New Driver - Who to Drive For??

Paladin921 · Aug 25, 2011

I've been reading the forum for several days now and have to say what a wealth of information!! Thanks to all who take the time to post info and help others / shorten the learning curve.

Here's my situation: I would like to get into expediting and from what I've read here driving someone's CV or Sprinter would be a good way to learn. Looking for any suggestions as to companies to contact or how to get started. Thanks in advance!!

My Stats:

44 years old
Clean MVR
CDL AT (No OTR experience)
Can add hazmat
Cell phone with national plan / coverage
GPS
Laptop w/ air card
Can be out 3-4 weeks at time
Based in Mid Michigan

Briefly ran expedited in the late 90's w/ a f250 HD diesel and custom high topper. 1000 miles in 7 days was typical. From reading here I see the two major issues I encountered have changed. You are now paid "Practical Miles" rather then the "as the crow flies" straight line distance and dispatchers now have a clue. The last straw for me was arriving at a company in Detroit at 6am to discover they don't open until 8am. Called dispatch to inform them of this as it was supposed to be a 7am delivery. Dispatch said "no problem" then after completing delivery calling back and arguing w/ them for 20 minutes as they didn't want to pay for the run because I "delivered late".

Have the company name in my records somewhere. They called for 6 months trying to coax me back. "Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me!" From reading here it appears the competence and intelligence of "Dispatch" has greatly increased.
My home situation has changed so being out will no longer be a concern. Travel times have lengthened meaning road speeds have dropped. Much safer and better mpg now. Direct deposit is another nice improvement. Wasn't found of waiting for a check in the mail to see what the settlement was and how much I was shorted.

As a driver the 60/40 split w/ 100% FSC to the driver is standard? Which pays / grosses more a CV or Sprinter? Any ideas on driver gross, miles driven?

Thanks again for the benefit of your experience!!!

Moot · Aug 25, 2011

Paladin921 said:
From reading here it appears the competence and intelligence of "Dispatch" has greatly increased.

You are either very kind and generous or you have a reading comprehension deficiency.

As far as the dispatchers and mileage calculations go, all carriers are different. Since you have done the expedite thing in the past, is buying a used cargo van an option?

p.s. You must leave your gun at home when traveling. Most carriers have a policy prohibiting guns in cargo vans.

Paladin921 · Aug 25, 2011

Purchasing a van is down the road, assuming the numbers work out. Part of why I'm looking for a driver position first. I expect to make someone else money while I'm learning.

mcavoy33 · Aug 25, 2011

There is a free classified section above with ads from fleet owners looking for drivers. That is your best bet.

Falligator · Aug 25, 2011

Always make sure the owner has a contract up front waiting for you to sign and read it carefully. I've found that driving a Sprinter is easier on fuel and thus makes it easier to save money vs a cargo van which gets 15.5-17 mpg depending on what you drive compared to a Sprinter getting 22-26 mpg. As far as Deadheading goes....not one of my best strong suits.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

Turtle · Aug 25, 2011

Falligator said:
As far as Deadheading goes....not one of my best strong suits.

Don't be so modest. You are the Gold Standard when it comes to deadheading.

Dakota · Aug 25, 2011

If you can, I would start out in a sprinter...not alot of money to be made in a cargo van if you are driving for someone

chefdennis · Aug 25, 2011

LOL.. got me Moot..i went back and re-read the OP and didn't see a thing about the gun...then a quick glance to the left took care of that!!

Cute!!!

Paladin921 · Aug 25, 2011

After expediting in a pickup and having a 97 E350 diesel cargo for contracting I can imagine the difference in room / ride in a Sprinter.

Don't see many posts about diesel CV. ???

Can anyone recommend a good company or perhaps more important.....bad ones?

Don't see many adds for drivers in the EO classifieds but lots for O/O. Thinking I should place an add for "Sprinter Driver Position Wanted"??

