specialized trucks

BigBusBob · Mar 2, 2005

Hello EO, What can one expect in "true" revenue from a rig with:

Reefer, lift gate, 3 axles (liftable or not), curbside door (optional), generator for sleeper... box would be 20 to 22 foot, with barn doors.

PII or FedEx? Please, talk to me, am very interested - later in 2005 I am thinking about becoming an O/O. I've read alot and have learned alot over the past year or so now.

Would it be possible for rig to have dual 100 gal. fuel tanks?
True revenue, gross and/or net figures... and I do know I'm talkin' about a rig that would run the better part of $140K brand new - I'd buy used no doubt.
Interested in all replies, Thanks.

Special K · Mar 2, 2005

Hi Bob, and welcome! Are you planning on driving solo or team? That will give responders a little more to go on.

BigBusBob · Mar 7, 2005

Solo or team, give both examples if you can... with and without a lift gate, with and without a curbside door, and with and without a 3rd axle.

Also, curious as to what the difference is that I'm seeing on the 3rd axles. some have duel wheels, some don't, why is that? and why do some choose the liftable axles over the standard "stay-on-the-ground" all the time axles. thanks.

Crazynuff · Mar 8, 2005

The answer to air lift axles is simple . The air axle isn't needed when empty , why put unnecessary wear on the tires and more drag to pull down fuel economy . The axle down also causes considerable drag and scrubbing and tears up pavement while making sharp turns . Before paying for a new liftgate check truck repair shops for good used gates . They only cost a fraction of new and there is very little chance of having any problems with them . For income questions , the FedEx Custom Critical recruiter will send you sheets showing the fleet's average income for all units - loaded and unloaded , average miles per week , team and solo , and more .

davekc · Mar 8, 2005

Read as many posts and search the archives for information. It is amazing how much information you can gather to make informed decisions.
Davekc

PalletJack · Mar 9, 2005

This is a good site and I thank you all. im seriously thinking of getting out of OTR and into a small strait truck Lots of good questions and answers are the things I need to help me also.

cliffn · Mar 11, 2005

We bought a used truck that has a reefer and liftgate. The liftgate has been very useful but with our company, Landstar, the reefer has been more trouble than it has been worth. We have had very few temperature controlled loads even though the recruiter said we would really be "in demand" with this unit. So, obviously, it will matter a lot what company you are leased with.

Don't get me wrong. I still like the company. But with Landstar Express, forget those D unit reefer loads.

rode2rouen · Mar 11, 2005

Liftable tag or pusher axles allow the truck to carry a higher payload when needed and to be stowed when not.

The additional load capacity will vary with the application. An axle with single wheels would have a lower rating than a dual wheel version.

Another benefit is that with the axle raised you will only pay a toll for a 2 axle vehicle on many turnpikes and bridges.

Rex

davekc · Mar 12, 2005

We bought a used truck that has a reefer and liftgate. The liftgate has been very useful but with our company, Landstar, the reefer has been more trouble than it has been worth. We have had very few temperature controlled loads even though the recruiter said we would really be "in demand" with this unit. So, obviously, it will matter a lot what company you are leased with

We were in the same boat and bought 5 reefer units. Yes we found out as well, what a waste of money. Good thing we didn't buy new trucks with these. We got plenty of loads with them but they never paid for themselves.
Davekc
owner
20 years

BigBusBob · Mar 15, 2005

cliffn, Landstar to my knowledge, and many others, does not have a "demand" for reefer units in their fleet. For the most part, most of us on this site know (or will soon know) that FedEx is king when it comes to reefer units and reefer loads. PII though, I'm told is screaming for reefer units... Temp. controlled is what they call them. I'm feeling out this specialized sector of the expediting industry... reefer equipped straight trucks, 3 versus 2 axles, and lift gates. Thos are factors are what seperates the straight trucks from the rest of "the fleet" in most co.'s. Keep the comments coming, very interesting. thank you to all.

Even if I won the lottery, I would not buy a new straight truck with all this on there. Right now I'm rollin' in the passenger bus biz, in primarily the SE US, and it's the busy season right now for me - however I'm still going to try to make the Ky Truck Show the end of March.

Later, Bob

davekc · Mar 15, 2005

Remember it is not whether the carrier needs them, it is whether you can make enough money to pay for the investment. Carrier rates have to compensate for this kind of investment, and currently, it is my opinion that they don't
I am currently seeing trucks equipped for this in the $135,000 to 145,000 range. I don't think there is a carrier out there at todays rates that could convince me that this is a good investment.
On used equipment, it would depend on your rate, equipment purchase price, whether you run as a team, and age of equipment.
Davekc
owner
20 years