I can not stretch this subject enough, but my opinion is, if you are leased on to a carrier that keeps you busy and loaded at all times, than it does not matter what unit you have. If your carrier wants to convince you that you might want to switch from cargo to straight and the loads are not there, then you're screwed.
The last few month, since gas prices are so high, alot of people are selling their trucks because they can't keep up and have no loads.
Some others are booming. My own company has trucks sitting. If the connections are not there, whats the purpose then?
I myself was looking into a straight truck rather than a van a while ago, wanted to do this with a business friend, but I am glad I did not.
I can't even imagine a company is hiring for straight trucks right now. A few weeks ago I reacted on a referral to another Expedite Co., and was badly disappointed. Without telling names, they had the biggest add in the EO mag and a booth at the Expo, I have not gotten one offer so far.
I would have to hang myself by now if I had to keep up with costs.
Like I said in the beginning, it is all in the connections.