I have enough trouble trying to figure out how a solo straight makes more then a Sprinter
Other then comfort, the numbers don't add up for me.
Maybe I need a better calculator
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Well, I had been driving a Sprinter since 2005 until May of this year when I moved up to a straight. I can assure you that I make more money in the straight than in the Sprinter. Like turtle said, I run more loads since most everywhere I go besides Taylor I am the only L1 straight around. And the loads I run pay way better than in the Sprinter. I love making more dollars than miles I run now, where in the Sprinter almost on all loads I was driving more miles than the dollars I got paid.
But, but, but there is always a but. The jury is still out if I get to keep more money than I did with the Sprinter. Fuel costs me a bit more than double what it cost in the Sprinter, and maintenance is also a bit (a lot) more than in my Sprinter. Just for example, I replaced the steer tires, almost a grand. Went to the shop last month, almost a grand, and so on. My Sprinter didn't cost me this much. It seems that every time I set my foot into a shop the bill is at least a grand.
As comfort goes, yes. I love not to set up my bed and put it up all the time. But I also have to plan my stops because I can't park this thing like I used to park my Sprinter. In the Sprinter when I was tired and wanted to sleep I always found a Walmart, or a Lowe's, or Home Depot, or a rest area to park. Some Walmarts don't allow truck parking, and sometimes the places that allow truck parking (truck stops, rest areas) are full past 7:00 pm. Being a straight, I can usually fit in spots that a tractor cannot, but still it is more hassle than my Sprinter.
Now Hours of Service I love and I hate at the same time. I love the 11 hours rule. I am too old to drive those 1000 mile loads straight through, even though I can build enough time for some naps in there. Give me a 600 miles or less load and I am as happy as I can be. What I hate is the 14 hours rule. Messes me up a lot, especially on loads that deliver first thing in the morning. By the time I get my hours back to be able to run a load the day is done. Oh well...
I will give it until May next year to see where I stand and decide then if I stay in the straight or go back to the Sprinter. If I get to keep more money than I did in the Sprinter I'll stay in the straight, maybe I will even upgrade to a newer and better truck, but if not, I will go back to a Sprinter.