non expedite freight?
- Thread starter redwolf
- Start date
I agree, Charles. The fuel prices are the highest they've been in a long time and people are still cutting dowm the rates. I guess a lot of cargo van drivers have huge pension checks they can dip into while they're running freight at a loss out here!
bigshow345
Seasoned Expediter
I use several brokers to get my loads. I haul everthing else that doesnt fit on a truck. UPS pays pretty good when they run out of trucks to haul their freight. Fed ex ehhh not so much. The post office is pretty consistant if you contract with them.
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Monty
Expert Expediter
While I DO have my SS already in affect ... I do NOT dip into anything to support this van ... either it supports it's self or it can become a flower pot!
While profitable freight is harder to find, I simply refuse to haul cheap stuff.
Yea, I sit a lot.
Some times this Forums replies seem to steer A Lot towards cargo van related subjects... makes me wonder three things...
is it that cargo van drivers are sitting and that's why they're on here?
Could it be that cargo vans are just becoming more prevalent in expediting... because of fuel or because of increased revenue from them as opposed to straight trucks or semi's... even though semi's make up a tiny portion of expedited freight?
or is it because straight trucks are running much more than vans and they don't have the time that van drivers do?
Non Expedited Freight? the questions I have on this thread are... How many expediters... cargo van AND straight trucks (Not 18 wheelers- which are almost non-existent on this forum anyways) have their own authority? How many haul more than 1 or 2 loads on a truck at one time? and how often?
When expedited loads are not available, where do you go for loads? Brokers you know?
Load boards? Co. Load boards or internet load boards? If you find a load on a load board, and you're able to get it... and you do Not have your own authority, how often is the co. you're leased on with able to get that load or the loadS you would like??
Triple B
is it that cargo van drivers are sitting and that's why they're on here?
Could it be that cargo vans are just becoming more prevalent in expediting... because of fuel or because of increased revenue from them as opposed to straight trucks or semi's... even though semi's make up a tiny portion of expedited freight?
or is it because straight trucks are running much more than vans and they don't have the time that van drivers do?
Non Expedited Freight? the questions I have on this thread are... How many expediters... cargo van AND straight trucks (Not 18 wheelers- which are almost non-existent on this forum anyways) have their own authority? How many haul more than 1 or 2 loads on a truck at one time? and how often?
When expedited loads are not available, where do you go for loads? Brokers you know?
Load boards? Co. Load boards or internet load boards? If you find a load on a load board, and you're able to get it... and you do Not have your own authority, how often is the co. you're leased on with able to get that load or the loadS you would like??
Triple B
Triple B... I am seeing fewer vans out here; not more. Also, I see vans sitting longer between loads. There are more vanners on this website because vans are cheap and allow easy entry into the industry. Straight truck teams are probably too busy most of the time to contribute online. For the most part, it's 20 or 30 vanners on here doing 50% of the talking. Vanners tend to be overrepresented here on EO and it can give an unrealistic impression of the expedite industry as a whole.
bigshow345
Seasoned Expediter
Well for one I don't drive a semi. I drive a freightliner m2 on steroids and I have an enclosed auto transport trailer that can fit two cars or general freight as long as point b has a loading dock low enough for me to back into. Also its easier than you think to run under your own authority, its just really expensive.
Easiest way to keep your self afloat is to
your self out to the post office or Ups. They are both pretty consistant when it comes to hauling freight.
The best way to make money is to run under your own authority.
The worst way to make money is work for Panther.
Easiest way to keep your self afloat is to
your self out to the post office or Ups. They are both pretty consistant when it comes to hauling freight. The best way to make money is to run under your own authority.
The worst way to make money is work for Panther.I would have to agree that there are a good bit of vanners on here doing the talking... giving an unrealistic view of the industry. I'm not knocking "them", they do know their industry from an expedited freight movement standpoint- and I'm sure they know the hot area's and the not so great area's to be in for expedited freight as well.
I've thought about getting my own authority, you say it's not as tough as one would think to run with your own authority- it's just pricey. I've heard it's the better part of 10k, is that accurate or ?
