Straight or Tractor New or Used

Warrior9 · Sep 26, 2013

Hi everyone!

I am new to expediting and after a couple months of research, I've decided to sign on with FedEx CC. I am a new fleet owner and looking to build a fleet. However, I am looking for a little guidance! I am in a pickle trying to figure out if I should start out with a straight truck or tractor used or new. After talking to multiple fleet owners everyone seems to tell me H/W teams are more willing to drive straight trucks. Is this true? Also they tell me it's a little bit easier to find teams for the straight trucks. I'm looking to join the white glove team at FedEx. Here is where I'm lost! Fleet owners are telling me to buy new trucks which I understand why because they will have less issues and run more rather then older trucks who need some TLC. So do I go with a truck 2009 or newer and get it used and spend 65k-85k or get a new truck and put a nice chunk down and have a hefty payment. I guess I don't know if I should buy a good used truck where I will see some money at the end of the month after I pay the payment or have a big down payment and have a higher note and not see that much money but my truck should be in service more often and run smooth. What's the best bet for someone like me trying to build a fleet? I would appreciate any advice I can get!

Thanks in advance!
Welson

pearlpro · Sep 26, 2013

First question you should ask yourself is, are you serious...I know that seems silly but why buy a used truck, if you have a FED EX WHITE GLOVE JOB, Your pay and the loads you get will be directly related to the TOOLS you bring to the job. NEW TRUCK+ SNAP ON TOOLS, USED TRUCK= JC PENNEY TOOLS,

Ive been in your shoes for a long time, Ive leased, rented, driven others trucks, Im about to make the next step and buy/build the truck I plan to live in and use for the next 8-10 years....

Used trucks are mostly going to be high mileage, need considerable maintenance, may be less dependable,USE MORE FUEL, and may not be CARB compliant, meaning you cant go to California, and FED EX doesnt like breakdowns, no shows, late loads....SO

If you have the job you say, and your committed to this lifestyle, your ready to go out and stay out 4-6 weeks, buy the new truck, leave the worry behind for you and FED EX, In that you have the latest vehicle and modern reliable equipment, your phone will ring more. Having Onboard Sat TV, FRIDGE, MICROWAVE,INVERTER, heated bunk, room to stand up, doesnt sound like much but the small sleeper trucks suck especially in the rainy or winter season, A condo style sleeper is the way to go, having room for storage, food, tools, cleaning and laundry.

Ive looked at well over 50 used expediters, most were hi mileage, beat down, ready to be retired, frankly trucks over 600,000 miles you can hardly get any warranty on, and a major breakdown can cost you 10,000 for an engine, 8,000 for a transmission, 1500.00 for a radiator, etc etc....and just if the batterys go bad, starter, oil cooler, turbo, your talking major money and your not going to get that back on trade in, etc...without reciepts and mileage ....you buy a used truck and spend money keeping it on the road.

I think Id buy if I had a good downpayment, youll still take money home, what are your expenses, on the road, at home, etc... shop around, there are lots of builders out there. The A team who is here on the forum has a SPEC sheet he used to build his truck, and others can help you SPEC the right equipment.

Warrior9 · Sep 27, 2013

Thanks Don! I appreciate the advice! However, I won't be driving I will be putting a husband and wife team in the truck. So after paying the team, fuel, maintenance, and a hefty note of a new truck will I still see a profit running for FedEx?

zorry · Sep 27, 2013

How good is the team ?

Warrior9 · Sep 28, 2013

I'm still trying to find a team. Once I figure out what direction I'm going to go with a truck (new or used) I will commit to a team.

ChanceMaster · Sep 28, 2013

A team will be much easier to find and RETAIN with a new truck that has the aforementioned amenities.

zorry · Sep 28, 2013

Do you have any trucking experience ?
A friend was once told "buy a new reefer and a new Peterbilt and you've got to make money."
He took money out of a business he knew, hired a driver that knew as little as he knew, and lost the equipment within a year.
Unless you have the knowledge to buy equipment and hire a good team, I don't think this is the investment for you
Good equipment + bad drivers=failure
Bad equipment + good drivers= failure

Years ago there was enough money in expediting to cover your mistakes during a learning curve.
I don't see the over abundance of money in the current environment.
Add in the regulatory changes we're seeing and things are only getting harder.
That said, if you are going to move on, Fedex is a great company.

layoutshooter · Sep 28, 2013

Any good, experienced drivers would be concerned about driving for an owner who has no experience in the business. Just jumping into White Glove, can you even get a truck in right now? How do you intend to advise a new team when you have no idea what you are doing yourself?

I am not trying to sound mean, BUT, look at it this way. My wife and I have 8 years in the business. I promise you I would have MANY problems of signing on with you. Not to say you are a bad person, dishonest, or anything like that. You just have no idea what you are getting into.