Hi all,
We just stopped and looked at some Aerocell’s at Hunter Erie Truck Sales. (off I90 by Erie, Pa). Now as many of you know, we drive a D unit but we have really considered going to a van type vehicle. The reasons are many but here are a few:
Overhead, overhead, overhead
Fuel milage
Dead head Pay and Regular Pay per mile that vans get compared to D units
Parking ability
Maneuverability
My question is: Why can’t/don’t companies manufacture one of these type vehicles so that you could get the mandatory 2 skids across the back side-by-side?? I mean, what are you talking here another couple of inches on each side? All a manufacture would have to do is flare the rear of the body another couple of inches for four feet.
If, for example, Aerocell were to manufacture a unit with inside dimensions that enabled the carrier to put the mandatory 2 skids side-by-side, I think the demand would be phenomenal with expediters. I know we would get one in a heart beat. We would love to down size but being out here as long as we are at a stretch, I would go crazy not having more room in what the average van/sprinter has to offer. If you could get 2 skids side-by-side, the actual sleeper/bunk space would double and you would be able to carry the amount of freight that most companies require of you. With this design there would be no need for moving beds etc and your freight could be easily blocked off from the sleeper/bunk area. Customerswould be able to customize their living space! The possiblities are amazing. You van owners/drivers just think you could have a permanent living arrangement without having to move things around and the freight would not be sitting in the same area as you. You could even put your pants on standing up! You might even have enough space to do a jumping jack! In addition, I think expediting companies would benefit because there would be more team vans available. (I know someone would have at least one more team)
I realize that the current demand for these type vehicles is delivery/service vans but there is another market out here! I also realize that many companies allow people to have sleepers built right in the boxes of smaller trucks but this takes away from the whole concept of having a van. (ie., the above sited reasons for downsizing)
Now, regardless as to whatever your personal opinion of Alumi-bunk is, they were smart. They saw a demand for a sleeper bigger than a coffin. They also included even in their most basic designs some needed amenities in their vehicles. They have benefitted all the way to the bank. They went out on a limb for the expediting industry and I would dare say 80% of all expediters out here have had, or currently have, their product! Why in the world doesn’t some other company step up to the plate and provide a van type alternative that would allow 2 skids to be carried side-by-side?
mcbride-
We just stopped and looked at some Aerocell’s at Hunter Erie Truck Sales. (off I90 by Erie, Pa). Now as many of you know, we drive a D unit but we have really considered going to a van type vehicle. The reasons are many but here are a few:
Overhead, overhead, overhead
Fuel milage
Dead head Pay and Regular Pay per mile that vans get compared to D units
Parking ability
Maneuverability
My question is: Why can’t/don’t companies manufacture one of these type vehicles so that you could get the mandatory 2 skids across the back side-by-side?? I mean, what are you talking here another couple of inches on each side? All a manufacture would have to do is flare the rear of the body another couple of inches for four feet.
If, for example, Aerocell were to manufacture a unit with inside dimensions that enabled the carrier to put the mandatory 2 skids side-by-side, I think the demand would be phenomenal with expediters. I know we would get one in a heart beat. We would love to down size but being out here as long as we are at a stretch, I would go crazy not having more room in what the average van/sprinter has to offer. If you could get 2 skids side-by-side, the actual sleeper/bunk space would double and you would be able to carry the amount of freight that most companies require of you. With this design there would be no need for moving beds etc and your freight could be easily blocked off from the sleeper/bunk area. Customerswould be able to customize their living space! The possiblities are amazing. You van owners/drivers just think you could have a permanent living arrangement without having to move things around and the freight would not be sitting in the same area as you. You could even put your pants on standing up! You might even have enough space to do a jumping jack! In addition, I think expediting companies would benefit because there would be more team vans available. (I know someone would have at least one more team)
I realize that the current demand for these type vehicles is delivery/service vans but there is another market out here! I also realize that many companies allow people to have sleepers built right in the boxes of smaller trucks but this takes away from the whole concept of having a van. (ie., the above sited reasons for downsizing)
Now, regardless as to whatever your personal opinion of Alumi-bunk is, they were smart. They saw a demand for a sleeper bigger than a coffin. They also included even in their most basic designs some needed amenities in their vehicles. They have benefitted all the way to the bank. They went out on a limb for the expediting industry and I would dare say 80% of all expediters out here have had, or currently have, their product! Why in the world doesn’t some other company step up to the plate and provide a van type alternative that would allow 2 skids to be carried side-by-side?
mcbride-
