Rich M said it correct

[Broompilot]

For those of you considering this as a way to make a living, in a B unit (Van) look around there are alot you out there and I always see more sitting in the truck stops than I do running down the highway. And those are just the ones at the truck stops, not including in the driveway or hidding behind the grocery store or in the State Park.

I for one do not see how a solo van makes a living, maybee to suppliment a Pension but to support yourself soley or a family, just do not see the Potential like there was 5 years ago.

The industry is flooded with Vans.

 

[davekc]

It is a feast or famine business with regards to vans. They don't have the flexibility that other trucks do.
They seem to be more seasonal depending on the company.




Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[huntn1]

yep its getting tough, im jumping ship. used to make good money but no longer. i drove by the ford plant in louisville friday night on the way home saw alot of trucks loading, unloading and waiting in line. all of them were e-units, all no name companies. hard times theyre not going to pay those expedited rates.

 

[terryandrene]

I don't question any of the above, but consider this: A reason vans appear to be so plentiful and sitting idle may just be their up front location in truck stop parking lots. We all tend to gather in the front near the roadway, whereas the larger trucks are scattered about in the not so visible rear of the truck stops. Or, they are out on the road hauling our van freight.

My advice to straight trucks and tractores: Just say no to van freight.

Terry

 

[greg334]

>I don't question any of the above, but consider this: A
>reason vans appear to be so plentiful and sitting idle may
>just be their up front location in truck stop parking lots.
>We all tend to gather in the front near the roadway, whereas
>the larger trucks are scattered about in the not so visible
>rear of the truck stops. Or, they are out on the road
>hauling our van freight.
>
>My advice to straight trucks and tractores: Just say no to
>van freight.
>
Terry

I think you hit on a very important problem, the exposure of the B unit to the public and the misconception that we are all sitting around all the time. Maybe we should start cloaking our vans to apprear like a D unit or a motor home.

 

[davekc]

don't question any of the above, but consider this: A reason vans appear to be so plentiful and sitting idle may just be their up front location in truck stop parking lots. We all tend to gather in the front near the roadway, whereas the larger trucks are scattered about in the not so visible rear of the truck stops. Or, they are out on the road hauling our van freight.

Good point. Something I had not considered.






Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[Tennesseahawk]

But a fact that there are a number of them period, should be a concern. They usually number a few less than to a few more than the number of D-units in the lot. Everyone knows there are more D trucks and D loads than vans and van loads. So if the two are equal in number at the truck stops, it's obvious who has the problem.

 

[Broompilot]

I can spot a D unit in truck stop so do the 53's after they swing in and see *&^% Expediter sitting in a spot.

I am not against Vans, I wish there were so much business we all were busy all year long. I am just concerened for those entering in the industry as one Post I just read tonight about very little freight, it should be a big flag to those considering this. If you can find a couple of drivers with any company who are doing well than by all means get in but if all you can talk to is one or 0 than I ask you to think, can you make a good living at this?

I know the answer for D units at this moment but not for Vans as my observation that I commented on.