Straights vs. Tractor and Pup

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Criminey Jade, Oct 10, 2014.

  1. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Comparing LTL freight (UPS Freight and FedEx Freight or FedEx Ground) and hay haulers with what OP asks is not a valid comparison. It's not even the same type of freight. OP is talking about something the definition of niche.
     
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  3. Knucklehead

    Knucklehead Road Train Member

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    Everyone here who is arguing against the pups are comparing them to 53'ers. When I first thought about this idea, it was with the intention of making this a better D unit, that picks up the occasional E. How is it so hard to wrap one's head around that? This isn't meant to compete with a 53, because it doesn't have the volume of space a 53 does. That's like denouncing the Edmonton Eskimos because a team like the Oakland Raiders can beat them. They're in different leagues.

    As far as the niche goes... that niche ranges from freight, in my scenario's case, from 25' to 36'. That's a wide range, when you consider how much freight is hauled. Rollincoal and others... how many expedite straight truck loads have you taken? It wasn't often, but I've had cases where the freight would not fit in a 24' truck, and they had to bring in a t/t, or another straight or van, to split the load. This fixes that problem, in individual scenarios. In a 36'er, one can take almost two straight truck loads. Figuring out the particulars of what loads will fit would come with time.

    Alas, most company leaders would view this in terms of big trailers. Why not just get a 53' trailer? You're asking me about the Detroit Tigers chances of winning the Stanley Cup. They're both trailers, but they're different animals, as far as I'm concerned.
     
  4. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    "You're asking me about the Detroit Tigers chances of winning the Stanley Cup."

    Didn't they a few years back??
     
  5. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Seems like a waste of a tractor trailer. Who wants to sit around for days like expediters in the smaller units do? The big advantage of TT is the flexibility to haul normal truckloads.
     
  6. Knucklehead

    Knucklehead Road Train Member

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    The big advantage of a pup is that I don't have to drive an elephant... just a rhinoceros. If'n I wanted to do what everyone else is doing, then I'd fix me up a nice little box to keep my thoughts in. I never claimed having the desire to be a "real trucker." In fact, you should be one who isn't opposed to thinking outside the box, as you've stated time and again that you do that everyday.

    BTW... I talked to Bill about it too, some time ago. He's not crazy about the idea either.
     
  7. QUAD 40

    QUAD 40 Bobtail Member

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    tenneseahawk:
    I am in agreement with you. I've had the idea of a "super D" unit for some time. You could have a long wb tractor w/a large sleeper, a 28'6" to 36' pup trailer and no length restrictions.
    straights are generally restricted to 40' oal. The difference in allowable weight and cargo capacity would be substancial. This is strictly a comparison between D class expediters. Not a challenge to 53' tractor trailers.

    I'm with you on this idea tenneseahawk, and understand the concept.
     
    Tennesseahawk Thanks this.
  8. Knucklehead

    Knucklehead Road Train Member

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    That's the problem tho, with getting backing... everyone sees tractor, immediately thinks 53' trailer. There was a time when trailers were shorter. They weren't always so long. I don't understand what the problem is. I want a longer D, not a shorter E. Quit seeing it as a liability, and see it as an asset.

    BTW, coal... this IS an expediters forum, so sitting around like expediters is expected. :mmeek::mlaugh:
     
  9. QUAD 40

    QUAD 40 Bobtail Member

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    the thing that surprises me is the resistance to this concept by the dedicated expediting companies.
     
  10. Knucklehead

    Knucklehead Road Train Member

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    It's mostly the insurance aspect. Why pay 53' insurance on 36' of trailer? But many of the same naysayers wouldn't value a 30' box on an Argosy, because their dispatchers aren't trained to look outside the box... ie 14 skids or making a loadbar floor, etc. Most of these companies, I wouldn't even have a liftgate, as they wouldn't know what to do with them. Well... I wouldn't be with them anyways, if I had a liftgate, as I like being able to bring in an extra bill and a half everytime I use them.

    I'm convinced I'll have to do a Landstar type deal to find my own loads, if I ever go that way.
     
  11. QUAD 40

    QUAD 40 Bobtail Member

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    And the fact that they own 53's that they can position for drop&hook.
     
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