You are headed in the right direction in getting your info from different carriers, and comparing their packages. There is no existing spreadsheet (that I am aware of), but there is no reason why you can't create your own, and plug in some hypothetical load details to see how each works out in the wash.
You may end up being somewhat surprised at how similar they end up, even though the separate little parts may be different.
The thing is, there are way too many other things involved to get a 'real' picture, so in the end, your spreadsheet isn't going to be all that meaningful. Carriers operate in different ways, and like has been stated many times, you need to find one which fits
you the best, whose zits
you can live with, and learn to work within their operating practices to your own advantage. That is the part that may take some real experience.
As has also been stated many times, a great way to find information is looking through the archives and doing some serious reading. People don't just blurt out info about their carriers and their corresponding picadillos, but you will gain some valuable insight if you take the time to really look over a long period of enlightening and entertaining posts. And talk to OOs/drivers of the carriers you're narrowing it down to... talk to many, take each one for what it's worth, and decide for yourself.
Be extremely aware of the language spoken by a recruiter. I don't mean English or Spanish, I mean apples and oranges. I have a story about a recruiter who insisted that his OOs got 62% of the load, and 100% of the FSC... but once into the nitty gritty numbers, he actually meant that the OOs get 100%
of their 62% of the FSC. Be sure to ask... 62% of what
exactly, and 100% of what
exactly, .. ask him to show you how that would work out in real life numbers.
And then there are alllllllll the things you can only know by finding out for yourself.. little things that can add up to the detriment of your bottom line. Ask to see real-life settlement sheets (with names and truck numbers blocked out), ask to see stats of one truck over a long period (not just the 2 month roll the one driver happened to be on, which the recruiter will have handily available for your perusal).
When you see actual settlements, they may state what the deadhead was, and/or show it as a percentage. After reading other posts you will see that these numbers will not include the miles travelled
after POD, so it may look good on paper, but that paper may be missing a
whole lot of DH miles which need to be considered in
your business.
I don't agree with buying whichever truck you want and then hoping for the best in finding a carrier to utilize it to its full potential. Ain't gonna happen. Get a truck that many carriers have a use for, so you're not beholden to one carrier. Don't find out after the fact that it was a regrettable purchase resulting in limited options for
you.
That is a very interesting question about why so many expediter trucks are automatic. I believe it speaks to the ease with which inexperienced people can get into this business, and drivers into fleet owners' seats. That is something you
do have control over, and if you feel you could save R&M money and downtime by having a manual/standard, that's what you should own.
I often read a sense of urgency from newbies to get into this game (not referring to the OP). They will say things like, 'I've got to get started because I need the money'. Newbies need the money all right, but they need it in
their own bank account
before they start out. The more resources (knowledge and money) one has before starting out, the more content and satisfied one will be with their own decisions and their own ability to direct their success. Many recommend starting out as a driver for an owner - it's a great way to see and learn from the inside without a great deal of personal financial risk.
Sorry this is so long
