"B" unit profitability.....

[jaxnorth]

I was wondering if some of the people here on this board who are currently running "B" unit cargo vans, preferably like Ford or Chevy 1 tons, are making any money? I have D units over the road, but the wife would like to run regional, less than 500 miles, and have a van parked at the house to go only when the loads become available. Being in Florida, there is usually 2 to 3 small loads a week running in my area, but I am unsure if its worth purchasing a used 1 ton cargo or not. This is not the main source of income, but I don't want her over the road and away from the kids for more than 24hours at a time, and only a couple of times a week at most. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks......

 

[terryandrene]

I don't think this is a good time for an entry level van operator to enter this business as a leased expediter. If your wife will want to compete for the two or three small loads a week running in her area, then she would be fortunate to get only one of them. If that load develops at the kids' suppertime, she might be gone for more than 24 hours if she sleeps before returning home. Not a very good life for anyone that wants to operate as you indicated.

We van operators have a tough time competing with the straight trucks for van capable freight; you must see this in your D truck operations. If she's bent on driving, I'd recommend she look at some of the local courier work that would keep her busy during the day and perhaps earn enough money to justify the purchase of a van.