Thinking of going van o/o

[Bucks06]

I got my CDL A about a year ago and went out otr. I ended up leaving it because while I loved being out on the road and the otr lifestyle, I didn't like driving big rigs, logging, etc. I'd like an opportunity to get back over the road and cargo van expediting seems like an interesting possibility. Wondering if I could get some feedback on a few questions I have about it.

1. Looking at buying a cargo van, what age requirements are there typically on vans?
2. Other than basic maintenance and repairs, what kind of overhead cost is there in o/o a van?
3. What is the best company in terms of miles/pay for o/o?

Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dakota]

I'll give you the canned answer...do your research here read post going back at least two years. Ask tons of questions.
Every company has different requirements, some require vans to be no older than 7 or 5 years, some will let you slide if the van is in good shape. Get the extended van(Chevy has the extended wheelbase, Ford just has the cargo area extended)
Engine choice are really debatable. Some swear by the GM 4.8 and some say go for the 6.0. Most will recommend getting the 1 ton van at the very least though.

There is no best company, the best company is the one that fits for you...DO YOUR RESEARCH

Most companies charge you a fee for the qualcomm. Every company has different fees. You have insurance and you will have to pay your own taxes.
You will need a small Generator and AC or heat unit to keep from running your van 24/7, Some sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag and some have really nice sleepers. Find out what you can live with and go from there

Last but not least
Drive for an owner at first, see if you like it before investing in a van. Expediting is not like OTR trucking, you will be sitting more on occasion, the next load is not guaranteed!!!
Welcome to EO

 

[guido4475]

I'll give you the canned answer...do your research here read post going back at least two years. Ask tons of questions.
Every company has different requirements, some require vans to be no older than 7 or 5 years, some will let you slide if the van is in good shape. Get the extended van(Chevy has the extended wheelbase, Ford just has the cargo area extended)
Engine choice are really debatable. Some swear by the GM 4.8 and some say go for the 6.0. Most will recommend getting the 1 ton van at the very least though.

There is no best company, the best company is the one that fits for you...DO YOUR RESEARCH

Most companies charge you a fee for the qualcomm. Every company has different fees. You have insurance and you will have to pay your own taxes.
You will need a small Generator and AC or heat unit to keep from running your van 24/7, Some sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag and some have really nice sleepers. Find out what you can live with and go from there

Last but not least
Drive for an owner at first, see if you like it before investing in a van. Expediting is not like OTR trucking, you will be sitting more on occasion, the next load is not guaranteed!!!
Welcome to EO

Awesome reply !,Dakota.

 

[skyraider]

# 1 in my opinon,,,do not repeat do not have a van payment IMHO...............I hve not been out here very long, but if I had payments, Im not sure I would still be here.

 

[ChrisGa23]

I also 2nd driving for a fleet owner before going out and buying your own van. Get the feel for expediting before you sink money into something that may or many not work out for you. In expediting expect to sit some. After you deliver your load you may have to sit 2 hours up to 2 days in some instances. Its just part of the business. Also in cargo van expediting you may make a ton of money one week and barley make some on the next. Save money when you can for the slower weeks.

But if you decide and get a van get the biggest you can afford. Extended GMC/Chevy/Ford/Sprinter are most preferred. I would also look into building a dedicated small sleeping area for the weekend layovers and for waiting on the next load. To many times I have had to lay across the seats to get sleep with the van packed full of freight and trust me after 2-3 hours my butt and back are killing me its no fun.

But good luck regardless and take a few hours of your time and read back as far as you can to gain some knowledge it helps to get a better picture.

 

[Jack_Berry]

suggest you read the van threads located in the newbie faq.

 

[ebsprintin]

Going into a van as an owner operator is the time I wouldn't recommend signing on with a fleet owner for a trial run. Straight truck or tractor trailer, yes. Cargo van, no. Sell your personal vehicle. Buy a cargo van and make that your "paid for" private vehicle then try expediting with that vehicle.

eb

 

[Bucks06]

Thanks for the replies. Alot of good info. I really appreciate the advice!

 

[Moot]

Sell your personal vehicle. Buy a cargo van and make that your "paid for" private vehicle then try expediting with that vehicle.

eb

I agree with eb. If expediting doesn't work out for you, keep the van as your personal vehicle or sell it to a tradesperson. I can't see working for an owner with a van.