I still didn't get all the questions in my earlier reply answered. That could say a lot about who is reading and posting on here- since the post pertains to non-expedited freight, but I pushed it further to see how drivers (o/o's and non-o/o's) are getting their freight.
I've thought about using a moving van with a texas style sleeper (Bunk is in cargo box, with bulkhead wall), I've started looking into the specs on those types of trucks. I would make it a 3 axle truck and put a liftgate on the back if I were to go that route. I would have a 36" to 48" sleeper on it- with an extended cab truck. and a genset of course. Many moving trucks that are straight trucks have 24" bunks built into the cargo box... I would extend the bunk to make room to stand up. Reason for the extended cab version would be for extra storage. Nose bubble on front of box- but it would be interesting to find out the difference in MPG's between a box with a bubble on it or a box with an attic with a bubble.
That's a considerable difference- but would it be practical to put freight up there?
My guess is probably not. Also, Would that truck be dock high? I've never noticed, but would imagine so- since moving co.'s would want them to be for cross dock work.
Non-expedited freight, is it more prevalent on straight trucks than it is on cargo vans?
Is it more prevalent on Sprinters and "wanna-be straight trucks"... or vans that are not truly considered straight trucks, but do have larger cargo spaces than regular cargo vans.
BigBusBob
I've thought about getting my own authority, you say it's not as tough as one would think to run with your own authority- it's just pricey. I've heard it's the better part of 10k, is that accurate or ?
I still didn't get all the questions in my earlier reply answered. That could say a lot about who is reading and posting on here- since the post pertains to non-expedited freight, but I pushed it further to see how drivers (o/o's and non-o/o's) are getting their freight.
I've thought about using a moving van with a texas style sleeper (Bunk is in cargo box, with bulkhead wall), I've started looking into the specs on those types of trucks. I would make it a 3 axle truck and put a liftgate on the back if I were to go that route. I would have a 36" to 48" sleeper on it- with an extended cab truck. and a genset of course. Many moving trucks that are straight trucks have 24" bunks built into the cargo box... I would extend the bunk to make room to stand up. Reason for the extended cab version would be for extra storage. Nose bubble on front of box- but it would be interesting to find out the difference in MPG's between a box with a bubble on it or a box with an attic with a bubble.
That's a considerable difference- but would it be practical to put freight up there?
My guess is probably not. Also, Would that truck be dock high? I've never noticed, but would imagine so- since moving co.'s would want them to be for cross dock work.
Non-expedited freight, is it more prevalent on straight trucks than it is on cargo vans?
Is it more prevalent on Sprinters and "wanna-be straight trucks"... or vans that are not truly considered straight trucks, but do have larger cargo spaces than regular cargo vans.
BigBusBob
I would think that it depends on your truck and carrier. We do very little, if any, LTL or what used to be called "expedited" freight. We mostly do "special handling" "special requirement" hauling.
And see, that's what I enjoy- the special requirement and special handling required loads... those are the unique loads, and most of those types of loads "generally" pay a bit more as well. Interesting. 80% is LTL says one, the other says very little LTL.
I believe it true, as I recently commented on Ateams thread on Todays Fleet Owners...
same applies here=
it really depends on your carrier, and perhaps also, if you have your own authority or not.
I believe it true, as I recently commented on Ateams thread on Todays Fleet Owners...
same applies here=
it really depends on your carrier, and perhaps also, if you have your own authority or not.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
But in your case layout, you are part of a small fleet within the fleet, just enough work to sustain you. Your type of work may be 2% of what your division sees but less than .001% of the freight we all see.
Otherwise the common contractor may depend on more of a true ltl freight to move than anything else.
What I can't understand is this idea that just because it is coming from an expedite carrier (your carrier) that is automatically expedited freight. It isn't the case unless the rates reflect the actual need to get it from point a to point b within a specific time frame, not a 1.45 a mile rate either. A lot will argue the point but not many within a few companies know where the freight in coming from (board, internal, customer) just that the dispatcher said it has this delivery time.
Otherwise the common contractor may depend on more of a true ltl freight to move than anything else.
