Sprinter or Straight truck

rustytinman · Mar 30, 2013

Hello i am a pro driver of tracter trailer My girlfriend and I are considering getting into purchasing a sprinter and or straight truck , I am not too familiar with this area of trucking , Hoping to get info on what is the best avenue , would also like to know what the average per mile we should expect from either one ,Also thinking fed ex would be a good choice to hook up with hoping for soem feed back here thanks
Dave and Deb

rymilburn · Mar 30, 2013

rustytinman said:
Hello i am a pro driver of tracter trailer My girlfriend and I are considering getting into purchasing a sprinter and or straight truck , I am not too familiar with this area of trucking , Hoping to get info on what is the best avenue , would also like to know what the average per mile we should expect from either one ,Also thinking fed ex would be a good choice to hook up with hoping for soem feed back here thanks
Dave and Deb

Hi there. My girlfriend and I are thinking about the same thing. Through ton's of research online and through this site it seems like the Straight Truck is the way to go now days. The Sprinter and Cargo Van Market is over-populated, plus its a bit difficult to spent 4-5+ weeks in a sprinter or Cargo Van. I did speak with someone from FedEx CC and right now they are only contracting Straight Trucks, but if you buy or purchase a sprinter or Cargo Van that is already leased on with Fed Ex they will still take you. They are looking for team drivers as well for O/O....most will suggest that you take that route first, drive for 6 months and make sure you like that. That is exactly what were doing. You need a CDL B or higher...which we will get in about a month from now. Traveling the country in a Straight Truck sounds a heck of a lot better and more spacious then a Sprinter or Cargo Van. Most from what I read on here is the Sprinter is more of a headache mechanic wise then its worth. Some may disagree with me, but its just my opinion from what I have learned and the countless hours of Research. Sounds like were in the same boat. Let me know what happens.

Regards,

-Ryan

osumike33 · Mar 30, 2013

rustytinman said:
Hello i am a pro driver of tracter trailer My girlfriend and I are considering getting into purchasing a sprinter and or straight truck , I am not too familiar with this area of trucking , Hoping to get info on what is the best avenue , would also like to know what the average per mile we should expect from either one ,Also thinking fed ex would be a good choice to hook up with hoping for soem feed back here thanks
Dave and Deb

Welcome. Have to say the bigger the better and more comfortable, meaning a straight truck over a sprinter. Straight truck would be much more comfortable and you would make more money, though it's likely going to be more of an investment up front when you're ready to get your own. Definitely drive for someone else before you put your own money out to make sure you like it - it is a lot different than driving a tractor/trailer, a lot more sitting around and many t/t guys have found they can't deal with that. If you're thinking Fedex, you might consider Expediter Services as they work with them and they will give you a lot more personal attention. Rates are all over the board....

Best of luck to you, it's like most things, it kind of is what you make of it.

zorry · Mar 30, 2013

I also recommend Expeditor Services.
They are exactly what new people need.
Good people. Decent equipment. They will teach you the ropes and are in a great position to help you transition to being o/o's if that's your desire.
They advertise right here.

Lawrence · Mar 31, 2013

zorry said:
I also recommend Expeditor Services.
They are exactly what new people need.
Good people. Decent equipment. They will teach you the ropes and are in a great position to help you transition to being o/o's if that's your desire.
They advertise right here.

I agree - Expediter Services is a great place to start in this industry for new people. Without any question - a straight truck has many advantages over a sprinter van, especially if you are running a team.

zorry · Mar 31, 2013

I got thinking about my previous answer.
With all the BS I've seen and heard of owners pulling on Newbies I cannot see any reason to recommend any other route than Expeditors Services.
The trucks will range from ok to new.
There is a lot of support for a newbie.
The checks will be good.
If after a year or so the team desires the big sleeper, hopefully they've learned enough to select a good owner.
The only exception to the above rule would be a referral to an owner I would personally know to be good. Most good owners I believe feel they should be able to get experienced people.
I've seen good,experienced drivers get hooked up with dirtbag owners.

Rocketman · Apr 1, 2013

I would agree with pretty much everything Zorry just posted. ES seems to be a good outfit and the basics are there. Someone new to the industry should stick to the safe, "known to be good" fleet owners. If your not one of the lucky few to have personal knowledge of a trusted fleet owner right out of the gate, go with ES. Earn and learn from there.

runrunner · Apr 3, 2013

rustytinman said:
Hello i am a pro driver of tracter trailer My girlfriend and I are considering getting into purchasing a sprinter and or straight truck , I am not too familiar with this area of trucking , Hoping to get info on what is the best avenue , would also like to know what the average per mile we should expect from either one ,Also thinking fed ex would be a good choice to hook up with hoping for soem feed back here thanks
Dave and Deb

All great answers,but I would say drive for someone like ES for at least one year before buying your own truck. I have talked to many people who were really happy for the first six months only to find disappointment later down the road. That is a big investment to make and then decide this is not the life for you. When you start any business the more experience you have the better you will do. Good Luck!

Lawrence · Apr 5, 2013

Find them here:

https://www.expeditersonline.com/sub/expediterservices/

jjoerger · Apr 5, 2013

I will also give ES a thumbs up. That's where we started.

ATeam · Apr 5, 2013

It's not for sale yet but our truck (details here) will be sold sometime in the next few months. Unsure of the exact date at this time. I'll post an ad in the EO Free Classifieds when we are letting it go.