cargo vans
- Thread starter cdm
- Start date
If you mean $1200 gross to the truck, you should have no problem if you're with the right carrier.
If you mean $1200 net, after ALL expenses, It ain't gonna happen to a solo driver, except to a very few.
Diesel or gas, the price has risen proportionetly for all of us. Gasoline prices for an 18 mpg van (mine's 14.7) is over 11 cents per mile. The good news is some carriers get fuel surcharge, when possible, and distributes to gas or diesel owners at the same rate.
I don't believe a switch from tractor to van is the panacea for those who can't cope with the current fuel prices. It might be akin to switching fron a three bedroom house to a one bedroom apt; you'll save expenses but you'll have to modify your standard of living.
If you mean $1200 net, after ALL expenses, It ain't gonna happen to a solo driver, except to a very few.
Diesel or gas, the price has risen proportionetly for all of us. Gasoline prices for an 18 mpg van (mine's 14.7) is over 11 cents per mile. The good news is some carriers get fuel surcharge, when possible, and distributes to gas or diesel owners at the same rate.
I don't believe a switch from tractor to van is the panacea for those who can't cope with the current fuel prices. It might be akin to switching fron a three bedroom house to a one bedroom apt; you'll save expenses but you'll have to modify your standard of living.
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
Perhaps I am missing something here. Are your tractors leased to expediting companies or regular freight lines?
If the latter why not look into leasing them to an expedite company? From the posts I have read here it would seem the E units are rarely sitting still.
If the former it seems to me there is something wrong if you are not making $1200/wk gross with a big truck.
--
Mike N
If the latter why not look into leasing them to an expedite company? From the posts I have read here it would seem the E units are rarely sitting still.
If the former it seems to me there is something wrong if you are not making $1200/wk gross with a big truck.
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Mike N
the trucks are doing better then 1200 per week however when you get 5 mi per gal and your paying 2.25 per gal most of your money is going in the tank also tires you pay what maybe 120.00 per tire i pay over 300.00 you get oil changes for 50.00 it runs me 150.00 i just want to cut cost or am i looking at this wrong?
Tom Robertson
Veteran Expediter
Sometimes ownership is not quite what it first appears.
Many owners in this industry do not properly maintain their equipment, which experience shows will cost many more dollars at a later time. Some of however realize that a $150 maintenance charge now beats a $1000 replacement charge somewhere down the road.
You should consider the following.
1. what is your equity position on your tractors? Can you sell them for more than you owe?
2. if you are right side up on this equipment, will you have enough money to reinvest in a smaller truck without placing additional burdens on your financial situation?
Too many people enter this industry without a business plan. They enter based on inflated hopes and figures quoted by others, many of them without vested interest in their own equipment or without the experience needed to advise.
My advice to anyone considering entering the industry is to drive for someone or company for at least a year, giving yourself the hands on experience to make decisions involving thousands of dollars, and a change of lifestyle.
You should look up a post by RichM titled "Expectations" and read all the responses to it. The statement in this post will give you an idea of what this industry is all about.
It sounds like you have yourself in a situation that needs corrective action, however try to approach it with your bottom line in mind. While your gross income driving for another may be quite abit less than your present gross, if you choose wisely your net could increase significantly with the right choice. Do your homework, assess your financial stability, and make the right choice for your bottom line.
Good luck... I hope all works out to your benefit.
Many owners in this industry do not properly maintain their equipment, which experience shows will cost many more dollars at a later time. Some of however realize that a $150 maintenance charge now beats a $1000 replacement charge somewhere down the road.
You should consider the following.
1. what is your equity position on your tractors? Can you sell them for more than you owe?
2. if you are right side up on this equipment, will you have enough money to reinvest in a smaller truck without placing additional burdens on your financial situation?
Too many people enter this industry without a business plan. They enter based on inflated hopes and figures quoted by others, many of them without vested interest in their own equipment or without the experience needed to advise.
My advice to anyone considering entering the industry is to drive for someone or company for at least a year, giving yourself the hands on experience to make decisions involving thousands of dollars, and a change of lifestyle.
You should look up a post by RichM titled "Expectations" and read all the responses to it. The statement in this post will give you an idea of what this industry is all about.
It sounds like you have yourself in a situation that needs corrective action, however try to approach it with your bottom line in mind. While your gross income driving for another may be quite abit less than your present gross, if you choose wisely your net could increase significantly with the right choice. Do your homework, assess your financial stability, and make the right choice for your bottom line.
Good luck... I hope all works out to your benefit.