dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
Let me begin by saying that I understand a Sprinter has the potential for carrying more cargo, depending on how it is configured, as opposed to a regular cargo van. In certain applications it makes senses to opt for a Sprinter.
Obviously, package delivery services have moved toward placing the Sprinter into their fleets; FedEx and UPS can attest to this fact. Service providers such as locksmiths, electricians, plumbers, appliance repair persons, etc. all benefit from the Sprinter’s higher roof line. To put it bluntly, it saves one from have to work in a stooped over position; thus alleviating back strain or bumping your head! Yes, it will accommodate more packages than a regular cargo van and you access the cargo with greater ease. And, if you do not install a packaged sleeper unit, you can load three skids.
Does the cost per the return justify the additional expense when considering a Sprinter for use in expediting?
Without a nice sleeper package, the 2007 High Roof Extended Sprinter, with decent options, runs about $44,000. Add the sleeper package and you begin to approach the territory of straight truck purchase prices. I spoke with a major Sprinter dealership today and the sales rep told me that the average cost for a 2007 Sprinter with the sleeper is approximately $49,000. I could buy a nice “C†unit with a 48†sleeper for $60,000.
At this present time, if you want the ultimate level of comfort in a cargo van the Sprinter is the way to go. If you opt for the sleeper that will limit your cargo bay capacity to only 2 skids. That is fine, if comfort is your goal, but even if you could carry three skids what is the reality that you will see very many three skid loads and will carriers offer you an increased rate for having the capacity? Better yet, they may advertise the rate, but do they actually pay the rate?
Why do some carriers offer the same rate for Sprinters as a conventional cargo van?
First, many consider the operational cost of a Sprinter to be lower due to its higher MPG average; therefore, in their way of thinking, it is an immediate financial benefit for the Sprinter O/O.
Second, they believe the Sprinter O/O will pick up a few extra loads over the conventional 48"H regular cargo van simply by default and that is another financial gain for the Sprinter O/O.
Third, they don't have to pay an increased rate; hence, many do not offer an increased rate.
Finally, only one out of 50-75 loads are ever a three skid cargo van load according to the shippers and Sprinter O/O's that I have spoken with. It seems that even those bin, or tub, loads, that are taller than 48â€, were far and few between.
I recently spent some time on the phone with a Sprinter O/O who was previously with a carrier who offered an incentive for certain Sprinter loads. Over the course of 12 months she ran 6 loads that paid the incentive rate of $1.00/mile, but 90% of her loads were not even at the carrier's advertised cargo van rate. They were a reduced "Major Account Rate" at 70 cents/mile. She switched to a carrier that paid her 75 cents/mile, (because she has less than 9’ of cargo space) increased FSC's, other deadhead paid miles and regular freight availability with minimal deadhead miles. She told me that her income has almost doubled. Essentially she has a glorified cargo van. And for her needs, that is perfectly fine. She wanted the nice sleeper and it fulfills a personal requirement.
Some carriers have sold potential O/O’s on the concept that their income will be vastly greater if they would purchase a Sprinter. I have yet to see any verifiable data from an O/O to support that claim. In fact, I have seen the pro bills that substantiate my position regarding the Sprinter’s cost per the return. While it certainly affords the carrier more revenue capability, simply because they can take some “C†class freight and forego the HOS limitations, the number of Sprinters in the pool markedly diminishes the O/O’s chances to get those loads on a regular basis.
Would I buy a Sprinter? Actually, I will probably buy a SRW Aerocell. It will only have a two skid capacity, but it will have additional height in the cargo area and that is something that I require for personal comfort. Maybe, then I will be able to stand up and put my pants on without falling over; not to mention that I will spend $15,000 less.
Obviously, package delivery services have moved toward placing the Sprinter into their fleets; FedEx and UPS can attest to this fact. Service providers such as locksmiths, electricians, plumbers, appliance repair persons, etc. all benefit from the Sprinter’s higher roof line. To put it bluntly, it saves one from have to work in a stooped over position; thus alleviating back strain or bumping your head! Yes, it will accommodate more packages than a regular cargo van and you access the cargo with greater ease. And, if you do not install a packaged sleeper unit, you can load three skids.
Does the cost per the return justify the additional expense when considering a Sprinter for use in expediting?
Without a nice sleeper package, the 2007 High Roof Extended Sprinter, with decent options, runs about $44,000. Add the sleeper package and you begin to approach the territory of straight truck purchase prices. I spoke with a major Sprinter dealership today and the sales rep told me that the average cost for a 2007 Sprinter with the sleeper is approximately $49,000. I could buy a nice “C†unit with a 48†sleeper for $60,000.
At this present time, if you want the ultimate level of comfort in a cargo van the Sprinter is the way to go. If you opt for the sleeper that will limit your cargo bay capacity to only 2 skids. That is fine, if comfort is your goal, but even if you could carry three skids what is the reality that you will see very many three skid loads and will carriers offer you an increased rate for having the capacity? Better yet, they may advertise the rate, but do they actually pay the rate?
Why do some carriers offer the same rate for Sprinters as a conventional cargo van?
First, many consider the operational cost of a Sprinter to be lower due to its higher MPG average; therefore, in their way of thinking, it is an immediate financial benefit for the Sprinter O/O.
Second, they believe the Sprinter O/O will pick up a few extra loads over the conventional 48"H regular cargo van simply by default and that is another financial gain for the Sprinter O/O.
Third, they don't have to pay an increased rate; hence, many do not offer an increased rate.
Finally, only one out of 50-75 loads are ever a three skid cargo van load according to the shippers and Sprinter O/O's that I have spoken with. It seems that even those bin, or tub, loads, that are taller than 48â€, were far and few between.
I recently spent some time on the phone with a Sprinter O/O who was previously with a carrier who offered an incentive for certain Sprinter loads. Over the course of 12 months she ran 6 loads that paid the incentive rate of $1.00/mile, but 90% of her loads were not even at the carrier's advertised cargo van rate. They were a reduced "Major Account Rate" at 70 cents/mile. She switched to a carrier that paid her 75 cents/mile, (because she has less than 9’ of cargo space) increased FSC's, other deadhead paid miles and regular freight availability with minimal deadhead miles. She told me that her income has almost doubled. Essentially she has a glorified cargo van. And for her needs, that is perfectly fine. She wanted the nice sleeper and it fulfills a personal requirement.
Some carriers have sold potential O/O’s on the concept that their income will be vastly greater if they would purchase a Sprinter. I have yet to see any verifiable data from an O/O to support that claim. In fact, I have seen the pro bills that substantiate my position regarding the Sprinter’s cost per the return. While it certainly affords the carrier more revenue capability, simply because they can take some “C†class freight and forego the HOS limitations, the number of Sprinters in the pool markedly diminishes the O/O’s chances to get those loads on a regular basis.
Would I buy a Sprinter? Actually, I will probably buy a SRW Aerocell. It will only have a two skid capacity, but it will have additional height in the cargo area and that is something that I require for personal comfort. Maybe, then I will be able to stand up and put my pants on without falling over; not to mention that I will spend $15,000 less.
