Straightruck questions

[Stevenbr]

Hi folks,

Quick intro... I own a small sod sales biz, and usually have my product delivered to sites by a 3rd party freight company via semi.

I'm considering purchasing a straight truck, hanging a forklift (Donkey) off the back, and being able to deliver the 1-2 pallet orders that I currently don't accept. I plan to drive/deliver myself... and these will be local deliveries, 30 miles max from my home base.

Thinking 8 pallets of sod (16000 pounds), forklift (3200 pounds) = 19200 pounds payload. So I guess I'm going to push myself over the 26000 mark, huh? (or am I wroing?)

If I understand this correctly, I'll need a class cdl.

Shopping for a truck, and honestly don't know what to be looking for (other than an about 16' bed)... any pointers would be much appreciated.

 

[Doggie Daddy]

Hi folks,

Quick intro... I own a small sod sales biz, and usually have my product delivered to sites by a 3rd party freight company via semi.

I'm considering purchasing a straight truck, hanging a forklift (Donkey) off the back, and being able to deliver the 1-2 pallet orders that I currently don't accept. I plan to drive/deliver myself... and these will be local deliveries, 30 miles max from my home base.

Thinking 8 pallets of sod (16000 pounds), forklift (3200 pounds) = 19200 pounds payload. So I guess I'm going to push myself over the 26000 mark, huh? (or am I wroing?)

If I understand this correctly, I'll need a class cdl.

Shopping for a truck, and honestly don't know what to be looking for (other than an about 16' bed)... any pointers would be much appreciated.

Hi Steven,welcome to the site.I might be able to help with some of your questions.

First off,you will have no docks where you will be delivering so this will have to be a flat/stake bed truck.

With the forklift hanging off the back just be sure that you don't exceed your states length limits. I live in Ohio and am limited to 40'.

You most assuredly will greatly exceed 26,000#,and with the load and forklift you will either have to have a tandem rear axle or at the very least a tag axle.

Others here may be able to add more to what I have told you.

 

[Dakota]

Hi folks,

Quick intro... I own a small sod sales biz, and usually have my product delivered to sites by a 3rd party freight company via semi.

I'm considering purchasing a straight truck, hanging a forklift (Donkey) off the back, and being able to deliver the 1-2 pallet orders that I currently don't accept. I plan to drive/deliver myself... and these will be local deliveries, 30 miles max from my home base.

Thinking 8 pallets of sod (16000 pounds), forklift (3200 pounds) = 19200 pounds payload. So I guess I'm going to push myself over the 26000 mark, huh? (or am I wroing?)


If I understand this correctly, I'll need a class cdl.

Shopping for a truck, and honestly don't know what to be looking for (other than an about 16' bed)... any pointers would be much appreciated.

A under 26000/under CDL truck will usually have a 10000 maybe12000 if your lucky without liftgate that is a for a truck with a box, not sure on the weight of a flatbed. 19200 means the truck has to be 6800 pounds find out how much the flatbeds weigh and minus the weight from 26000 to get your payload.

 

[Dakota]

Hi folks,

Quick intro... I own a small sod sales biz, and usually have my product delivered to sites by a 3rd party freight company via semi.

I'm considering purchasing a straight truck, hanging a forklift (Donkey) off the back, and being able to deliver the 1-2 pallet orders that I currently don't accept. I plan to drive/deliver myself... and these will be local deliveries, 30 miles max from my home base.

Thinking 8 pallets of sod (16000 pounds), forklift (3200 pounds) = 19200 pounds payload. So I guess I'm going to push myself over the 26000 mark, huh? (or am I wroing?)

If I understand this correctly, I'll need a class cdl.

Shopping for a truck, and honestly don't know what to be looking for (other than an about 16' bed)... any pointers would be much appreciated.

If you go for a class B then your in a whole different ballgame

 

[piper1]

Welcome to the site!

Whatever truck you buy, make sure whoever is installing the dock for the donkey forklift is involved. You might find a great used truck only to find it will cost you a fortune to put enough strength in the back to handle the extra weight.

 

[bluejaybee]

I just saw at least 2 flat beds with forklift carrying capabilities on truckpaper.com. They both were tandem axle and I can't remember what brand they were. I was searching class 8 van type trucks and they were listed there. Just thought I tell you.

 

[greg334]

The truck you want is used in two different applications other than sod, brick and lumber both are delivered with trucks that have forklifts on the back. There used to be a big sod farm where there now sites a shopping center and they used to deliver like this.

