Was Custom Sleepers and Smaller Boxes The Way To G

[The Gibster]

A couple of years ago when we first started expediting we bumped into Glen and his wife and the big Volvo. Great folks, great truck. We had come from driving Prevost motor coaches and were used to all the amenities.

We secured a 96" sleeper unit and began talking to other custom and larger sleeper expeditors who all echoed that the majority of the freight we were all hauling was C freight, and therefore the direction everyone was going was to a larger sleeper and a 16' box.

Now looking back, was that or wouldthat of been a good choice? Would a 16', or 18' box really limited your loads and cost you lotsa money?

We went to a company that double loads and often loads right to the rear doors of our 22' box. But I believe if we said we have a 18' box they would find loads to fit.

So what say you experienced expeditors? Any wisdom, insight, any hard knocks along the way with the smaller box? And doesn't the nicer sleeper make that a mute point?

Theanks everyone,
The Gibster

 

[Glen Rice]

RE: Was Custom Sleepers and Smaller Boxes The Way

Good question. We support the big sleeper small freight box only when you are talking White Glove and Climate control. Revenue wise we averaged 15,000.00 a month, or 180,000.00 a year. Not the highest revenue but we sure were comfortable! We had a ball and even our worst day in our "C" unit was better than my best day of Tractor/Trailer running, and I had some pretty cool big trucks years ago. I quess it boils down to what are you happy doing. I like camping with my wife and if doing that in our little big truck made us money so much the better. We always felt like we were on vacation with a paycheck! Good luck in what ever you decide to go with.

 

[LDB]

RE: Was Custom Sleepers and Smaller Boxes The Way

I have only had one or two loads that used all 22' of box. Many of them use less than 10'. I've considered going to a 120" sleeper with toilet/shower and 20' cargo box. At least from my experience it isn't as often the length of the box as much as the weight capability. Regardless of sleeper/box lengths the next truck will be a class 8 platform with 4xx horsepower and at least 1250 torque mated to a 10 speed auto transmission. After the first few months it will go in for a second axle so it can scale 20,000 pounds or more of freight. That's unless the next one is an Aerocell, but in another straight truck that's how it will be set up.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[davekc]

RE: Was Custom Sleepers and Smaller Boxes The Way

If doing a "D" unit I don't believe I would drop below a 18 foot box. If with a smaller carrier, I think a 22' box is needed.
In todays market I would be careful with liftgate and reefer trucks because of the huge investment and minumal return. If going that path, I would go used.
We were at MATS and a basic class 8 reefer truck was $180,000. The current rates aren't there to recover that kind of investment.
In addition, you are locked into a handful of companies with many that won't even sign them on.
Davekc