I've heard some C unit drivers accusing Sprinters of that.
Yeah I said it.
It is true, there has been loads handed to vans that should have gone on my truck.
This happens with the present company and happened a bit with the previous company. Both of them are exact opposites in their function and form and the present allows me a lot of needed flexibility.
When I read all these things about people getting a reefer truck with a lift gate, I know they will be tied into that truck with only two companies. Many don't get the PM cost for that reefer or box and think they will make millions in this business. C unit, like the one sitting next to me last night, has one and only one purpose. With their 12 feet of space and their 6500 lbs capacity, they are locked into a limited amount of work.
I am in a fleet of something like 7000 trucks, it is a company where I get everything from ltl to very high value stuff, I compete with vans and box trucks. Some box trucks have more cargo space than I do and haul a little under half the weight. The real problem is HOS but again it is really not bad being one step below those independent people, but a lot better being above the company people.
Regardless what people will say, this is a really simple question that has a simple answer - it all depends on the company that one chooses to contract with. If they use C/D units, like FedEx then the work will be there but if they use vans, would you think it would be better in a D unit waiting 4 days for a call?
As for the best thing to have - it is the tractor and trailer combo. It may be one of those things where you can't park at McDonalds or your favorite eating place but again this is a business and these are tools, so what.
