Trying to get in the business.

TBigLug

Expert Expediter
I'm thinking about getting into the expediting business. I live in Ann Arbor, MI and am in the process of purchasing a 2003 3/4 ton Chevy Express Extended cargo van. I'm curious as to which companies have the best opportunities for B class cargo van drivers. Any info would be helpful.
 

Lawrence

Founder
Staff member
Big Lug,

Whoa - hold on! You may want to have a lease in your hand before you purchase that unit. Many carriers won't accept anything less then a one ton van, some are only allowing Freightliner Sprinters. So you need to get that lease - first.

You live in a good area, will you be running a team or solo?

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com


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Everybody is someone else's weirdo.
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TBigLug

Expert Expediter
I'll probably run team but I'm not sure. A one ton sounds like a better idea anyway. I don't know what companies are highly recommended around hear. My buddy tells me Tri State or Apollo. Any suggestions?
 

SHARP327

Veteran Expediter
HEY TBIGLUG JUST WANTED TO JUMP IN HERE AND WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR CHOICES WHAT EVER THEY MAY BE! I WANTED TO GET A CARGO VAN WHEN I FIRST STARTED OUT BUT REALIZED THAT FOR AROUND THE SAME MONEY I COULD GET A REAL NICE USED CLASS C EXPEDITER,THAT I COULD SLEEP IN COMFORT IN,WAS ABOUT TO BUY IT WHEN I CAME UPON A CLASS 8 TRUCK THAT WAS A REAL GOOD DEAL WHICH I BOUGHT,SO FAR I'VE BEEN PLEASED WITH MY CHOICE NOT TRYING TO SAY THAT ALL'S BEEN GREAT ALL THE TIME BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT'S BEEN PRETTY GOOD! JUST WANTED TO MENTION THAT BIG TRUCKS CAN HAUL SMALL LOADS BUT SMALLER TRUCKS CAN'T HAUL LARGE LOADS. AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT OUT OF THE SHIPPING LANES AND THERE'S NO ONE ELSE TO TAKE THE LOAD A SMALL LOAD IS ALOT BETTER THAN DEAD HEAD PAY! THAT'S JUST MY OPINION! WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE I WISH YOU THE BEST! TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE OUT THERE! SHARP327:)
 

Lawrence

Founder
Staff member
Big Lug,

I think you may want to speak with a few carriers FIRST, before making your mind up. Like Sharp327 mentioned, sometimes the price between a cargo van and straight truck isn't all that great.

Best Wishes!

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com


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Everybody is someone else's weirdo.
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RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
One of the drawbacks of running a C or D unit is that you will be required to maintain and operate by a log book.If you are running as a team that is usually not a problem but if you are a single driver the log book can keep you from getting offers.After you are on duty for 15 hours or driving for 10 hours you must take a 8 hour break.Most companies also limit the miles that a single C or D driver will receive. A van does not need to log and you can unload and be immeadiately available (depending on the company) for another trip.
There is an excellent article on this site about the future of vans in expediting.I would recommend that you read it if you havn!t done so.
 
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