again in a Van? YES! Because it allowed me to stay in a business I love.

Will I get rich doing this in a van? NO! But at least I will be happy doing what I enjoy and thats hard to put a price tag on.

Depending on your financial situation, the best return on investment would definantly be a Stright truck, but make sure you don't try it undercapitolized and unprepared for what Murphy has in his bag to throw at you. I've seen too many O/O's come and go QUICK for just that reason.

Danny

 

[Turtle]

If it weren't for the HoS and logging restrictions, I'd be in a straight truck, even with the downsides of not being able to go where I want, park where I want. I once had a load that took me to Flagstaff, AZ. I took myself out of service for a few days and took the van to the Grand Canyon, slept in it just like the other RV'ers. Can't do that in a straight truck, not in a National Park.

A straight truck would mean more loads. Of course, if there were no Hos and logging restrictions, there may very well be many more stgraight trucks on the road, as well. So I dunno.

But, I want to drive solo, park where I want, go where I want. That means I'll be sitting a lot. I'm OK with that. And knowing that I'll be sitting a lot, I've outfitted my van both for freight and for comfort. I'm quite at home in here when not working, with all the comforts of home, for the most part. It's both a lifestyle and a mindset that you have to be at ease with.

 

[ds2007]

Thanks for the responses. I am amazed at the insight the members on these boards can provide and are willing to share. As far as earning potential of a truck, it is less important to me than it was 20 yrs ago. I am closing in on 50 and "getting rich" isn't necessary for my wife and I. We are primarily looking for something we can enjoy doing, something we can make a "reasonable" living at and basically drop out of the world of office cubicles and boredom. That world can has several positives, but it sucks the life out of you.
From what I gather, if a van o/o is willing to work, willing to sit or move to freight lanes, and is willing to sacrifice when necessary and willing to run their van like the business it is, they can surely expect to clear 35K - 40K per year. If I am wrong, some please speak up. Thanks.

 

[davekc]

I don't drive a van, but I look at their numbers and freight and alot of your question would depend on the carrier, and how well they utilize that vehicle. A net of $35,000 to 40,000 would seem on the high side.










Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[x06col]

52 weeks X 2000 mi = 104,000 mi. Times $.90 per mile = 93,600. Anticipating 15 MPG, your fuel will be seventeen cent. X 104,000 =17,680. Leaves ? Understand you will be a team. Seems those numbers are available to you. Now, depends on you. Do you choose to be a 100 percenter, an 80 percenter, or, a 50 percenter?? Divide the numbers accordingly, then also subtract whatever gracious living you desire on the road. Cost of your equipment needs to reduce the income, and whatever your carrier may charge you for "things". Then you got it!

 

[jaminjim]

While I don't drive a van 2000 paid miles per week seems a little high from what has been said in the past.

 

[FAMILYEXPDT]

once had a load that took me to Flagstaff, AZ. I took myself out of service for a few days and took the van to the Grand Canyon, slept in it just like the other RV'ers. Can't do that in a straight truck, not in a National Park.





Yes You can do that in a Straight truck. The very first trait truck we bought was purchased from a couple that had the truck built specifically for this purpose. They installed a ONAN RV heavy duty generator that was state park approved and had all the ship to shore features required.....and it goes and has gone to many state parks without a problem. You just cannot put the standard rigmaster on them



-Charlotte

 

[Broompilot]

The original post "Are There Loads for Everyone? Hmmm anyone care to join in?

I think the market is flooded with to many trucks. Let me take that back I know the market is flooded. Sitting way to much, much more than last year this time. 34 hours or more, much more between the last four loads so worrying about running out of hours not this month.

My company tells me were bidding, bidding, bidding. What does this tell me? That there is an over supply of trucks sitting and discounted loads abound. Otherwise after a few bids I would be getting a call.

To those of you thinking of this. Get some game boards, books, CDs, movies cause your going to find plenty of time to be board. Just the facts as I see them.

You may find yourself with very few miles or in my case the miles are great but two loads a week stinks. Two last week one this week I do not expect a call this evening either.

 

[ds2007]

Thanks Broompilot. That was pretty much what I was getting from the boards, although several folks were saying it in some round about ways. I suppose the laws of supply and demand will turn full circle eventually and the over supply of trucks will fix itself, in time. It's just too bad alot of people with marginal resources will get hurt in the process.

 

[Broompilot]

Back up front:

Thanks for your kind words more people need to see this. More questions on buying trucks without asking any questions on how to make it financially, let alone profitable.