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I spent some time talking to the Volvo salesman today. We discussed mpg and the effect of engine and transmission choices. He said the Volvo engine is 2-3% better mpg than the Cummins. He said the Freedomline 12 speed automatic is 2-3% better mpg than a manual. That's if rear end ratio, gvw etc...

It is a much different issue when obtaining insurance. You are going to a insurance company that underwrites your policy. The majority of the large truckload carriers are self insured. Insurance from a liability standpoint is moot for them, verses cheaper wages and freight coverage. Davekc...

I would say a manual or auto shift would be very simular. A full blown automatic will be less. On a full auto, the torque configurations are different in addition to a great difference in weight. Davekc

I think it is a great idea that we have been doing for years. We also look at a persons residence. It is a clear indicator of how they will take care of our equipment. Why would anyone want to put someone in a $100,000 truck, and not have any idea on what their past performance has been...

Information will be difficult to find on just transmissions. Type of engine, rear end ratio, type of truck, will all effect MPG. Depending on all factors, a 10 speed manual in one truck may net 7mpg, and in another net 12 mpg. Forgot to mention computer settings Davekc

I would do a search through the archives on EO Hard to give advice because every contrat will be different. Much has to do with responsibilities and the carrier. In otherwords, I wouldn't use a contract for Panther on a Fedex driver. Both companies operate and pay differently. Davekc owner 20 years

The current woes at GM are being felt by other automakers as well. Much of it is poor planning and demands from unions. Each new vehicle from GM has a $1600 cost built in, just to cover health care. That coupled with rising fuel costs have left them stuck with a ton of large SUVs and trucks. The...

Perhaps the doubles milage limits are based on the fact they are near always on the big road, they have developed a milage average history that is very predictable and run dedicated routes. Expediters, on the other hand, seldom know the routes they will travel, don't always stay on the big...

The easier way out is to have the under rails sandblasted. Then repainted. Should be good for 4 to 5 years if done correctly. Davekc

Many of the large truckload carriers are turning to foreign labor. That is there answer to the current driver shortage. Probably their answer to future labor issues as well. Davekc

I am surprised anyone is awake Davekc

FdxCC limits single drivers in any unit that requires logs to a max of 550 miles. However FDX Freight will allow a driver pulling a set of doubles to go 600 miles in 11 hours. Go Figure Rich M Good question to ask. Davekc

Many get dreamy eyed from thinking of the "paid tourist concept" and purchasing a new truck, and fail to look at all the realities. Kg Your post is right on target. Davekc

There are several issues a company would most likely look at when setting these milage caps for single drivers. Of course there is safety, DOT ratings, and insurance. They are looking at average speed through states they operate in. With 55mph speed limits in OH,MI, and IL, that puts a major...

$400.00 does sound high unless they are doing something else with it. I would expect a diagnostic fee, and a couple hours tops on labor. Davekc

Certainly sounds like a bad day for someone. Hopefully everyone involved was ok. Davekc

Broompilot is right on. Anyone in this business needs a tax professional. Too many laws change every year to take this on yourself. If you haven't paid, haven't been paying or filing, you are in need of a tax attorney rather than a accountant Davekc owner 20 years

Broompilot wrote; What a shame to be in over your head. Must be a sick feeling as I recall around last Christmas. Any business takes capitol or should, I do not know the stastic but I would bet most companies with less than 30% invested in goes broke in less than one year. Excellent post You...

An Observation, truckers are negative people to begin with. I see due to not being able to make a living many people will be exiting this industry soon. I have not been in this long, my past business ownerships were all started when the economy went South, which is a natural cycle in our...

I think the major issue is that many have already overspent. When things were good last year, many were spending all kinds of money on trucks. Instead of running smart and effecient, they are praying just to make a truck payment. I sound like a broken record, but for the most part, this is a ALL...