Team Van or Straight Truck?

apollo

Expert Expediter
I am soon wanting to drive team with my brother. We have been reading everything here on EO.

We have discussed running a Sprinter with a small sleeper built in or running a straight truck.

The companies we are looking at are Panther or FedEx CC. We have found many owners that have straight trucks leased on to either company, but only a rare few that would have a van or Sprinter.

We have considered fuel prices versus miles per gallon too. We have also looked at the option of owning our own Sprinter, but shy away from straight truck ownership.

My question is this;

Which do you think would earn more income as a team, van/Sprinter or straight truck?

Thanks...
:)
 

Doggie Daddy

Veteran Expediter
IMHO, i think you would do better with the straight truck. FECC is running the wheels off of our truck right now.DD.
 

redytrk

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
I agree that a straight truck would be a better choice for a team.When ever we reach a layover (Express Center) there are allways a few vans waiting for dispatch.There are always fewer trucks.Therefore there seems to be a glut of vans.
Why not consider a "C" size.This is the most requested size for shippers.Our C is running all the miles we could possibly do.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
I agree that any team out there should be real busy. My preference would be a straight truck. If things slow down you will have more flexability ect. with a straight truck.
Davekc
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
All too often you will be in a situation, while fully loaded, whereby you would both like to sleep comfortably at the same time. Unless you and your bro are siamese twins, you're not likely to be comfortable in the typical van sleeping configuration.

It would take two very frugal people with simple lifestyles to glean a living with an expedite van as a sole source of income for two. It works for a married couple with all the revenue going into a common pot. A married couple also has a tax advantage not enjoyed by two singles.

In your shoes, I would seriously look at a C truck as a minimum entry level truck. Greater income to share, less idle time, and much more living space
 

apollo

Expert Expediter
Thanks to everyone for their response.

I initially wanted to drive a D unit, but was also eyeing the vans. We will drive a C or D straight truck.

Thanks
:)
 
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