cr vs d units

airmuffin

Expert Expediter
we are trying to get into expediting fulltime after dabbling--we have offer to run an 18' box with reefer. Our concern is this: will we be limiting our loads with such a unit?--if no reefer loads, will be bypassed for regular d loads due to the size of this box?---Please be HONEST--we want to run hard and make money!!! Thanks to anyone offering info on this decision.
 

Glen Rice

Veteran Expediter
Howdy, 18 foot reefer unit will generally out revenue a "D" dry box so why worry? Do you want to run a bunch of miles or make money? A good dedicated team in your "Reefer C" should generate close to 200,000 a year. Have fun, make money, life is good!
 

airmuffin

Expert Expediter
Thanks Glen Rice,

You sound very confidant--so cr we go! Thanks so much for your time, and happy, safe truckin to you!
deb m:)
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
If you run with a carrier that has a lot of reefer freight the CR/D choice is not all that problematic. But if you are with a carrier that has only limited reefer freight CR may be the wrong way to go. If you are running for anyone other than FedEx Custom Critical White Glove Services, you might be better off choosing D over CR. FedEx CC is hands-down the market leader in expedited reefer freight. The rest pale in comparison.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
As mentioned, the reefer C unit will or should do more revenue than a typical D unit. One needs to keep in mind that the reefer truck will not only cost more, but has many additional expenses as well. When comparing the two options, it is more of a matter of choice. We didn't see any difference between the net revenue. Also consider that you are generally stuck with one carrier if you go that route. The same issues apply if you try to sell it. A very limited market for these type of trucks.
Davekc
owner
20years
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
>As mentioned, the reefer C unit will or should do more
>revenue than a typical D unit. One needs to keep in mind
>that the reefer truck will not only cost more, but has many
>additional expenses as well. When comparing the two options,
>it is more of a matter of choice. We didn't see any
>difference between the net revenue. Also consider that you
>are generally stuck with one carrier if you go that route.
>The same issues apply if you try to sell it. A very limited
>market for these type of trucks.
>Davekc
>owner
>20years

You have talked about extra reefer expenses before but I don't recall you saying what they are. For the benefit of all considering reefer purchases, would you be so kind as to tell us what the "...many additional expenses..." are?
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Surely,
On 5 reefer units the additional average per mile was .39 cents per mile for ALL miles. Within this cost, one much include additional interest on truck loan if monies are borrowed, additional insurance, on going maintenance, reefer fuel.
The other items to review but not included in that number would be lost loads because box is smaller because of insulated walls.
If liftgate equipped, many companies will not allow you to use their dock.
Depending on where your vehicle is purchased or licensed, you may have additional personal or property tax because of the computation used by many states.
Limited to one carrier can be good or bad depending on what your relationship is with them. This can work for alot of people if they know what they are getting into. I would not recommend this for someone new until they have developed that relationship.
I might have missed a couple items, but those are the basic ones that we look at.
Davekc
owner
20 years
 

airmuffin

Expert Expediter
Thanks so much for your reply--we are going with the reefer with Fedex. We absolutely LOVE your little motto!
 
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