Tri-state vans

**piper1** · 03-14-2010, 01:53 PM

Stellar numbers Aristotle....time to visit Ryder for a new van soon

. Good thing you're in shape, don't think I could've pulled that off. Must feel pretty good to have a month like that!

**xiggi** · 03-14-2010, 01:58 PM

I was thinking about making a post the other day asking if Tri State was still running vans. I have only seen maybe three in the last month. Think I've seen more of their straight trucks than vans.

**aristotle** · 03-14-2010, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by piper1

Stellar numbers Aristotle....time to visit Ryder for a new van soon

. Good thing you're in shape, don't think I could've pulled that off. Must feel pretty good to have a month like that!

Thank you, Piper. My $4500 van grosses approx $6000 per month on average. I have difficulty convincing Sprinter owners this is a good ROI. To each his own, I suppose. My van has 260,000 miles on the 7.3L Powerstroke. I won't need another van til it reaches about 700,000 if past history is any indicator.

**xiggi** · 03-14-2010, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by LDB

That would be a pretty grueling bunch of runs with some of them seeming to have pretty inadequate rest time in between them. No wonder we have bad health sometimes.

Running bigger miles has a lot to do with what your body is used to. If you normally run 1000 miles a week then jump up to 2500 yea it can be tough. If your body is adapted to longer miles it just is not that big of deal. You learn how to manage your time and sleep. Almost all loads have enough time built in that on longer loads you can build in a few hours nap time. My goal every week is 2500 miles. Been behind that this last couple months but last year i ran that and more consistently. My deadhead is incredibly low so that does help.

**davekc** · 03-14-2010, 02:16 PM

One thing I have noticed, or maybe just a cynical observation is that business is picking up for the larger carriers. Some of the smaller outfits are still struggling even with some over flow coming from the big three.
I think some are expanding their van count because they are struggling to put on straights or TT's. That pool is shrinking because tighter credit has shut many out of the process if they are new or have damaged credit. Straight truck sales are pretty much in the tank if any one has looked lately. For the carriers to maintain a similar margin to previous years, they are going to attempt it from another angle. For vanners, I would watch carefully that your prospective carrier doesn't overpopulate because if they do, you will endure a lot more nap time. Their ability to capture any additional revenue will be at the vanners expense.
That is why you likely won't see much movement on the "whine for the dime" campaign unless they struggle to add additional units.
Again, "just my penny in the pond".

**aristotle** · 03-14-2010, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by xiggi

Running bigger miles has a lot to do with what your body is used to. If you normally run 1000 miles a week then jump up to 2500 yea it can be tough. If your body is adapted to longer miles it just is not that big of deal. You learn how to manage your time and sleep. Almost all loads have enough time built in that on longer loads you can build in a few hours nap time. My goal every week is 2500 miles. Been behind that this last couple months but last year i ran that and more consistently. My deadhead is incredibly low so that does help.

Exactly. I gain enough time for plenty of naps on long runs. Adaptation to long periods of driving is mostly psychological. Keeping a positive attitude and pacing one's self make a huge difference. Complaining doesn't pay the bills. Negativity defeats many before they even get started. Eat at least one really good meal everyday and get an XM radio.

**aristotle** · 03-14-2010, 02:23 PM

DaveKC... a surge in van numbers is what I fear most. It has been a killer in past busy seasons.

**ebsprintin** · 03-14-2010, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by aristotle

From Feb 17th to March 12( about 25 days) I ran 9931 loaded miles, solo in a van. Busiest period I have seen in 10 years. Mixed in that were several long runs to Laredo and California, then back East. Of course, expediting companies will now flood the market with more vans. It's as predictable as the sunrise.

I was on a similar rip in February until I went into the shop. Not much deadhead either. I knew it would be a temporary thing but wanted to get what could be got.

eb

**Wolfeman68** · 03-14-2010, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by Zoli

Why do you think that freight is picking up??? Panther , Nations or other companies add more vans since early 2009.... TriState add vans not because the freight is picking up ,they add ad vans because a lot of o/o left the company or reduce their fleet....

Have to agree. The only reason for Tri-State, or any carrier for that matter, to add CV's is to replace those that have left for whatever reason. Doesn't mean that freight is picking up.

Another way to look at it is rates. Most carriers that dropped their rates when the economy tanked find that it is easier to put new vehicles on instead of bringing their rates back up.

The more vehicles a carrier has available, the better their chances of getting the freight covered at the lower rate. Bottom line, someone will take it.

**fastrod** · 03-15-2010, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by davekc

That is why you likely won't see much movement on the "whine for the dime" campaign unless they struggle to add additional units.

I dont think the carriers will have much trouble finding new vanners so the whine for the dime crowd better get use to the fact that they are not going to see that dime again.

**whitewolf** · 03-15-2010, 02:26 AM

I met 2 TriState drivers last week...One team who got only one offer cancelled in 5 days and another who got 200 miles...Maybe they know their business better than us...
For Aristotel

don't kiss to much *** at Bolt

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-15-2010, 03:01 AM

I see my dime is getting much play time...

The fact that straight fleet owners are now offered as much as .08 a loaded mile BONUS just to sign on....I know exactly where my dime is going...

Thats life..I'll make do...

**guido4475** · 03-15-2010, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by tjpohio44

I'll be going to a Express -1 orientation on the 22nd

....finally caught my big break...Thanks to all who were involved in this...I owe ya'll a steak dinner...Honestly I mean that Thanks I am so Thankful

Good things come to those who wait:I am so glad you have been blessed by what has happened recently.I always had a feeling your never-ending patience would pay off real quick, and it has.I just regret I wasnt able to help you out in some way.

**chefdennis** · 03-15-2010, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by tjpohio44

I'll be going to a Express -1 orientation on the 22nd ....finally caught my big break...Thanks to all who were involved in this...I owe ya'll a steak dinner...Honestly I mean that Thanks I am so Thankful

HEY TJP!! Congrats!! Glad this worked out for you....I know you will make it worth while for all involved....Again, Congrats!!

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-15-2010, 12:22 PM

According to my sources...
2 different Tristate van drivers/owners....
of late dispatchers are caught loading around the vans onto straights, supposedly to keep the straights busy and to plug the leak of straights from leaving....
vans are disposable...now they find themselves short of vans...wonder why?