New Truck

Big Redd · Jan 27, 2005

I have been driving for FedEx Custom Critical for 2 ½ years and just purchased a new truck to move into the White Glove division. I went to AlumiBunk in Detroit for a Freightliner M112 with a 450 Mercedes with a 10 speed Eaton with auto shift, lift gate and carrier reefer and a 96" sleeper laid out to my specifications. I took delivery of the truck on December 20 and have been running it for approximately one month now. At this point I wanted to let you know how happy I am with the truck. The unit is everything it was presented to be and more. The handling is fabulous, the power is excellent and the overall workmanship is far superior to many other units on the road today. I had the sleeper laid out exactly as I wanted it-I now have my table and chair! I can tell you I am certain we will spend many years together in service.

On another note, some had expressed concern about the Pro-Heat unit keeping the
96" sleeper warm enough. I can verify that with an outside temperature of 9 degrees, the sleeper temperature stayed at a comfortable 70 degrees all night. The Pro-Heat was set at low speed and never above the medium temperature setting. I would not give sleeper comfort a second thought.

I would also like to compliment my salesman Pavan Agarwa. At all times he was knowledgeable about his product and always extremely helpful. When ever I had a question Pavan would do what ever it took to get me an answer and did whatever he could to make the deal work for both of us. Everyone both in Detroit and at the fabrication end in Canada were great to deal with. I would gladly recommend
AlumiBunk to anyone I come in contact with who may be interested in making a truck purchase in the future.

Glen Rice · Jan 27, 2005

Thats great, a job you love and the truck of your dreams! Doesn't get much better than that. We hope you have years of trouble free service out of your truck.

ATeam · Jan 27, 2005

After 2.5 years with FedEx CC you bought a reefer truck. Some here at EO argue that reefers are not worth the investment. You obviously don't agree. You voted with your feet AND your wallet. I'd love to hear more about your reefer decision. What motivated you to go reefer?

By the way, contratulations on your new truck purchase! And thank you for sharing your joy. It's a nice day brightner.

Big Redd · Jan 28, 2005

Yes, some people did argue against the reefer. I am a single on the East Coast. I started looking at White Glove when I came over to FedEX (18 years OTR class 8, half that time in bulk plastics)but they wouldn't have me because I don't have a co-driver. Four months ago they came to me asking if I'd be interested in joining White Glove. They made the exception to the team rule because of my location. I can't do special commodities that require someone to stay with the product at all times, and I can't do more than 500 miles a day, but I don't think that limits me too much. I want the short hops that others turn down. I was told there is a lot of pharmaceutical work in the DC-NY corridor that requires reefers. I haven't seen that yet, but they have been keeping me busy. About half of my loads so far have been reefer loads and over 90% have been White Glove, as opposed to the 30% they promised me in recruiting. For me the reefer wasn't a free-standing decision, it was part of the larger committment to join White Glove (If I wanted to get into White Glove I needed a truck with a reefer and a lift gate. The custom condo sleeper was just a bonus for me). It's still too soon to tell how the finances will fall-it's January, which is slower, and I have to learn my way in a new system. It looks like the increased White Glove rates will pay for the increased truck payment for now. First payment is due Feb 1 and is already sitting in the bank. I hope to start making some more money in the spring.

davekc · Jan 28, 2005

Congratulations on your new truck.
It sounds very nice!
I am one of the naysayers when it comes to reefers ect. Your approach is different in that you are trying to run it in a small area. That is usually not typical for expediting. Also, your white glove rate is enough to cover the additional truck payment. As long as the expectation doesn't exceed that, you will be fine. Most expect to make much higher revenue and that is hard to accomplish.
Between a liftgate and reefer one would spend at least $40,000 to 50,000 in additional cost above the original truck price. My experience with 5 units with this set up came to an average of .39 cents per total mile. Within that cost, it covers additional interest, capital outlay, maintenance,fuel,additional insurance. If that is subtracted from the white glove rate, you are running for the same rate as other drivers. Only difference is all the headaches that come with it. Of course these cost will vary as to whether the truck is used or new. On used the maintenence will be higher, but the original cost will be cheaper. As mentioned, I wouldn't recommend this for someone new.
Just my opinion and experinces
Davekc
owner
20 years