Curiosity about A Units

Dreamer · Nov 12, 2004

Thru the years, I've taken a lot of so-called A Unit loads, or mini-van loads. For some reason, it just popped into my head that I've NEVER seen an A Unit! I looked thru a couple company sites, and sure enough, they still list them as available units for customers.

Do you know anyone who actually runs one of these???? Any idea what they pay???

As Arsenio used to say.. "Just one of those things that make you go... Hmmmmmmm "

Dreamer

gambler · Nov 12, 2004

MY EXPERIENCE with the big co's is that there are no real "a-units" however they offer them up as a balance to customers. however the reality is these loads are taken by vans. although i did 1x yrs ago see a truck with a cap that was considered a "a-unit" for one of the big 3.

RobA · Nov 12, 2004

>Thru the years, I've taken a lot of so-called A Unit loads,
>or mini-van loads. For some reason, it just popped into my
>head that I've NEVER seen an A Unit! I looked thru a couple
>company sites, and sure enough, they still list them as
>available units for customers.
>
>

TNT Taxi Truck used to have some mini vans. I remember seeing a Toyota and a Ford Aerostar. TNT Taxi Truck and OLEX are now TST Expedite if I'm not mistaken. I imagine that an "A" load would be a "B" van at a reduced rate.

http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/rene_buron/2004/oct/file0032.jpg

This was the paint scheme of TNT Taxi Truck.

Glen Rice · Nov 12, 2004

I saw one about a year ago, it was Chevy Astro Van with FDCC. We have taken "A" loads in our "C" reefer and the money was about a buck a mile. It took us to a desirable city and we thought why not? Thanks for the question. Like you said Hmmmmmm?

RichM · Nov 12, 2004

I have seen about 3 A units in my travels.One was a Ford Ranger Pick up with a cap on it Guy was from Chicago and said it was one of the best kept secrets going as he was always doing 40-50 mile trips,sometimes 2-3 a day.There was a fellow from CTX that had a camper pickup and figured out how to get a pallet in it.

Twmaster · Nov 12, 2004

Having run an Astro at Dynamex for nearly 2 years I think you just don't see 'A' units as they are just as expensive to operate as a good 'B' unit so why bother. While my Astro got better fuel milage the repairs were quite salty as the little rides just cannot stand up to the miles/use/abuse of this work.

Anyway, that's my take having been there and bought the T-shirt.

--
Mike N

ATeam · Nov 12, 2004

We have a truck on order now that will keep us for the next several years, but we're already thinking beyond it to the next one. We're considering a Class 8 A unit, with a larger sleeper and just enough room in the back to carry a couple skids. It's too early to start asking questions about that now but we wonder if carriers permit dock-high A and B units. If not, I guess we could do a low-rider something or other on the back to create a bit of ground-level A-unit space.

Glen, this is right up your alley. What do you think? Class 8 A-unit?
Just kidding.....well, maybe only half kidding.

redytrk · Nov 13, 2004

>I have seen about 3 A units in my travels.One was a Ford
>Ranger Pick up with a cap on it Guy was from Chicago and
>said it was one of the best kept secrets going as he was
>always doing 40-50 mile trips,sometimes 2-3 a day.
I think this is the same guy I ran into at PJ`s a few years back.He said he came off the road in a "D" unit.His D was being run by a team out of BAL.It would seem there would be a demand for this size in very large metro areas.

Weave · Nov 16, 2004

You might be all kidding, but I know Glen's Deuce Coupe truck was designed to be a full motorhome after its expediting stint. It was in the EO article in regards to it, still on the archives here.
One day at a time A-team, you might have to get the bugs out of truck #1 first, I'm sure Glen and the others can help you there

No need to be dock high- an '84 Monte Carlo low rider A unit with limo stretch will be able to toss the pallets to the forkilft:7
-Weave-