I think that there are a couple companies out there that can help you find them, one company that maybe be able to help you is NBC truck Equipment (800- 778-8207) here in the Detroit area. They can tell you if they build them or who does. Try contacting them for the specs or other info.

 

[Stevenbr]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I'll keep all of that in mind.

I'm still trying to determine the associated costs with getting what I think would be ideal (carry 8 pallets) and pretty much surely go over 26000, or maybe get under that and maybe carrry just 6 pallets.

Will look at resources you suggested... thinking I need to find someone local to advise me, based on LA law.... bunch of details to cover based on legal/needs/costs... that none of the info seems very available.

I guess curbweights aren't usually listed on truck ads because the seller(dealer) doesn't know them, huh? Is this number difficult for themto get?

thanks again...
Steve

 

[bluejaybee]

You are going to almost have to be over 26000 to do what you want, I think. And I doubt that even a single axle 33000 would suffice. You will need tandem axle or lift axle at the least. Then you can haul just about whatever you need to.

As for empty weight, a person who knows his trucks, can just about guess the weight of a truck. For all others, there are scales. If you call or email about a truck, ask them the weight. I have done it and usually they find a way to weigh it.

 

[bluejaybee]

Check these out.


Flatbed Truck, Used Flatbed Truck, Flatbed Truck For Sale At TruckPaper.com

 

[FIS53]

Most ads list the GVW and you'll have to ask for them to get the curb weight. For new trucks the mfr supplies the curb weight of the chassis but not with the box/bed installed so the truck has to be weighed after it's built. Several body builders only give you an estimated weight for the bed/box and equipment they are installing so to get actual you'll have to ask to have the truck weighed when finished or have the dealer weigh it.

For the number of skids and weight you're looking to haul you're definitely over the 26,000 gvw. I've got a flatdeck with stakes and a tailgate lift which empty weighs just under 12,000. Now add in the forklift and other gear required and your adding to the curb weight a lot.
Rob

 

[Stevenbr]

Thanks for all your responses...

After more consideration, I decided that I would just carry less load, and make more trips if sales justify it...

Therefore I'm planning to buy 26000 pound truck, an International 4700... possibly tomorrow, if it drives/inspects as good as I hope.

Problem is, it is about 500 miles from me... question is, is that a problem? I used to work for a company (brown trucks), and they used to tell us that some of "larger" trucks (aka package cars, their words) weren't geared to be on the highway.

Is driving this Int'l 4700, with a 4.44 ratio for 500 miles at 70 mph a bad thing? Anything I should do make things less... less.... damaging?

Thanks,
steve

 

[layoutshooter]

Welcome Steve,

We do need a bit more information. Who are you leased with? Are you running as a team? Have you expedited before?

 

[Dakota]

Thanks for all your responses...

After more consideration, I decided that I would just carry less load, and make more trips if sales justify it...

Therefore I'm planning to buy 26000 pound truck, an International 4700... possibly tomorrow, if it drives/inspects as good as I hope.

Problem is, it is about 500 miles from me... question is, is that a problem? I used to work for a company (brown trucks), and they used to tell us that some of "larger" trucks (aka package cars, their words) weren't geared to be on the highway.

Is driving this Int'l 4700, with a 4.44 ratio for 500 miles at 70 mph a bad thing? Anything I should do make things less... less.... damaging?

Thanks,
steve

Most likely you'll only be able to do 65, most of these trucks have RPM limiters on them, so you don't over rev it. If not just keep it under 2500 RPM and you'll be fine

 

[guido4475]

Thanks for all your responses...

After more consideration, I decided that I would just carry less load, and make more trips if sales justify it...

Therefore I'm planning to buy 26000 pound truck, an International 4700... possibly tomorrow, if it drives/inspects as good as I hope.

Problem is, it is about 500 miles from me... question is, is that a problem? I used to work for a company (brown trucks), and they used to tell us that some of "larger" trucks (aka package cars, their words) weren't geared to be on the highway.

Is driving this Int'l 4700, with a 4.44 ratio for 500 miles at 70 mph a bad thing? Anything I should do make things less... less.... damaging?

Thanks,
steve

I admire your courage to set out and save money by doing things yourself.However,From what you have said about the new truck you are going to purchase, I think it is too light duty of a truck for what you are going to do with it.I imagine it has no bigger horsepower than 225, at the most.I'd go for a used home depot/lowes truck from ryder or penske.I understand that you dont want to get a cdl, but how much more is it gong to cost you in time and extra expense, repairs, etc, using a truck not meant for the job? Just a thought.Please understand, I am not trying to discourage you, but to help you. Take care, and the best of luck to you.

