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  • F.A.Q: Becoming an Owner/Operator - What size truck?
    • 1. How can I find out what is daily expenses in driving single straight truck? - Top
      The daily expenses question is subject to
      many variables, so it's difficult to give
      a standard answer. If broken down on a
      daily basis, the expenses would include
      truck payment, fuel, tolls, satellite
      equipment, insurance, pager or cell
      phone cost, repairs, etc.

      For more exact expense info, one avenue
      would be to question some expediting
      company recruiters, they would possibly
      have a general idea of those expenses.
      Or they might put you in touch with some
      expediters in your area who could give you
      some insight.

      The straight trucks are usually identified
      as a "C" unit or a "D" unit. The "D" sized
      unit, with typically a GVW of 33,000# or
      more, will usually have higher expenses
      than the smaller "C" unit.


      - Updated: May 12, 2005
    • 2. Define the class types for "C" and "D" Straight Trucks. - Top
      With no industry standard for defining truck size by "letter" size, we can use the truck size classification accepted by most companies. A "C" size truck will normally use a 12-16 foot box with a cargo capacity that tops out around 5000 lbs. The "D" size unit will have a box of 18-26 foot dimensions with a cargo capacity of 13,000 pounds or more. - Updated: February 28, 2001
    • 3. What kind of physical examination is required for cargo vans? Are they different than for larger trucks? I have a CDL A with hazmat endorsement - Top
      Your CDL is sufficient for operating a cargo van.

      The DOT physicals are the same for all truck sizes and CDL classes. - Updated: February 28, 2001
    • 4. Should I Buy a New or Used Truck? - Top
      Again, the choice of company has to be figured in to your decision making process. Some expediting companies have a service time limit of 5 years on a truck, some extend it to 9 years and some companies have no time limits on a unit at all: As long as it's reliable and decent in appearance, it's acceptable.

      The advantages of a new truck are:
      No mileage.(of course)
      The Warranty.
      The freedom to "spec" out the truck to your liking.
      The dealer can install any expediting specific equipment for you.
      Expediting companies are more likely to welcome a brand new unit.

      Disadvantages:
      The purchase price(of course)
      The issue of truck value and actual resale/trade-in value. In expediting, it's quite possible to still have payments left on a 4 year old van with 400k miles, for example.

      The advantages of a used truck are:

      Lower purchase price
      If it's a used expediter truck, it will probably have the necessary cargo securement equipment installed, satellite mount with holes drilled,etc.

      Disadvantages:
      Some companies may not accept a truck if it's too old.
      Reliability questions.
      You might have to do without some options that you would have ordered on a new truck.

      - Updated: January 22, 2001
      - Updated: January 6, 2005
    • 5. What Size Truck Should I Buy? - Top
      Next to the choice of company, this is probably the most important decision in your expediting business. It's difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer. Ask yourself these questions:
      If you've been driving for an owner up to now, has your experience in that size unit been a profitable one?
      Could you afford the purchase price of that size truck?
      Are you comfortable in that size unit?
      If you've been driving an owner's van, do you want to upgrade in size to a straight truck?
      Will you be running single or team?

      Hopefully your experiences in an owner's truck will have given you some insight on your truck purchase.

      For the newbie considering buying a truck: First of all, the choice of company to lease with will have a bearing on what size unit you choose. If you've decided on purchasing a straight truck, most companies will have an opening for another unit of that size. If you're committed to running a van, companies frequently will have a waiting list in that size. Contact with the companies' recruiters is necessary to get a handle on what companies are adding to their fleets and what size trucks.

      - Updated: January 19, 2001 - Updated: February 28, 2001

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