[terryandrene]

Good luck with your research. There's a wealth of info on the EO archives, so take a look around and enjoy the ride.

[FedExHD31]

I have a 2007 dodge sprinter. I am looking to get paid more and 77 cents a mile does anybody out there pay more than that? I was told nobody is looking for dodge sprinters. I am with FedEx HD and would like to start the long runs and get paid more so I was told. I Would like to stay with the FedEx corp. HELP

[RLENT]

I wouldn't say no one is looking for Sprinters - who told you that ? Sprinters seemed to be preferred over normal cargo vans from what I can gather - due to the increased height.

As far as the 77 cpm goes, make sure you figure in the FSC (fuel surcharge) as well - that will add to the rate per mile.

I don't know what Fedex Custom Critical pays exactly - except that they pay by percentage - as does my carrier, Bolt Express. Percentage is a double edged sword - sometimes you make more, sometimes less. The biggest problem with Home Delivery (besides the amount of work you have to do for what you make) is the type of driving it is - essentially city type driving - stop and go all the time. This is very hard on a vehicle, compared to highway driving. (My son is a FHD contractor with 3 Sprinters and 5 routes so I know what the maintenance costs are like)

Doing expedite, you will be doing much more highway type driving - and your maintenance costs should drop significantly. Less wear and tear on brakes and tires for one.

Dunno if the Fed is currently looking for more vans or Sprinters - last time I looked on their website it said they were not but you should check there or even just call. My carrier, Bolt Express was recently still contracting Sprinters, so if you come up dry with the Fed and still want to make a move give Mark or Anne @ Bolt a call.

[jrcarroll]

There is only one rule to follow if the two of you decide on a Sprinter. Maintenence..........don't wait to fix it till after it is broke. If you do wait till it breaks the costs skyrocket and life of the van gets real short.
follow the schedule, with 1 exception. Trans service every 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

[dhalltoyo]

Ah, you now have given me the most critcal factor to consider...mama!

If you are a team, get C unit with a nice sleeper.

Your wife will be happier; therefore, you will be also.

[laurentsbear]

You are right ...a B unit too small.....a cargo van under 10GVW with a sleeper leaves only 2000# for cargo....
a cargo van 14' Cube with 14GVW allows at least 4000# of cargo
on 4 pallets Now ,tell me how we drive 5hrs. on and 5hrs off Bear

[panrec]

I don't know if you have talked to a recruiter at Panther? Be aware that many expedite companies will not take on cube vans. Panther happens to be one of them.

Pan Rec
Mike

[Jack_Berry]

Originally Posted by laurentsbear

You are right ...a B unit too small.....a cargo van under 10GVW with a sleeper leaves only 2000# for cargo....
a cargo van 14' Cube with 14GVW allows at least 4000# of cargo
on 4 pallets Now ,tell me how we drive 5hrs. on and 5hrs off Bear

you can't legally. hos is 11 drive hours in 14 hrs on duty and 10 in the sleeper. recently revised to 8 in sleeper and 2 in front seat but you have to make up the 2 somewhere else. before the fmcsa changed the hos teams could 5 and 5 with regularity.

[MSinger]

I run a 2002 GMC (Penske). Empty weight is 6800#. I average 11.5 mpg. My carrier pays 30 cents a mile more for cubes than they do vans. I haul alot of freight that could fit in a van but because it is called in as 3 skids. If they fail to give dimensions it automatically goes to a cube. I have hauled numerous 30x30 skids. But hey I'll take the money. I do not regret going with this set-up. Good luck in your endeavors.

[laurentsbear]

Thank you for your response What is your GVW...Who is your carrier. Do you log

[MSinger]

I sent you a PM.

[bearcat44]

I have a question for Sprinter owners, how are they on Ice, Snow, or other slippery surfaces? I own a E 350 Ford when it's loaded it will go about anywhere. If it's empty I'm lucky to go on level ground if it's slick. Thanks to all who answer.

[CharlesD]

Originally Posted by bearcat44

I have a question for Sprinter owners, how are they on Ice, Snow, or other slippery surfaces? I own a E 350 Ford when it's loaded it will go about anywhere. If it's empty I'm lucky to go on level ground if it's slick. Thanks to all who answer.

I have a 2007 and it's not too bad with a load in the back. Empty it gets a little fun. I just take it nice and slow. I used to have an E-350 and I think my Sprinter handles a little better, but I don't know if there's a van out there that's great on snow when it's empty.