larrybadger
Expert Expediter
I am new to the expediting business, currently putting together my truck to lease onto a carrier. I have narrowed my decision down to between these manufacturers/models, Chevrolet/GMC w4500 and Ford E-450, in the class of GVWR of 15,000 lbs. They offer similar payload capacities, can anyone point me to any problems they have had in the past concerning either of these units? The purchase will be a new 2005 model year.
Will be putting either a 12/14 x 96 box on it.
Also, concerning warranties, the Chevrolet with gas engine is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles. For diesel models, warranty is 3 year unlimited mileage. I am thinking the diesel would be a wiser choice because of the chance of having to make a repair to the gas model after only 36,000 miles? My number crunching reports this to me: Let's suppose I drive an average of 60,000 miles per year: that translates into 180,000 for 3 years, divide that by the cost of the diesel (estimate) $6000 and that comes out to approx. $.034 cents per mile to go with the diesel instead of the gas? If my math needs work or something doesn't look right, please give feedback.
Also, one more thing, are either of these vehicles considered "dock height"? If not, is there any truck in this class or slightly larger that is dock high? I desire to get a truck that is dock high so that I can make myself the most beneficial to my leased company. I have no desire to buy a used vehicle, so if all I can get that is dock high is a much larger truck in the $70-100K range, I will rethink my options.
Email address for private replies (if desired) is:
[email protected].
Thank you for all feedback.
Sincerely,
Larry Badger
Plainwell, Michigan
Will be putting either a 12/14 x 96 box on it.
Also, concerning warranties, the Chevrolet with gas engine is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles. For diesel models, warranty is 3 year unlimited mileage. I am thinking the diesel would be a wiser choice because of the chance of having to make a repair to the gas model after only 36,000 miles? My number crunching reports this to me: Let's suppose I drive an average of 60,000 miles per year: that translates into 180,000 for 3 years, divide that by the cost of the diesel (estimate) $6000 and that comes out to approx. $.034 cents per mile to go with the diesel instead of the gas? If my math needs work or something doesn't look right, please give feedback.
Also, one more thing, are either of these vehicles considered "dock height"? If not, is there any truck in this class or slightly larger that is dock high? I desire to get a truck that is dock high so that I can make myself the most beneficial to my leased company. I have no desire to buy a used vehicle, so if all I can get that is dock high is a much larger truck in the $70-100K range, I will rethink my options.
Email address for private replies (if desired) is:
[email protected].
Thank you for all feedback.
Sincerely,
Larry Badger
Plainwell, Michigan