Straight vs Sprinter vs Cargo

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
It didn't drop 50% though did it? I think its still relevant. I'd guess that it probably didn't drop more than 33%.
You are correct...it did not drop that much..while long trips are sweet in its way....a solo can run 2 600 milers whist a team is running 1 1000 miler....and it is quality not quantity...
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
I would have to say the numbers may be close for a solo van verses a solo straight. For teams, it isn't even a close call.
I have yet to see a team van gross over 200k or even get close.
Obviously the net matters, but even with expenses figured, you still wouldn't be close.
Of course, how the carrier utilizes your equipment will make a difference as well.
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
I would have to say the numbers may be close for a solo van verses a solo straight. For teams, it isn't even a close call.
I have yet to see a team van gross over 200k or even get close.
Obviously the net matters, but even with expenses figured, you still wouldn't be close.
Of course, how the carrier utilizes your equipment will make a difference as well.

There is just way too many variables..
 

Turtle

Administrator
Staff member
Retired Expediter
I would have to say the numbers may be close for a solo van verses a solo straight. For teams, it isn't even a close call.
There ya go. There's just no comparison between a team van and a team straight. Van capacity exceeds available van freight, so there is more competition for van freight. Straight truck capacity is much closer to available freight, so straights get loaded more often. The straight trucks simply have more load opportunities.

Vans, even team vans, are a dime a dozen, so they're easy to replace. Straight truck teams, not so much. Carriers don't necessarily have to keep vanners loaded and happy. If they lose a van, there are 10 more waiting in line to take its place. But a straight truck team is highly valued, generally speaking, and carriers will extend every effort to keep them loaded and happy, including loading around a van and letting the van sit in order to do it.
 

Monty

Expert Expediter
"How many miles" belongs right up there with "backhaul".

It matters not how many miles ya get .... but how much money!

103 miles = 327.50 = 3.18 ppm

237 miles = 370.91 = 1.57

162 miles = 277.55 = 1.71

324 miles = 433.58 = 1.34

323 miles = 499.04 = 1.55

369 miles = 442.80 = 1.20

369 miles = 442.80 = 1.20

342 miles = 531.82 = 1.56

831 miles = 1020.00 = 1.23

164 miles = 354.44 = 2.16

These are loaded miles ... there's deadhead in there, at my choosing ....

Those are my last few runs, in a Sprinter van with a Midway sleeper conversion .... I only have 8 feet of cargo sapce.

It can be done .... with a sleeper and limited space.

However, were I replacing this Sprinter, it would be with an UltraMaxx ....
 

purgoose10

Veteran Expediter
Those are my last few runs, in a Sprinter van with a Midway sleeper conversion .... I only have 8 feet of cargo sapce.

It can be done .... with a sleeper and limited space.

However, were I replacing this Sprinter, it would be with an UltraMaxx ....[/QUOTE]

That's good thinking. Perfect for team van operation and living conditions. More freight, heavier frt, more room to live. I think the new Cargo Max 600, 10k with a Duramax is something to consider. Engine is 600# more, the only draw back, but better fuel milage.
 

chefdennis

Veteran Expediter
There is a Duramax Diesel Cargo Max at Load 1 now....he came over last month..last i heard he was getting in the 19-21 mpg range...

There is also another Gas 6.0 Cargo Max at Load 1 , thats 3 of us!!:D
 

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
What is the inside width, length and height of the cargo max?
Bigger or smaller than a Sprinter?
 

chefdennis

Veteran Expediter
Cargo Max has a 14 ft load floor, 7x56 inch rear door opening, 52X73 inch side door opening 72 inches wide at the belt line 50 inches between the wheelwells and a 10,000 gvw srw and a 12,300 drw...

I have 3 rows of 13 ft long e-track down on the floor and L-track on the walls, and I have had 6 48x48x35 skids in here more then a few times...

While I have a 6 ft bunk /personal area seperate from the freight, I am not setup to team, I took the pass seat out.. You could leave it in and still have enough room for 6 skids that are stackable..but when I get 3 skids that can not be stacked, my bunk is gone for the night...

You could leave the pass seat and re-configure my setup and then team and for the most part, you'd be fine...the carrier is going to dicate the type offreight you get but if you let them know that you are ok going big and heavy, that will open you up to more freight, like I do...

Oh, and if you are interested, I have a line on 5 new cargo maxs for under $30 grand....
 
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westmicher

Veteran Expediter
Actually, a newer Sprinter CAN easily fit 3 skids end-to-end and still have room for one or two (stacked) beds. We've team in our 2006 3500 for several years and just ordered a new 3500 Extended Sprinter. We will enjoy going wherever we want (like we do now). BOTH revenue and expenses are much more in a straight truck so we doubt the actual NET is much different. We decided that a used straight truck (no warranty) was a much bigger risk than buying a new, warranted Sprinter for the same price. We can't afford to buy (fix constantly) someone else's straight truck lemon! We get all the miles we want, with net revenue that we are pleased with. I sincerely doubt we'll ever get into a straight truck.
 

Dynamite 1

Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
I can't believe none of you load one vanners have figured out of recognized who the diesel cargo max owner is. I recognized him rite away. I won't tell in public, he can do it if he chooses.
 

chefdennis

Veteran Expediter
I know who he is, i was talking to him before he bought the Diesel Cargo Max and before he signed with Load 1 when he was still at Fed ex, and Scott knows him also...he ia a member here, but doesn't post anymore...

As a matter of fact, my "referral fee" should be here pretty soon...:)
 
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