Question for Straight Truck O/O

bryanvolsfan

Seasoned Expediter
I am currently driving a cargo van and I am looking at moving up to a straight truck. Can someone give me the pros and cons of moving up. Thanks for any and all information.
 

fastman_1

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
IMO Moving up is mostly Pro,Higher rate per mile,More load offers. CON is if you solo you will limit your self to short run loads due to the HOS.and a higher cost to operate.By the way I'm shopping for a Straight Truck now.
 
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ds1450

Expert Expediter
Good to see people moving out of the van category. Van freight is hit or miss, truck freight is a little better. FDCC is the best for solo drivers. If you want to PM me, I know of a very good truck that won't break the bank and is a ton better than the mini Hino's and Freightliners out there.
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
FDCC is the best for solo drivers.

I disagree. it is better for team drivers.

If you want to make this as a solo, look at a smaller company where they can know you, not just be part of a brand.
 

Jefferson3000

Expert Expediter
FDCC is the best for solo drivers.

I disagree. it is better for team drivers.

If you want to make this as a solo, look at a smaller company where they can know you, not just be part of a brand.


I would wholeheartedly agree with this statement. While it will still be your responsibility to run legal, many smaller carriers may not have the same restrictions as a large one, ie. 550 mile limit for solo runs. With a larger carrier, the computer may cut you off from that 551 mile run that you are sitting on top of. Or it may be a 610 miler, that you know you can run in time.
 

fastman_1

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
I agree with the Smaller Company, I did my time at the Biggys, I enjoy the smaller companys and do well with them. of course this is Just Speculation since I've been off the road for almost 2 years.
 

Mike99

Veteran Expediter
I am currently driving a cargo van and I am looking at moving up to a straight truck. Can someone give me the pros and cons of moving up. Thanks for any and all information.
First, why do you want to move up? In your opinion what's the pros and what's the cons?
 

ds1450

Expert Expediter
Let me re-phrase...

If you going to run with one of the larger broker/Companies... FDCC is the best. I have been solo with the other 3 at one time or another as an owner or driver.

I do not have experience with any small Mom & Pops. when I did check with them from time to time the rates were too low for me to run and they had too many other issues for me to consider. This may not be true for you. Just do your due diligence and good luck.
 

guido4475

Not a Member
I used to be leased to a company in N.C. that had alot of weekly deductions,like $250.00 per week in a s/t.So it basically cost a person $1,000 to work there per month, or $12,000 per year.Another one down there was at $175.00 per week in a van. The company I am leased to now, in a van, is at $200.00 per month So this is how I look at the companies when shopping,along with financial stability along with customer base and type of freight, as well as where their freight lanes are usually.I feel there is alot less b.s. and politics with a small company. Everything just seems more plain and simple.
 

Dakota

Veteran Expediter
I used to be leased to a company in N.C. that had alot of weekly deductions,like $250.00 per week in a s/t.So it basically cost a person $1,000 to work there per month, or $12,000 per year.Another one down there was at $175.00 per week in a van. The company I am leased to now, in a van, is at $200.00 per month So this is how I look at the companies when shopping,along with financial stability along with customer base and type of freight, as well as where their freight lanes are usually.I feel there is alot less b.s. and politics with a small company. Everything just seems more plain and simple.

Remember too, insurance is quite a bit higher in a straight truck
 

guido4475

Not a Member
And another advantage is that a van offers the freedom to go home at a cheaper cost as far as fuel goes, amongst other things.If I could make a decent dollar running local freight, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
 
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