Need input

[theoldprof]

The price of gas for a gasser cargo van is scaring the hell out of me. I am wondering if I would be just as well off driving a T/T? My recruiter tells me I could expect about 50 grand gross a year with a cargo van. Is that about in the ballpark? After truck payment, fuel, insurance, etc. etc. etc. it's almost the same net.

I can drive for a local T/T carrier close to my home. This carrier is very well respected in the community, and they have good equipment. Any input out there? Pros and cons, please.

I am editing this. Forgot to mention that with T/T experience I can also teach driving at a driving school, or a community college, and utilize my teaching experience. This would be when I get to be older than dirt, which I am close to.

Thanks. :+ :+

 

[merkurfan]

50K in a van seems kind of light to me. I've only been with panther for 3 weeks now, but last week I only ran 48 hours and still got in 1200 miles. I think 65-70K is more likely. Panther will gladly tell you of a few van drivers in the 95K range. I have had 1200-1700 loaded miles when out for a full week. I also have yet to see a run with out a FSC. Also, panther is signing tractors. Perhaps you want to go that route? I think I heard 1.65 loaded and .35 for ALL unloaded miles. They provide the trailer.

If the fuel economy of a gasser worries you why not get a diesel? Ford and MB/Dodge both offer them. Just get a older Ford (I think 03 was the last year) with the 7.3 powerstroke. Got one in my 96, has over 300,000 on it, gives me 19-22 MPG and my van is 9'6 tall before the qualcomm. My cost per mile in fuel is usually covered and then some with the FSC.

 

[Broompilot]

Take the TT if it is a well respected local carrier. (My Dream Job). But I am just wired to be selfemployed. It is difficult out here, and with times not looking promising around the corner if you do not have sufficent funds you will absolutly be miserable a few months from now.

Things will improve, and I hope I am wrong on the direction of the economey. Just my view point.

 

[theoldprof]

Thanks, merkurfan and Broompilot.

I also thought 50 grand in a van was on the low side. I have also noticed diesel fuel is out of sight too. As far as buying a Ford or Freightliner/Dodge diesel, since GM sends me a check and pays for my health care every month, I don't think my hand can even open a truck door unless it has "GM" stamped on it somewhere.

I am about 50/50 going solo cargo or T/T. I don't want to own a tractor, and I don't like the horror stories of driving for a truck owner.

Any other comments, please?

Thanks. :+ :+

 

[davekc]

Seems more like a personal decision. It is a tough call as there is pros and cons to each depending on what your personal situation is with regards to finances and desires.
Davekc

 

[LDB]

I don't know what fsc averages in a van but if we use .77cpm for all loaded and .08cpm for all loaded as the fsc that gives .85cpm and would take 58,823.5 loaded miles per year. Figuring 3 weeks out and 3 days home plus a few extra off days gives approximately 300 driving days or 43 weeks. That means it would take 1368 paid miles weekly to gross $50k in a year or staying out more. I don't know what it would take to net $50k in a van since operating expenses would be specific to each user.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[merkurfan]

I average 1500-2000 loaded miles a week. I spend roughly 45 dollars a day in fuel. The lowest FSC I have seen is .05, my average according to the laptop is 13.5 cents per mile. My van costs me .11 per mile in fuel (I get 19-22 mpg) So making more than 50K should not be a problem if a driver stays out long enough. Toss in the empty move and deadhead pay and I pickup 100-150 a week.

Since you are thinking GM, wait a few months and get the new 1 ton van with the duramax. We're all dying to know what they are like
Don't let the price of diesel scare you. Yes it is a bit more per gallon but that is starting to change. Plus if a diesel van gets 20 MPG (like mine is, and GM claims theirs will) and a gaser gets 12-14 the cost per mile is still lower on fuel that is a bit higher per gallon.

Owners are like drivers. There are some good ones, some alright ones, great ones, and awful ones. Shop around, I am sure you could find one your comfortable with if you want to go the T/T route.