Single axle tractor-Baby8 Puppy

simon says · Aug 14, 2006

Just asking: anyone ever investigated a single axle tractor and a pup trailer? I saw one FECC driver who did this. One can carry more bulk and net weight since it is at least 12/20/20 on the axles, and stay under the Heavy duty vehicle tax by plating 54 gross. You can carry more than a maxxed out D unit, which can only max out at 46-48. Yes you pay the FET, but that may be offset by better paying freight. And for me, I get will get first crack over the D's in the area.

LDB · Aug 14, 2006

I have thought this would be a good setup many times. It seems very few companies will sign it on though. I really don't understand why but when I've asked about it I've been told they won't take it. I think it may have something to do with insurance but don't know for certain. Something with a tight turning radius like a T6 or T8 or Columbia or setback axle WS would be great with a pup. The WS Lowmax might really be a cool setup. You could have a very nice sleeper and still outmaneuver a lot of 40' D units. You'd also have the ability to drop the trailer and bobtail if needed. I'm definitely interested in the idea but can't find carrier interest to go along with it.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
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2millionplus · Aug 14, 2006

One of the main reasons we never put them on with CWNO was that if I am going to recruit a Tractor trailer I will recruit one that can not only scale 80,000 gross but also have the capabilities of a 53" trailer.

My wife and I ran a Class 8 tractor with a 24' box and a drop axle, registered weight was 46,000 and when we were doing it we made lots of money due to carrying tractor freight (weight). But the way expediting is now, if you are going to the expense of a single axle truck then you may as well go with the tractor with tandems.

For instance, if as a recruiter, I recruit that size vehicle (single axle tractor and pup trailer) how would I pay them? Do I pay them as a "D" unit or a "E" unit? Since there is no tariff for that size truck. If I would recruit that size, I would still take the one that can carry full tractor freight, as it would cost me less. Pay scale for a tractor is less than a straight truck.

So, you see the quandry of a company. In this business you have to think, profit margin, and it just does not make good business sense to get a vehicle that would be right smack dab in the middle.

I agree that it would make more sense to have that size, both for comfort and versitility. But then again, companies do not really ask us do they.

2millionplus
"The Old Man"

LDB · Aug 14, 2006

It seems to me it would be paid as a D unit until it took a heavier load than a D can carry. Then pay whatever extra it earns because of the weight carried. It seems to me a 53' would earn more than a 22-24' too but then what do I know about anything?

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
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RichM · Aug 14, 2006

There used to be a couple from Alabama with Fedex that had a single axle Sterling tractor and a 24 foot reefer pup. They were considered a DR unit and they were quite happy with the set up.

Tennesseahawk · Aug 14, 2006

This has been discussed before, and I'm glad it was brought up again. I was THAT close to doing it myself. Had the tractor, and was searching for a trailer.

I'm sure there are tons of drivers, like me, who hate 53'ers, but wouldn't mind something more reasonable, like a pup. It's a shame all these companies, and no more than a couple would consider something like this.

Just so happens, I was brainstorming over this very subject this weekend. However, I can't say more as it's under double-secret probation. :7

Simon... you're free to yell at me if you'd like.

Moot · Aug 14, 2006

Mike,

I ran the pup/doubles idea by Matt K. several years ago. He kind of chuckled and that was about it. I figured a tractor pulling a 28' pup would be a "D" unit and when needed a set of doubles would be an "E" unit. With all of Con-Way's terminals and vast inventory of pups and dollies it seemed like a good idea to me. Of course I also thought up that refer madness idea that I posted awhile back.

JohnO · Aug 14, 2006

FedEx along with many other carriers sell off some of their pups for a few thousand. As you know buying used saves you the FET or waiting till unit is 6 months then add tandem.

Stretching 110â€ cabover I feel can give you the best of both worlds. We have 26â€™ spread axle and 30â€™ twin screw 21,000 â€“ 26,000lbs, insurance is the same as with 24â€™.

Having units like these are a win win situation for driver and O/O.

LDB · Aug 14, 2006

John, you are right. The only drawback to that is the limitation in sleeper options. With a tractor and 28' pup you could have a 144" sleeper and still have 28' of cargo box and be legal. Before anyone jumps in with nobody needs a 144" sleeper I'm not saying they do, just that your options are very broad compared to the Argosy. I do agree that an Argosy with 28-30' box is a money maker too.

The thing that gets me is that I suspect almost all companies would sign an Argosy with 30' box as a D unit in a moment but wouldn't sign a tractor and pup.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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x06col · Aug 14, 2006

I need to jump in here and suggest, that, those of you that are looking to sign such a unit with a Company, and, have GOOD operators but, can't find a company that will take one, then, you are not looking very hard.

JohnO · Aug 14, 2006

Leo,I agree you have more sleeper options going with the tractor & pup. It all comes down to personal choice can one be satisfied in what I classify as comfortable surroundings or do you need what I classify luxury accommodations?

As far as signing on as a D unit that is true with most carriers, these caboverâ€™s carry loads Dâ€™s arenâ€™t allowed by most carrier regulations and your right again that cabovers are definitely money makers and more so with the right carrier as would a tractor & pup.

Leo, you build a tractor with a pup and Iâ€™ll find it a good home.

Tennesseahawk · Aug 14, 2006

The problem with this idea, or the idea of the Argosy/30', and signing them on to a regular company is that the dispatchers wouldn't use it to its full potential. As much as I like C&M, a 30' box wouldn't work there; and they admitted as much. Dispatchers, in general, don't have time to chase a t/t load that just squeaks over 24'. So, unless you're looking for your own freight, it's better to stick to the classic C&Ds, or jump up to a full E.

rode2rouen · Aug 14, 2006

There is an O/O running for the Co. that I lease to that pulls a 28' trailer with his FL tractor.

While a lot of the expedite Cos. might not be interested in this type of unit, I think that there are opportunities out there if you look "outside the box".

Rex

simon says · Aug 15, 2006

Thanks for all the input. Just an idea at this point, but the WS 4900 with a MBE 4000 at 370 hsp. & 76" sleeper more than adequate for me. Pete will also have a new 384 (short 386 version- with all sleeper options)& a Cummins ISM or C13 would be fine. IF one got a 210" WB (room enuf to add a lift axle near the drive- for resale purposes...) you would have about a 46' vehicle. I think need to think outside the box: they will find a way to pay you, and you make the decisions. Over 14 K and I would get .15c over a D base rate at least. Maybe FECC the best way to go? Waiting for some answers...

Most maneuverable in biz and plate for 54 GVW and I think be under Heavy Vehicle tax? Anyone know for sure?