Howdy from NE TN

[RKC57]

Howdy everybody.

I'm not quite a newby yet as I don't have a vehicle at this time.

I'm retired at an early age and am climbing the walls, so I need to find something to do. In my previous employment, I traveled the eastern US as a trouble shooter in the printing industry. I would be in Cincinnati one day, Atlanta the next, and maybe Baltimore or somewhere else the next day. So I'm used to driving around the country and being somewhere when I tell people I will be there. After all, if the presses aren't running, money isn't being made.

I've been reading a lot of the older postings off and on for a couple of days now.

My main interest is in driving a cargo van; for two reasons.
One, I have a TN Class D with F endorsement license and (Two),
I've seen several postings where people say they are not running much. I'd rather be sitting on a cargo van as a bigger truck. At least I could use it to pull my camper.

So I have a lot of questions, maybe I'll find some answers as I browse the forums. However, if anybody wants to chime in, here's what I would like to know.

(1) Type of van. I'm Partial to Fords. Any comments?

(2) Type of insurance required and how much does it usually cost?

(3) DOT and Motor Carrier Authority. I assume you don't need these if you lease on with an Expediting company.

(4) Anybody running truly independent and finding their own loads?

(5) Hazardous Materials. How often do loads come up requiring placarding? Would it be worthwhile to move up to a Class C license and get the Hazardous Material endorsement?

I would particularly like to hear from other drivers in Tennessee about how they set up their business.

Thanks!

 

[mcavoy33]

Stick to what you know and are comfortable with, fords are popular in the industry
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(2) Type of insurance required and how much does it usually cost?

Depends on carrier

(3) DOT and Motor Carrier Authority. I assume you don't need these if you lease on with an Expediting company.

Not required if you are leased

(4) Anybody running truly independent and finding their own loads?

Very few, very rare

(5) Hazardous Materials. How often do loads come up requiring placarding? Would it be worthwhile to move up to a Class C license and get the Hazardous Material endorsement?

very few, very rare, might be worth it depending on carrier

I would particularly like to hear from other drivers in Tennessee about how they set up their business.

Thanks!

Answers in blue

 

[layoutshooter]

Welcome to the forums. You may want to look into pulling that camper part. Not sure of laws on that with a CMV.

 

[Rocketman]

So I have a lot of questions, maybe I'll find some answers as I browse the forums. However, if anybody wants to chime in, here's what I would like to know.

(1) Type of van. I'm Partial to Fords. Any comments?

(2) Type of insurance required and how much does it usually cost?

(3) DOT and Motor Carrier Authority. I assume you don't need these if you lease on with an Expediting company.

(4) Anybody running truly independent and finding their own loads?

(5) Hazardous Materials. How often do loads come up requiring placarding? Would it be worthwhile to move up to a Class C license and get the Hazardous Material endorsement?

I would particularly like to hear from other drivers in Tennessee about how they set up their business.

Thanks!

1) If you plan on buying Ford and new, I would suggest a TerraMaxx built by Turtle Top or a HCV (high cube van). I'm not sure if Jack Berry got his HCV sold or not but that would be a good used van to own. What I'm getting at is you want taller rear doors. These type vans have a taller roof and taller doors. It helps to get you loads.

2) I'm not sure actually. I have a van, but I'm not running it yet. I'm still in my ST. Want a ST?

3) no, you don't need them to lease to a carrier...or multiple carriers if you choose that route. From what I gather, it's not too big of a deal to run your own authority in a van if you choose. If your not planning to do it for a living (full time), it may not make sense though.

4) several are doing it. Some post here. I'm not convinced that they do any better than the guys leased to "good" carriers. In fact, from the numbers I see posted, I'm not sure they do as well.

5) Forget it...that would be my advice. Especially if you decide to get your authority. It's my understanding that the insurance will skyrocket if you have your authority but the load offers and pay do not.

 

[RKC57]

Thanks for the response.

As an independent contractor leased on with an expediting company, does the O/O usually get business licenses, form LLCs, etc?

 

[Rocketman]

Everyone has a different situation and some have created a corporation or LLC. I'm definitely not an attorney, but the general consensus is that none of these things will protect your assets if you are involved in an accident since you will be the driver.

As for a tax advantage, that is where each person has their own situation. As I understand it, you can't take the standard mileage deduction if your incorporated or an LLC. As a sole proprietor, in a van, most do use the standard mileage deduction.

So for me....no. I'm just a sole proprietor, even with my straight truck.

 

[BillChaffey]

I would suggest you look in Classifieds for a used Ford E 350 ext Van. Something that may be already set up. A new Van will be expensive if you change your mind about the life style.

In the Expedite Now magazine on line edition. There should be a way to access back issues\columns. Look for "Business Planning for successful Expediting" chapters 10&11 for the different types of business plans for your self.

 

[Moot]

(1) Type of van. I'm Partial to Fords. Any comments?

In a recent post someone wanted to buy a Freightliner M2 for sentimental reasons. Now you want to buy a Ford because you are partial to Fords. Don't buy a van or truck for sentimental reasons or because you are partial to a certain brand. Trucks and vans are tools used to do your job. A professional buys the best tool for the job at hand.

If you are looking at a conventional van Ford/GM, all things being fairly equal, I think the 3500, 155" GM wheelbase van is the only way to go. The longer wheelbase with the GM rides and handles better because you have more options with the weight distribution of the load.