Sprinter 9ft w/sleeper, 13 ft without ?

[wgifford]

I was wondering if I could get some impute on sprinter vans. I am soon to purchase a couple new sprinters for my drivers. They are good drivers and I would like to make life more comfortable. They are currently in E350's with 24" alum-bunk sleeper, no ref or microwave. My question is for van drivers that have been in both types. Which is better, having a 4 ft sleeper, but losing the cargo space, or having a temporary bed and keeping the 13 ft. I personally would prefer the large sleeper (a ref and microwave) as with my FL70. But I also don't want them losing the ability to make more money. So can anyone tell me if they get a great deal of van runs that ask for 3 skids or 12 ft, or is this rare? What would be the percentage of load offers asking for the 12 ft of space compared to 9 ft. I would purchase the Ford transit vans if available in USA. I have heard all the horror stories abt the sprinters. This post is just to get an ideal on making a large sleeper or keeping the space and working out plans for a large fold down bed unit when empty. Thanks, all posts will be appreciated.

 

[terryandrene]

First and foremost, most all of us are in this business for the revenue opportunities. While so doing we each attempt to be as comfortable as possible while carrying the maximum load for our vehicle type. Traditionaly, a van (B) load is two cubes 48' x 48" x 48". Any dimensions over that has traditionaly been categorized as a "C" load. Some companies will pay a higher rate to drivers that will carry more than two cubes; some companies will only pay van rates no matter how many cubes are put in a van. Personaly, I hate to see the continued redefinition of the van capacities. It leads to cheaper rates for us and allows us less personal space in our vans.

I applaud you, as an owner, giving consideration of personal space over freight space for your drivers that spend so much time 'camping out' in your trucks. You asked for opinions and mine is give them the comfort and in the long run they will stay on the road longer thereby earning more money for each of you.

Terry

 

[truckerbuddy]

40% of my loads are 3 or more pallets and I get 1.00 a mile for those loads because my whole sprinter is cargo space i just have a twin bed in there and a fold down table and chair with tv and my laptop so I can get 3 to 4 pallets in there with still having my personal stuff stacked around the loads. there is allways room if you know how to make it.

 

[geo]

i drive for a carrier that will paid what you are able to haul
if the company you are with will pay for extra space you are able to do
i would fix it where i would have both max cargo space and sleeper
but if they are not going to pay for what you are able to do just
have standard what is required for b unit
have to agree with terry when i was with fedexcc i had a super c and could carried 13300; if they paid me would carried the load
but if not wouldn't carried and with egl they paid what i could haul

 

[TEXAS HOKIE]

I personally have to go with the comfort first. I have to be able to pull over and get into a bed within 1 minute of stopping. Sleeping, or trying to sleep in the drivers seat is not an option when you are loaded and have many miles to go to the drop. I have a chevy express that I have built a sleeper into. I have a insulated wall between the areas, which helps in sealing the load while on a thru Canada load. If I remember correctly, a 6 ft person cannot stretch out accross in a sprinter. My set up has a microvave, refrigerator, laptop, tvw/dvd and is powered by 2 deepcell batteries using a 2500 W inverter.

TEXAS HOKIE

 

[wgifford]

Thank God my drivers are all below 5 9. I am leaning toward the more comfort, as the sprinter could still haul taller loads, limit the size to 9 ft and installing items like the full sleeper, ref, microwave, ect. They do good in a E350 so keeping the same 9 ft, but adding higher loads should get them a little more money. As long as they do as good as they do now it will be ok.:7