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maranatha7
Guest
Are there any companies that are signing on these type of vehicles?
Are there any companies that are signing on these type of vehicles?
Express-One, but no older then 3 years.
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
As Landstar is not taking vans at this time you will probably run at regular cargo van rates with the other carriers.......if you can find a carrier that is still taking on vans.
AS OVM indicated the age of the van will be a factor...especially with top tier carriers.
Several of the top carriers will also require 6 months or more or experience.
AS OVM indicated the age of the van will be a factor...especially with top tier carriers.
Several of the top carriers will also require 6 months or more or experience.
Super B trucks are great for going independent.Simply because you can get four standard size skids in the box and usually snag them awayfrom straight trucks. But, do not be alarmed my friend, there are penty of companies that are still taking on the infamous Cargo Van!!! BAN THE STRAIGHT TRUCK!!! REVIVE THE VAN!!! CARGO VANS ARE THE BACKBONE OF EXPEDITING. NO SHIPPER WANTS TO PAY FULL TRUCK RATE TO SHIP A SINGLE SKID. SORRY, BUT THE STRAIGHT TRUCKS DAYS ARE COMING TO AN END!! LOL.
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maranatha7
Guest
Thank you for the info. We plan on buying a new Aerocell and we have 6 months experience with Roberts Express and 4 years with Con Way Now. We were hoping some companies would give us a look even though they're not hiring regular vans at this time. Landstar used to have a requirement if you have been out for over 6 months they would not consider you. We ran over 440 loads for ConWay and was always on time. Does Panther or FEDEX CC consider these units? We wwon't be available until Jan to March 09 at the earliest.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Blizzard, I hate to say this but I have run into too many van driver who think that they can get them four skids on their 'super' B and be something like 1800 lbs overweight.
I have to compete with the vans but I know that I can get that 3000lb load on my truck.
I am starting to think that with some people running illegally, driving more than 16 hours at a time and some who are just plan dangerous on the road (like the panther van who sped past me on the OT Saturday, must of been doing 90), maybe it is time that we level the playing field for the sake of public's safety - logging and scales for vans seem to be a fair thing to do.
I have to compete with the vans but I know that I can get that 3000lb load on my truck.
I am starting to think that with some people running illegally, driving more than 16 hours at a time and some who are just plan dangerous on the road (like the panther van who sped past me on the OT Saturday, must of been doing 90), maybe it is time that we level the playing field for the sake of public's safety - logging and scales for vans seem to be a fair thing to do.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
I somewhat agree there. It would rid the industry of alot of the people that just want to be out on the road. At the same time it would free up some freight for those that needed to be out there. If someone was going to try and get someone off the road I think you should try and get rid the ones that want to be out there, and are taking freight at break even rates just so they can go somewhere new or back to a place they really like. I know I will catch flak for that, but heck expediting is a business not a pass time.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
There are already some states that require vans to scale. They don't always enforce it too well, but that's another story. That's why I use magnetic signs. Being able to remove them comes in handy while running in those states. All kidding aside, I run legal weights in my van not because of the law but because of what's best for the van. I usually look for lighter stuff that still pays well when I can find it.
And Blizzard is kind of right about those four skid loads. I see a few of those that are light enough to go in a van but just take up too much space. I took a five skid load in my Sprinter a couple weeks ago (stackable skids) and the total weight was only 785 lbs. If van drivers are out there overloading on weight, they'll pay the price sooner or later, whether or not it's the law that enforces it.
And Blizzard is kind of right about those four skid loads. I see a few of those that are light enough to go in a van but just take up too much space. I took a five skid load in my Sprinter a couple weeks ago (stackable skids) and the total weight was only 785 lbs. If van drivers are out there overloading on weight, they'll pay the price sooner or later, whether or not it's the law that enforces it.
Blizzard, I hate to say this but I have run into too many van driver who think that they can get them four skids on their 'super' B and be something like 1800 lbs overweight.
I have to compete with the vans but I know that I can get that 3000lb load on my truck.
I am starting to think that with some people running illegally, driving more than 16 hours at a time and some who are just plan dangerous on the road (like the panther van who sped past me on the OT Saturday, must of been doing 90), maybe it is time that we level the playing field for the sake of public's safety - logging and scales for vans seem to be a fair thing to do.
I hate to say this..but I may have to agree with Greg on this one...maybe it's the cure for the van business...to professionalize vans...logs and CDL's and maybe even scaling and yearly safety checks , fully marked and get rid of the fluff...Only the serious need apply...
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
questions.....are you buying new?-how much do you have to make to pay for the van and your salary(ies), meals, repairs/replacements/services
have you used the ooida cpm spreadsheet to determine your actual costs?
top tier companies advertise on eo. i would start at the top of the list and work down.
have you used the ooida cpm spreadsheet to determine your actual costs?
top tier companies advertise on eo. i would start at the top of the list and work down.
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"top tier companies advertise on eo. i would start at the top of the list and work down."
I think you may catch some flack on that statement Jack...just cause they have advertisement money doesn't necessary make them top tier...whatever that means...
I think you may catch some flack on that statement Jack...just cause they have advertisement money doesn't necessary make them top tier...whatever that means...
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maranatha7
Guest
Thank you for your input. We will probably finance 75-80% of the initial price of the van. We will pay cash for an extensive sleeper conversion to be done locally. After 4 years with Con Way we have a pretty good handle on expenses. Things will be somewhat different this time,i.e. sleeper will cut some costs, motels will be easier because of on road internet,etc.
We are active Christians and the majority of income will go to help support various Ministries. As retired Military we are able to use the resources of bases Nationwide. Majority of repairs will be covered by new vehicle warranty and we will have enough set aside when they expire. When we were with Con Way we always paid as we went and never received an advance.
In addition, we believe that there needs to be a variety of sizes available to cover the industry ( Big and Small). Satisfied customers are good for all of us.
We are active Christians and the majority of income will go to help support various Ministries. As retired Military we are able to use the resources of bases Nationwide. Majority of repairs will be covered by new vehicle warranty and we will have enough set aside when they expire. When we were with Con Way we always paid as we went and never received an advance.
In addition, we believe that there needs to be a variety of sizes available to cover the industry ( Big and Small). Satisfied customers are good for all of us.
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maranatha7
Guest
In my humble opinion a Top Carrier would be some company that's competitive Nationwide and is good to their owner/operators
In my humble opinion a Top Carrier would be some company that's competitive Nationwide and is good to their owner/operators
They all claim to be good to their operators and most claim to pull loads from across the country....This is where actually asking drivers and owners of your preferred list comes in (resarch)....the real scoop and separate the curds from the whey...to make an informed decision.... Good Luck...Ken
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maranatha7
Guest
We concur Van Man. Good advice!!! We do research and we accept roughly 75% of the advice and discard 25%. You could find the greatest Company and someone would be down on them. Also it seems important to find one that fits our niche instead of the one with the top pay.