| Subj: (no subject)
Date:12/17/99 11:39:45 AM Eastern Standard Time
To:whitetigertruck@expresstrucking.com
My wife and i have started driving 2 years ago we started our career leasing a semi driving with 53 and 48'
trailers over 48 states and Canada we love driving and the money we
make, we do an average of 5000- 6000 miles a week bring home not including taxes and food expenses is around $1500-2000 a week we've been following expedite services for the past 6 months we don't mind the long days and short nights and we don't mind the long stretches a way from home we have a habit of going for what we want and only compromising if we have to. the few people I've talked with had good things to say about this business but most haven't been in it long enough to give me the insight that i need I've read the bio on the truck now I've been spoiled by big truck, big engine, etc. , but financially we cant afford that big of a jump we figure basically a truck like yours an FL70 70-86" sleeper with a 20' box, lift gate tucking under back of tail, generator, dollies floor rings, etc. 1) driving an FL70 truck for awhile now does it have enough power to get up over big mountains we prefer a truck that will at least do 70-75mph and not have to crawl over mountains slower then a JB Hunt truck 2) with a 20' box will this be a good size to get enough loads with out having to turn down a lot because of size 3) doing this if we get the right company can we realize the same size paychecks or better 4) is having doors open in back better then a roll up or the other way around or does it matter 5) what would be an estimated guess on A: how much loading/unloading do you do B: do the shippers /receiver do C: (if you have to) hire lumpers do they do 6) do you think doing expedite was a better choice then driving a big truck around and even though you decided to compromise on load size seeing how the industry has changed since you started do you think the expedite was the right choice and would you change anything with the truck design like less sleeper more box bigger truck any different accessories well i have a million questions, but ill be happy with what info you can give me thank-you and wish you both continued success and hope next year is better-Ed and Diane
Subj:Re: (no subject)
To: Ed and Diane
To answer all your questions
1) we drive an International 4900, but keep in mind FL70 or Int 4900 or Mack....ect. your power is highly dependent on the engine, hp, and gear ratio combined. Be aware most expedited carriers are real strict about speed and will not tolerate speeds over their safety standards which is usually a couple of miles below state maximums. Consistency is best when you're talking power and speed, there has to be a compromise. Your dealer can guide you for your specific truck because it's different for each truck depending on it's estimated unladen weight and overall specs. 2) That depends on what you want, you need to prioritize your criteria for specing the truck. From van to tractor-trailer there's plenty of opportunity to make money in this type of trucking. The golden rule is the bigger the box and the more special equipment = more opportunities for freight. Each individual draws their own line where they are satisfied with the potential of the unit they choose. I can tell you many people do well with a 20 ft box and that allows them to have a larger sleeper to make this job a little more comfortable and personable instead of relying on public facilities all the time. 3) Being an Emergency Freight Transporter gives you the opportunity to run less miles for that same amount of income, it also offers the opportunity to have time to enjoy your layover areas. The key is being with a company that keeps you moving with as little DH miles as possible. If you are careful you can achieve 20% or lower Dh percentage. The higher the percentage the closer you become to the way your running now and that will cut into your profits, the more miles the more equipment maintenance. 4) Each has its advantage. Big plus for roll up door is backing right up to dock then opening your door instead of having to do it before you pull in and with your door open sometimes dock personnel are in your box before you ever get a chance to get back there. 5) Expedited freight is 95% no touch, no need for lumpers. 6) As far as whether or not being an EFT(Emergency Freight Transporter) is a better choice than the Truckload or LTL portion of the industry, the answer is different for each individual. Do the demands of this industry seem acceptable or are you better suited with the type of hauling associated with Truckload and LTL. For us Emergency Freight fits our lifestyle, budget and experience. I Know personally I could not do what those in the Truckload and LTL Industry do and I give those dedicated drivers a lot of credit for what they do. We look up to them as our big brothers on the road, they have guided us through many difficult situations we've encountered on the road. Lastly, this industry is so unpredictable it may be good times right now for D units, will that change, it could. Every size unit has seen it's glory days. Knowing what the industry has done in the past and anticipating the future are important things to consider in specing your truck. Would we change anything with our truck, the answer is no. Our situation may be unique but our specs really fit our criteria. You can be successful in this industry whether you are driving a van, C unit, D unit or tractor trailer the key is smart business practices and recognizing everyone's criteria for success is different. Good luck to you and I hope this helps a little. Thanks for visiting Expresstrucking.com
Linda |