This is a local add:

2007 Dodge Sprinter, Hi-Roof, 170" Wheel Base Extended Cargo Van, with New Michlin Tires, New Power Deck Pallet Mover System Installed. Equipped as follows: A/C, PW, PS, PB, ABS, Steering Wheel Controls, AM/FM/CD and more. Needs a dome light switch in the sliding door. Fresh oil change on Engine, Transmission, Rear End. New Belt Tensioner and Belts, Fan Clutch. Nice Cargo Van with only 154,000 miles at this time. We are still using it, so mileage will change as time goes on. Runs and drives great. Set up for Expediting freight, up to 4 pallets when put in 48" wide by 40" Long (168" total length). Comes with 8 Cargo Straps, E-Track installed in the floor. Asking 22000.00, OBO

Good deal?? What should I watch for as I know knowing about them...except they're supposed to get good MPG. Thought I read a post about the 2003 to 2006 getting better MPG.

xiggi · Aug 25, 2011

Falligator said:
Always make sure the owner has a contract up front waiting for you to sign and read it carefully. I've found that driving a Sprinter is easier on fuel and thus makes it easier to save money vs a cargo van which gets 15.5-17 mpg depending on what you drive compared to a Sprinter getting 22-26 mpg. As far as Deadheading goes....not one of my best strong suits.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

A true average mpg in a sprinter is more like 19 - 22 over the long run. Regardless what they might say no one is averaging 26 in one.

Paladin921 · Aug 25, 2011

Thanks Xiggi,

Accurate information is critical.

mcavoy33 · Aug 25, 2011

Another option for you to explore is Expedited Services, there is a big thread about them moving 30 of their trucks from Express 1 to FedCC. Alot of the members who post here that have never worked for them think they don't pay enough but all of their company drivers seem to really respect the company.

Another option to explore.

mcavoy33 · Aug 25, 2011

As for the 2007 Sprinter, my only advice is to do a tonne of more research about that model year. My company has 2 of them and they say they've been nothing but headaches. I think it's partially their fault but that's another story. I don't hang around T/S so I don't talk to many other drivers but the one sprinter owner I talked to at a shipper had a 2007 and he had a bunch of problems including an early transmission change.

Again it could be a sample size issue or fluke but check into it.

In the 07 I get 17-20 mpg depending.

xiggi · Aug 25, 2011

mcavoy33 said:
Another option for you to explore is Expedited Services, there is a big thread about them moving 30 of their trucks from Express 1 to FedCC. Alot of the members who post here that have never worked for them think they don't pay enough but all of their company drivers seem to really respect the company.

Another option to explore.

I could be wrong but I think they only hire same household teams.

Moot · Aug 25, 2011

chefdennis said:
LOL.. got me Moot..i went back and re-read the OP and didn't see a thing about the gun...then a quick glance to the left took care of that!!

Cute!!!

Glad somebody got it! I just noticed the original poster is 44 years old, probably too young to get it.

Dakota · Aug 26, 2011

Moot said:
Glad somebody got it! I just noticed the original poster is 44 years old, probably too young to get it.

I still don't get it, I'm lost

Paladin921 · Aug 26, 2011

Mcavoy33: Thanks for the info. Did you mean "Expediter Services" in Memphis? T/S??

From the responses it appears Sprinters average about the same as a diesel CV. Considering the difference in vehicle cost the sprinters allows more cargo and a better ride / driver amenities?

Wondering why spend the extra for a sprinter when I can pickup a used CV:
2004 Ford E350 Diesel Van
170,000 miles
A/C, Cruise, Rear Shelving, Bulkhead, Ladder rack
Good Condition
$6,500

Dakota: I'm 44.......a Magnum.

I will leave the rest of the innuendos to the quick and witty. Which unfortunately includes my girlfriend.

Thanks to all for the posts so far. Any further information is much appreciated. Have some more research to do but would like to be on the road by October 1st. Wouldn't mind missing another Michigan winter!

mcavoy33 · Aug 26, 2011

Paladin921,

I don't know who I mean I don't know the company, I just read about them in that thread I talked about but I'm pretty sure they advertise here and are on the advertiser list wherever that is. Sorry I am on a phone so I can't search & link it for you.

As for the sprinter vs diesel c/v, it's entirely up to you. The capital cost of a diesel c/v will be significantly lower than the sprinter.

However if you are thinkinglong term, the trend in the industry is starting to lean more and more to sprinters because of the larger cargo area.

If I was going to buy a van, I probably wouldn't even bother with a diesel, a gas will have a lower cost and I don't think the mpg differences are significant but that's just my opinion. The engine replacementcost is considerably higher if you wanted to keep running the van long term.

It's preference though and largely dependent on what is currently for sale at a good price.

chefdennis · Aug 26, 2011

Dakota, while the OP is too young to not know the reference, I think you are old enough...i mean you have been here this long and never paid attention the "business card" on Moots post!?!? And you don't remember the TV Show, "The Adventures of Paladin", Have Gun Will Travel...

AOL Search

Oh, that is Richard Boone, he was the start....

As for the OP checking out ES Services, I might be mistaken, but i am pretty sure, they don't run sprinters or van, those 30 trucks they are moving are ST's......