Inquiry on vans

[Twin Pop USA]

I have a few questions for van expeditors:

1) What company(ies) still have steady work for vans? Seems like some of the big ones are trimming down
2) Does anyone know of any companies who will give long runs to single van drivers? I hear that TST is good for this but dont know much else about them
3) Which ones will let me take a rider? Or will she need to be qualified.. Or do I need extra insurance like B4
4) Is it even worth buying one these days?

I've been out of expediting since 03 and trying to catch up.. Started with Roberts in 91

 

[RichM]

I would say your #4 question answers your inquiry the best.

 

[Twin Pop USA]

Wow.. That bad?

 

[late for dinner]

No, its not that bad, its worse! My run count and revenue are down 50% over two years ago.

 

[greg334]

>No, its not that bad, its worse! My run count and revenue
>are down 50% over two years ago.

Well as of today, I made more money consulting last year at this time than I had made this year. My best with my van has been in december, mid january through beginning of march.

I got to say I am losing my optimism. Today I thought I would get out, a total of 6 loads went out today between the three express centers I sit in (they really need to combine them) and I was second in my express center but I don't know the dwell time of the others in the other express centers.

 

[dhalltoyo]

Personally speaking I have begun to look at the load offers a little closer.

1. Short runs (under 500 miles) delivering anywhere close to Detroit I will probably pass on. I always deadhead out of the Detroit area because it is a haven for illegals who have their cousins hauling freight at 50 cents a mile. Every week there is another expedite company showing up in Detroit. More wasted fuel.

2. Delivering to small towns in remote areas at night. Generally, that forces me to deadhead to a safe haven to spend the night. More wasted fuel.

3. Taking lower rate freight out of a good freight area. I have no problem taking a lower rate to get back home, but not to get out of a higher rate producing area. More wasted fuel.

4. Passing on extremely heavy loads that place undue stress on my cargo van. Hey, it is the means by which I make a living. For example, I received a bid for a 2800lb load paying 1.00/mile. I politely asked the dispatcher to verify the weight with the shipper, because they often forget to consider the weight of the shipping container in addition to the product in the container. The dispatcher said, "They think its 2800lbs because that is all the higher their scale reads." Uh, I think we will respectfully pass on that one too. More wasted fuel and broken springs to boot!

Yes, it has slowed down a little for me, but I feel that I am working a little smarter than when I first started.

 

[bryan]

HI
Yep its bad.Rate cutters, over population,and higher fuel cost. My gross revenue is up 8% due to fuel surcharge but net income is down 36%.

Everything has increased in price.It use to cost $30.00 to fill the van in Ohio now it cost $70.00.Bought fuel in Quebec and Ontario $144.00US for 35 gallons. I will never do that again.