Who has it tougher and why?
- Thread starter jaminjim
- Start date
I've been waiting for someone to respond. I've furnished what I consider significant insight in my few posts, posing questions that have no absolute or correct answer, just as the question of this thread has no answer. Everyone's situation is different. What works for one doesn't for another. What's challenging for one comes easily to another. What's drudgery for one is fun for another. We all have our opinion of what's tougher and it is correct for us but not for everyone.
Even if we were to focus the question to who has it tougher financially or tougher logistically or tougher mechanically or any other specific there still wouldn't be an absolute answer. Given the open ended nature of the query it's even moreso unanswerable.
Even if we were to focus the question to who has it tougher financially or tougher logistically or tougher mechanically or any other specific there still wouldn't be an absolute answer. Given the open ended nature of the query it's even moreso unanswerable.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
Yep, no one size fits all thing. There are reasons I like running in a Sprinter. I like being able to go just about anywhere I feel like between loads, all of those nice places with the no trucks allowed signs. I like not having to mess with log books and scales. There are times that I find myself envious of the straights with the larger sleepers and more freight opportunities, but when I consider my fuel mileage and the other positives of the unit I'm running, I don't stay envoius too long.
I agree 100%, this is the easiest money I ever made. As far as retired I consider myself retired now.
And left handed!
Hey I resemble that remark too! AND....
It is a well known fact that the opposite side of your brain controls the opposite
side of your body............. so therefore all of us lefties are in our RIGHT MINDS!
Hey I resemble that remark too! AND....
It is a well known fact that the opposite side of your brain controls the opposite
side of your body............. so therefore all of us lefties are in our RIGHT MINDS!
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
Oh come on Leo don't be so elusive! In the past five or six years you've driven everything "everything except a bus"
You have driven for USA Truck for a short time until you "... discovered Fazoli's Italian restaurants."
You went on to say that "With the big truck, it's inconvenient to park at Fazoli's. It was that inflexibility that pushed me to look for an alternative."
So see you have the "experience" to be able to discuss why a Tractor Trailer might be harder.
You have driven a Super "D" unit (one of the best looking trucks in expedite) outfitted with a large horsepower engine and an eighteen speed transmission, all of the best possible equipment including a large liftgate, obviously setup for W/G (except for the refer)
You've had a couple of regular "D" units and now a Van, so you of all people should be able to comment on the good and bad for each vehicle classification.
You could also help some of us when it comes to choosing a vehicle for a company and what the best fit is. Your experience with Express One, Panther (twice) Landstar, and Fedex would more than qualify you for helping the new people here understand what vehicles are good fits.
So how about sharing a little bit of your experience.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
Except that the blinker fluid reservoir is smaller in the left handed trucks and it won't hold an entire jug. Nothing's worse than having to hold onto a jug with an ounce or two left until you use up enough to dump that in and throw away the jug.
youngsamuel
Seasoned Expediter
I agree. I started in a cargo van and went to a straight to accomodate more freight, but I had more room to sleep in my CV. I have an fl60 with an integral sleeper. 30" wide and 76' long right behind the seats.
As far as who has it tougher I suppose it depends on specifics. I have not driven a big but it seems manuvering and parking could be a headache. I like the straight for me. I have never heard a straight driver complaining a CV "took" his load.
A tractor is toughest to park overall. A straight truck is toughest to load legally for f/r weight. A van is toughest to secure freight in. There's one for each although my opinions of them won't match everyone else's. No shell, just the realization this is a topic you can't answer for anyone else and your own answers are only worth something to you.
Leo's got it right. The perfect example would be the difference between me and Guido. He went from a straight to a van and is happy as he can be, wishes he'd done it sooner. Now let's go 180 degrees to me. I went from a van to a straight and I'm as happy as a pig in the stuff that makes a pig happy. Wish I'd done it sooner.
Some might argue that this would be a good thread for a newb to read, but without some experience to apply it would probably just confuse them.
Some might argue that this would be a good thread for a newb to read, but without some experience to apply it would probably just confuse them.
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
Both Highway and Leo are correct. Unless people will share their reason for their choice then... it's how high is high.
This can be a valuable discussion only if you respond with some of the reasons that you drive what you drive and don't drive one of the other types of vehicles.
So another way to ask the question is If you had twenty-five percent down for the expediter of your choice and had the necessary endorsements on your license, and the level of experience required which one would you choose? Which one would you stay away from and why?
This can be a valuable discussion only if you respond with some of the reasons that you drive what you drive and don't drive one of the other types of vehicles.
So another way to ask the question is If you had twenty-five percent down for the expediter of your choice and had the necessary endorsements on your license, and the level of experience required which one would you choose? Which one would you stay away from and why?
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I agree with Leo you can not answer this topic as what every you are driving should be the easiest and best. When you move into another size vehicle that make you a living that one should become easiest and best for you. Each size has pluses and minuses and each individuals attitude is what will make that truck work for you.
I am sure if we were in a van it would be great and I am sure if we were in a semi it would be great.
I am sure if we were in a van it would be great and I am sure if we were in a semi it would be great.
jaminjim
Veteran Expediter
And that is the question. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the vehicles. (as you see it)
Without the proper attitude no matter what the vehicle or for that matter whatever the job you will be a failure to some degree.An additional comment: While some might say that being relegated to truckstops is a big concern, others may think its a mute issue because they are only out on the road to make money, conversely others are on the road to see the sites while making a living.
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