Start Expediting with Sprinter in WNY? Drive first or Buy Sprinter?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by mwarrior, Jun 26, 2012.

  1. mwarrior

    mwarrior Bobtail Member

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    Jul 30, 2007
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    I posted this on another forum too, thought I'd also ask here though.

    What would be more beneficial, driving a sprinter (how much per mile? Layovers?) or purchasing one and signing on with Fedex or something?

    Or the third option of course, purchase and get my own authorities?

    Location: Preferably WNY, Buffalo area. Cross border is not an issue for me, so I can enter/leave Canada as well if that pays more (of course fill up on US side first to save 20%+ on fuel).

    I've seen some say that they get $1/mile, some say upwards in the $1.30-1.50 range, and others on a percentage basis. Given the fuel economy of 17-21mpg (I think? Correct me if I'm wrong) vs the 3-8 for rigs or straight trucks, $1.30 for a sprinter may not be so bad...

    Of course miles and home time are also important, or the ability to pick loads (for example if there's 2 specific days I need off a week or something).

    Maintenance wise, if I do purchase one I'd prefer something not too old, but of course not brand new. I prefer to run synthetic in my vehicles with oil filter bypasses for better mileage/efficiency, and oil sample tests usually result in me being able to change the oil at 20,000+miles (so definitely some savings there).

    Anyways, any suggestions would be great.
    As an added note, if there are any suggestions as to which is better, being based out of Canada (Ontario) or Upstate NY, that would help too.
     
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  3. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Don't drive for somebody else . The revenue isn't there for both a driver and owner to make a reasonable income . Be advised there is a surplus of cargo vans in the industry so they sit a lot more than straight trucks . Rates vary but I'd say more loads would be under $1 a mile than over .
    Actually , with a vehicle under 10,000 lbs. GVWR you don't need authority . http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/faqs.aspx
     
  4. mwarrior

    mwarrior Bobtail Member

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    The not needing authority thing does help. Even under $1/mile, if there's enough running non-deadheading, then it's still doable at least over 0.85 I would think.
    I was hoping a sprinter rather than a cargo van, but either will do. I've seen some members on various boards say they're leased to "numerous companies". How does that work? Is that with cargo vans, sprinters, or straight trucks?
    Finally, should I purchase my own vehicle, what is better, lease to a company or hit the loadboards?
     
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