CV and Sprinter Drivers: Would you still drive

[jjoerger]

Would you still drive a CV or Sprinter if you had to log?
Or would you rather drive a straight truck if you didn't have to log?
And why for either answer.


Just looking for honest answers.
I am still trying to learn more about the van side of the business.

 

[chefdennis]

It would depend on the company I was leased to
...but chances are I would not go to a straight, maybe a 12,300 lb gvw Cube van (uni-cell)with a 18 ft box so i could built a fixed sleeper of 5 ft and till have 12 of cargo area to haul 3 to 6 skids... maintainance cost alone would keep me out of a straight and since i won't team, it would be to my advantage to go to the extra expense just to have a 33,000 on up straight...

 

[greg334]

If the country did the sensible thing and change the regulations to say anything over 16,000 or 26,000 does not have to log, it would be a great thing for a lot of us.

E450 16k gvw with an 18 foot box, dual tanks would be nice.

On the other hand if they said Vans are now CMVs and required to log, it would also be a great thing for those who like to harass van drivers.

 

[ebsprintin]

Would you still drive a CV or Sprinter if you had to log?
Or would you rather drive a straight truck if you didn't have to log?
And why for either answer.


Just looking for honest answers.
I am still trying to learn more about the van side of the business.

Depends on what they did with my pay.

eb

 

[letzrockexpress]

If the country did the sensible thing and change the regulations to say anything over 16,000 or 26,000 does not have to log, it would be a great thing for a lot of us.

E450 16k gvw with an 18 foot box, dual tanks would be nice.

On the other hand if they said Vans are now CMVs and required to log, it would also be a great thing for those who like to harass van drivers.

would this theoretical vehicle be dock high?

 

[greg334]

would this theoretical vehicle be dock high?

Actually no.

I had one, it was a great thing to drive, lots and lots of room but it got the same mileage as my truck 10.5 and a bit better for moving about. At 16k, I still had almost the same weight capacity as my present truck.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Would you still drive a CV or Sprinter if you had to log?
Or would you rather drive a straight truck if you didn't have to log?
And why for either answer.


Just looking for honest answers.
I am still trying to learn more about the van side of the business.

Yes..I like my Sprinter...

the ability to get around towns and cities and not stay on truck routes and not get kicked out of some parking lots....
the difference between the rates is minimal considering the costs of operation....
1 flat tire only is more then enough to take any difference in pay out of the equation...

 

[transporter]

ovm all you really need is one load to make you happy

 

[Jack_Berry]

yes we would stay with a van. prolly a 16' aerocell or something like that.. raised floor and ramps to attempt the dock high. really enjoy the park it anywhere nature of the vehicle. might actually make the switch to diesel then.

 

[Turtle]

This is weird. One time my Sprinter woke me up and asked, "If you had to log, would you still drive me?"

Maybe that was a dream. I can't remember. It's hard to tell sometimes.

 

[geo]

only company that i know of that required to log is pitohio
in a sprinter
as they may be required something else in a day
also will worry about logging in sprinter when that happens
less not give them anymore idea's

 

[CharlesD]

I enjoy a lot of the freedoms I have between loads. Just Saturday I was passing through St. Louis and I stopped to attend the Reds/Cardinals game. It would have been hard to park a straight around there.

 

[guido4475]

I'd have to agree with Greg on this, a Ford E-450 16' box,Walk -thru from the cab,Diesel or gas, not sure.But definately not a s/t again.The cost of ownership is definately alot lower in a van/cube than a straight.

 

[TJ959]

I'd sure have to take a long look at it. I have had both and the van is just so much easier when you're empty and waiting between loads. You can go anywhere and stay under the radar. Lots of resturaunts and other entertainment businesses take a dim view of a strait truck in the lot. The people at the drive through get a little excited too.

 

[jjoerger]

Thanks for the answers.
My thought in asking was to see if logging was that big of an issue for many of you. It seems to not be the case.
It would seem to me that being free of HOS requirements and the ability to accept loads without fear of violating HOS rules would be a big factor in choosing a CV over a straight. Especially for a solo.
Is the cost of ownership comparision between the two that great that it makes up for the pay differential between a straight and a CV? (My estimates for a Sprinter show that I would need to make 95 cents including FSC for all miles to equal what I make in a straight.)
Or is it the convenience of being able to go to and park at locations that a straight can't?

 

[OntarioVanMan]

I hope you took everything into consideration...Like will AAA tow a straight? those are costs to be dealt with...I change my tire at the side of the road...can a straight? If I have to idle.it is like 1 gallon in 8 hours...there are so many variables...

 

[jjoerger]

I hope you took everything into consideration...Like will AAA tow a straight? those are costs to be dealt with...I change my tire at the side of the road...can a straight? If I have to idle.it is like 1 gallon in 8 hours...there are so many variables...

I was trying to take in all the different cost factors, but, never having driven CV's I can only base my estimates of costs from what I read online and by talking to other drivers. It's like comparing apples to oranges and not knowing much about the apples. Many costs will be similar, QC fees, Work Accident Insurance, etc. But many will be different. Tires, brakes, PM's, etc. Plus having to pay for showers..LOL.

From my point of view I don't think they should give you your dime back. It seems like 15 cents would be closer to what you need to make things more equal.

 

[dragonrider]

I have had to log for companies,even when not required for feds.Was running under 100 airmiles,so it is no big deal if it happened,but i am looking right now and the expense for a s/t doesn't seem worth it,also reading about egrcoolers injector etc etc has turned me off s/t