Hello

Gilligan · Jul 13, 2009

Another newby interested in getting into the Cargo Van expediting business. I am looking at buying my own van. It seems to me there are advantages to both owning own van, and driving in someone elses van. One advantage for me is in regards to my dog. You make a little more money, but spend a little more as an owner operator. But I am not sure if there are more advantages to owner operator;maybe it is a wash either way.

However, I have a question in regards to the cargo van type. I can see that the Diesel Dodge Sprinter appears to be a god in the cargo van expediting business. The price alone shows that. However, I think the Cheverolet Express 2500/3500 looks like a smart choice. It is gas motor I know. But that maybe cheaper to maintain. Not as big, but big enough to get job done I think. Also I can buy one with low miles for around 5-10k less I think than the Sprinter. What is your thoughts on this? I really want to try and keep my vehicle expenses down. In order to buy the Chevy I will trade my 2006 Pontiac Vibe, that I am currently paying on. This way I can maybe keep my vehicle payments approximately the same I hope.

Ok I hope that introduces me a bit. Safe driving to all.

fastman_1 · Jul 13, 2009

I did ok with my 2003 savanna 2500, but it sometimes was a real struggle to make that Payment, and right now I wouldn't think of adding any debt to get into this business, It's Paid for and I'm gonna keep that way.

Gilligan · Jul 13, 2009

I appreciate the information. Thank you. Keeping expenses down is the name of the game for sure.

theoldprof · Jul 13, 2009

New or used I would go for the 3500 one ton unit. Won't cost much more and has larger payload.

ATeam · Jul 14, 2009

Gilligan said:
It seems to me there are advantages to both owning own van, and driving in someone elses van.

If you buy van and then change your name, you can own the van and drive someone else's too.

DannyD · Jul 14, 2009

Hi Gilligan,

In the van end of things, there isn't enough $$ to support two seperate entities. Meaning 2 familes or what have ya. So there's really no sense in driving someone elses van unless it's a father/son type arraingement.

As for your own purchase. I'd be real hesitant on getting a new vehicle. The payment is up there & w/ the miles you'll put on it, the depreciation is fast & a lot.

I had a Sprinter & had terrible luck w/ mine. This was a few years ago. I've got to believe they've worked out some of the bugs. I've seen recent posts, Ontario Van Man is one who comes to mind, where people love em.

A lot of the older ones are nothing but problems. When I worked for company we had about 50 Sprinters in our fleet. I'd say that 35 hated em, maybe 8 or so loved theirs, & the rest were neutral on em. I'm not sure how old OVM's is but I wouldn't get anything 2006 or older. At the same time, I wouldn't buy a new one either. So if I was to get a Sprinter I'd look for a 2007 or 2008 & let someone else take the mega depreciation.

I have a 2000 Ford. I love it to drive. It's still in great shape. It's not so great when ya have to sit in it for a day or 2 though. So there's trade offs for everything.

Remember on the milage. A gasser gets 17 to a Sprinter's 22 or so, but gas is often quite a bit less expensive than the diesel. So the actual cost of fuel is usually about the same. Plus the GMC's & Fords are also a lot less $$ to maintain. However, a Spinter can be set up easier if you want a bed, tv, fridge, etc. for when you're sitting. And there will be quite a bit of that out there.

So it's really a trade off. Ya kinda need to figure out what you want out of this & then take it from there. Hopefully this info helped ya out some.

Oilerman1957 · Jul 17, 2009

Dave Caldwell in columbus has new 2008 Sprinters for 35.000 dollars

DannyD · Jul 17, 2009

Oilerman1957 said:
Dave Caldwell in columbus has new 2008 Sprinters for 35.000 dollars

I'm not sure how that rates to used 2008's. I'm guessing it's a good deal though. Just make sure ya realize you're prolly in the ballpark of a $700 payment & maybe $350 insurance. So ya need to make $1500/month (figuring the gas to get that $1050 included) before you get to see anything for yourself.

At 70 cents/mile that's 2142 paid miles you've got to drive every month to pay for your van.

It's up to each individual obviously to decide if that's worth it to em. I guess it's obvious I'd be hesitant to purchase something like that again at that price. It does seem like a good deal, don't get me wrong. I'd just be more inclined to see what Dave Caldwell Dodge had in their used department.