What I can't understand is this idea that just because it is coming from an expedite carrier (your carrier) that is automatically expedited freight. It isn't the case unless the rates reflect the actual need to get it from point a to point b within a specific time frame, not a 1.45 a mile rate either. A lot will argue the point but not many within a few companies know where the freight in coming from (board, internal, customer) just that the dispatcher said it has this delivery time.
jimlookup
Seasoned Expediter
Two years ago, when expediters were really hurting, I disregarded all the good advise in this blog, bought a straight truck, got my authority and went to work. I thought I could run LTL freight until expediting picked up. It's not that easy. Usually, either because of weight or dimensions, you can't fit two LTL shipments in your box. There were a few that paid about a 1$ a mile but you had better move fast or you won't get them. No self respecting straight truck wants to run for a dollar a mile, but believe me, that didn't look that bad two years ago. If you have some one watching load boards for you that might help. Other wise you stop at every rest area, set up your computer and see if you can get lucky. Also, until you get set up with a lot of brokers, you will be doing a lot of faxing or e-mailing of your authority, W9 and more. And, load boards cost money. I have hauled LTL to move to a different area but I don't want LTL to be my bread and butter.
purgoose10
Veteran Expediter
Ya know that's something I don't get. Buy a truck, go into business and drive to loose money. Yes there are some who want to see the country, well there's a better way than putting up with the shippers crap and deadlines much less cost you money to do it. Doesn't make good sense.
I wonder, too, how much is truly expedited, because I've been getting an impression for the past couple years that the shippers are more interested in exclusive use than in a timeframe. Dispatch bids it as 'rush' freight, but the customer doesn't seem to care so much about that - he just doesn't want his freight delivered to the wrong dock, or vice versa.
I guess a few of those LTL goofs are headache enough to justify paying for expedited trucks, so it's fine by me.
bigshow345
Seasoned Expediter
Running under your own authority you need the following
Truck or truck and trailer
Fmcsa inspection for both vehicles
You need a usdot number. They are about 600 dollars
You need an auto insurance policy for truck and trailer
You need permits and licensing that say what you can and cannot haul.
You need legal representation if you are being served by any state or local government.
A good accountant.
Lots of money.
IFTA sticker from the state you hail from.
Apportioned plates.
Ohh and a really good credit card for fuel.
Truck or truck and trailer
Fmcsa inspection for both vehicles
You need a usdot number. They are about 600 dollars
You need an auto insurance policy for truck and trailer
You need permits and licensing that say what you can and cannot haul.
You need legal representation if you are being served by any state or local government.
A good accountant.
Lots of money.
IFTA sticker from the state you hail from.
Apportioned plates.
Ohh and a really good credit card for fuel.
I wonder, too, how much is truly expedited, because I've been getting an impression for the past couple years that the shippers are more interested in exclusive use than in a timeframe. Dispatch bids it as 'rush' freight, but the customer doesn't seem to care so much about that - he just doesn't want his freight delivered to the wrong dock, or vice versa.
I guess a few of those LTL goofs are headache enough to justify paying for expedited trucks, so it's fine by me.
As I stated before. Very little of the freight that our truck carries is either expedited or LTL. That is our truck, I cannot and will not speak to what others are doing. I have NO idea.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Layout, you're special so I can understand why you don't get those boring single pallet loads of auto parts.
... because I've been getting an impression for the past couple years that the shippers are more interested in exclusive use than in a timeframe ...
THIS is what I have been told over and over and over. Being exclusive use doesn't equate to an expedited load and becauce a lot of the companies will not 'bid' or quote on the exclusive use of the truck, they are not charging the customer the right price. NOW if a shipper doesn't want another load with theirs, I can't see anything less than $3 a mile ($2 for a van) but I know some who are getting $2 gross a mile.
... because I've been getting an impression for the past couple years that the shippers are more interested in exclusive use than in a timeframe ...
THIS is what I have been told over and over and over. Being exclusive use doesn't equate to an expedited load and becauce a lot of the companies will not 'bid' or quote on the exclusive use of the truck, they are not charging the customer the right price. NOW if a shipper doesn't want another load with theirs, I can't see anything less than $3 a mile ($2 for a van) but I know some who are getting $2 gross a mile.