 

[Stevenbr]

I admire your courage to set out and save money by doing things yourself.However,From what you have said about the new truck you are going to purchase, I think it is too light duty of a truck for what you are going to do with it.I imagine it has no bigger horsepower than 225, at the most.I'd go for a used home depot/lowes truck from ryder or penske.I understand that you dont want to get a cdl, but how much more is it gong to cost you in time and extra expense, repairs, etc, using a truck not meant for the job? Just a thought.Please understand, I am not trying to discourage you, but to help you. Take care, and the best of luck to you.

guido,

You certainly might be right. Let me review what I expect to be a "normal" day, say an average of two days a week, year round. (for average sake)

6 pallets x 2000 lbs each = 12000
1 forklift x 3200 = 3200
truck weight (?) = 10,000

total, right at 26000 lbs. Local deliveries, weight drops quickly at first stop.

You think I'm max'ing out too much?

I appreciate your thoughts.

Steve

 

[Dakota]

guido,

You certainly might be right. Let me review what I expect to be a "normal" day, say an average of two days a week, year round. (for average sake)

6 pallets x 2000 lbs each = 12000
1 forklift x 3200 = 3200
truck weight (?) = 10,000

total, right at 26000 lbs. Local deliveries, weight drops quickly at first stop.

You think I'm max'ing out too much?

I appreciate your thoughts.

Steve

Okay, a under CDL truck with a box and liftgate has a payload of 10000
think ryder or penske 26 footer type trucks
the payload might be a little higher with a flatbed, and no liftgate
If you can get by with a 16 footer flatbed(or be able to find one) your payload would increase
At my last job or 16 footer actually could hold 2000 more then the 26 footer
If you keeping it around town and not using it on the highway alot, the only real wear would be on the transmission and rear axle. The engine might be underpowered, but as long as you keep it in the happy zone, it should be alright
I think I'd definately try to find a manual, since the weight might overheat an auto tranny.

 

[greg334]

Steve,
I am going to say that the truck may come in at 12k, ask the people who you are buying it from to put it on a scale and make the sale contingent on it weighing less than 11k.

 

[Dakota]

Steve,
I am going to say that the truck may come in at 12k, ask the people who you are buying it from to put it on a scale and make the sale contingent on it weighing less than 11k.

Yeah, I'd definately scale it prior to buying. If it has forklift included scale with that if not ad the weight of the mount and the forklift.
remember 26000 minus the weight of the truck sahould give you your payload. Don't forget weight of straps and other equipment you will need on the truck.

 

[GreatScout]

Hi all, first post.

I recently found myself in a similar situation, flipping back and forth between Non-CDL and CDL vehicles to purchase. I found no real difference in cost at my level of used.

At the time I did not have a CDL license, but went out and got my B in a couple of weeks (in Pennsylvania, 2 weeks required between passing the written and drivers test). Got the air brake, tanker and passenger endorsements as well (no extra cost, so what the hay). I did this while researching vehicles, visiting lots, comparing trucks, etc...

Ended up that in the final comparison of shortlisted trucks, it turned out to be a good thing. The unit purchased yesterday is a 99 IH 4900 with 167k for $8500 with a 26' box & lift, 33k Lb.

I believe just having the license gave me a wider range to choose from within my price range. I didn't have to limit my choice.

One more thing he needs to consider though is the increased cost of insurance for the heavier vehicle. It will be several hundred a year, I believe. Probably less than the additional fuel cost of extra trips with a smaller one though.

Also, have an experienced diesel mech look it over, for about $75, takes a load off the mind. I rejected one for a bad king-pin that I didn't catch, but wouldn't have passed safety inspection.

GreatScout

Thanks for all your responses...

After more consideration, I decided that I would just carry less load, and make more trips if sales justify it...

Therefore I'm planning to buy 26000 pound truck, an International 4700... possibly tomorrow, if it drives/inspects as good as I hope.

Problem is, it is about 500 miles from me... question is, is that a problem? I used to work for a company (brown trucks), and they used to tell us that some of "larger" trucks (aka package cars, their words) weren't geared to be on the highway.

Is driving this Int'l 4700, with a 4.44 ratio for 500 miles at 70 mph a bad thing? Anything I should do make things less... less.... damaging?

Thanks,
steve