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Subj:Does this make sense ????
Date: 2/9/00 7:20:53 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: DAVID
To: whitetigertruck@expresstrucking.com
Hi ! I am an owner-operator with a
1996 Peterbilt tandem tractor with sleeper. I am considering installing a van body on it to convert it to an expedited unit. Without stretching the frame, all I could fit on it would be a 14 foot body. Is it realistic to have a 14 foot "c" unit with tandem rear axles? If so, which express companies would be more likely to need a truck of this type? I intend to run single, and only want to stay out a few days at a time. Also, would a lift gate make this a more reasonable unit? Thanks for your time. I have enjoyed reading about you and your truck in Overdrive magazine, and I feel you two are the best source for the advice I need. With fondest regards, David
Subj: Re: Does this make sense ????
Date: 2/11/00
To: David
Hello David,
We are honored to have earned your confidence in
seeking our insight on questions you have about this industry. There are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about converting a unit into one suitable for this expedite application. Most of the express companies look for trucks that are less than 5 years old when signing on. In your case your tractor is already 4 years old. It is important with hauling emergency freight that the vehicle be reliable which is why the companies are strict about the age of the truck. Since you have a class 8 tractor there may be exceptions where they would still sign your truck on but make sure you ask how long they will let you run it before requiring you to get a newer truck. Now as far as the box size, C units are 12, 14,16 or 18 ft. The bigger the box the more opportunities you will have. At 14 ft you are really not gaining much because typical skids being 4ft you still can only fit 3 rows but if you could go to the 16 ft you now gain an extra row. So the 14ft box is in between but if there's not much difference in price it's good to go as big as you can. Also having a tandem axle means your GVW is more than the 26,000 which subjects you to a higher operating expense than a typical C unit (fuel taxes, mpg, higher tolls, license and usually maintenance is more than the class 6 or 7 trucks). You have to decide if the pay to a C truck is going to be enough to operate a tractor and still have adequate profit, and in having a heavy duty C unit you really cant afford to haul a lot of van loads at van rate. The way C units are utilized is different for each company you lease to. Since your truck could handle heavy loads more so than large capacity loads you would need to find a company that does and could utilize a C unit that is capable of hauling more than the 5,000 lb. and pays the higher rate when you do haul the heavy loads. It is best to ask each company directly how they load their C units. A liftgate is a good asset to have but when budgeting the priority lies in box size and weight capacity.The best advice I can give you is if there is a substantial investment involved in adding the box to your 1996 tractor considering all the things I've mentioned it may be a better decision to apply that money towards a new unit and in doing that since you are running single consider a D unit to help increase your load opportunities. Teams do ok in a C because they can get the miles to make the revenue. I hope this helps. Good luck to you what ever you decide.
Sincerely,
Linda@expresstrucking.com | |
