Sprinters

PrivateAngel · Mar 5, 2007

We are currently leased to FedEx CC with a straight truck, but recently have been thinking about switching over to 1 of those Dodge Sprinter Vans and was wondering if anybody has any information on them as far as if they are kept busy enough or whether its worth the investment. We are also considering a move from our home state of Ohio to Florida and was also wondering if anybody knows of any companies in Florida that use those Sprinters for possible local routes. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated......Thanks.

terryandrene · Mar 5, 2007

PA:

Here's a partial list of carriers located in Florida that you may want to consider

http://www.expeditecarrier.com/search/The_South/Florida

If you've been in expediting very long you must know that the Sprinter, or any other van, will give you the leaast return on your investment. If you are financially comfortable and want to be semi-retired, or straight truck retired, the Sprinter in Florida would be a good vehicle for hauling your groceries home or your gear to the beach. Otherwise, I suspect you would only be earning enough to supplement your retirement income if you would plan on spending more time at home than you now do with the straight truck.

kangar0085 · Mar 5, 2007

T&A are 100 percent right. Florida is a tourist hotspot not a freight hotspot.

driver628 · Mar 5, 2007

I drive a van and am thinking of going to a straight truck. I know people say it all the time but I do believe there are just to many vans on the road to make real money with one. Personally I would stay were your at. When I started driving I was the only van in my area, just within the last month or so I know there are 2 other vans in my own town. So come monday morning if the other guys are at home also, there are 3 of us competing for loads I always used to get. Its just easier for "Joe Anybody" to get a van than a straight truck and be an expediter. As its been said here before, with the auto layoffs, its only gona get more competitive out there.

kangar0085 · Mar 5, 2007

Well just because you are no longer the only van in your little town which I'm guessing is a 1 a day average..doesn't mean that companies overpack their van fleets.

fastman_1 · Mar 5, 2007

>Well just because you are no longer the only van in your little >town which I'm guessing is a 1 a day average..doesn't mean that >companies overpack their van fleets.

OK Lets see Kang you Live in Lakewood Ohio (Cleveland) Which is in Panthers Back Yard so of Course you will have a Better Chance of Getting out. I don't know how you Long you've been in the Business but Since I've been in. The Van Market is Flooded. And it's always Better to be The Fastest Horse in a 1 Horse Town.

Owner/Operator since 1979
Expediter since 1997
B Unit Semi Retired
Somedays are Diamonds and Somedays are Stones
Home is Wherever you Park.
The Price of Freedom is Written on the Wall.

TJ959 · Mar 6, 2007

I stepped out of a D truck and into a Sprinter about 15 months ago. My reasoning was that I was a single truck and I couldn't get paying loads and drive legal unles I did.
In fact, compliant single D trucks sit as much as vans do. My reasoning was sound but the van market is SATURATED and then some. At the right company a Sprinter will give you a little advantage over the other vans but those are either the small companies or the low paying ones. My advice is the same as Terrys. Stay in the D truck or expect to be semi retired. There are exceptions out there but I'm still looking for them.

geo · Mar 7, 2007

terry is right
i came to egl at the right time and doing ok running local but have to work harder and smarter to make a go of it in a van

PrivateAngel · Mar 10, 2007

Thank you all for the information and advise, we have been checking into all the sites and suggestions you gave. Our decision may be a ways down the road yet.....seems the transmission on our truck going out, locked us into this one for a while yet.... Thank you all again, you are very helpful .

PrivateAngel