Looking to buy a 24' straight truck

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by jimmyparky, Nov 26, 2006.

  1. jimmyparky

    jimmyparky Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Nov 25, 2006
    0
    I'm currently driving a safari van for a local delivery company and making very little averaging $10/hour. I deliver many different items, mostly packages in a box and sometimes a skid of 500-700pound. I started this because I had lot of time during the day and my neighbor was doing this and I thought it be easy and it is. It is easy... don't get me wrong. Problem is that I don't haul many heavy stuff which pays more. So, I'm planning on purchasing used International 4700 24' from Ryder and hopefully I can take on some heavy out of state hauling which I hear can pay good money. Is there any straight truck drivers that does similar work that can give any advice? I'm just not sure if driving straight trucks do really make lot more money and how it compares to big rig. Oh, I don't have CDL. So going to big rig will be some commitment.

    Any advice will be appreciated.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. NIGHTCRAWLER

    NIGHTCRAWLER Bobtail Member

    9
    1
    Oct 15, 2006
    0
    I think that its a good idea to step up your game a little bit. I would also advise you to try and get a class b cdl to start with. You dont need to go to school for this. Just go to your dmv and get the manual then after you get your learner`s permit you can rent a truck and go take the skills test.

    There is a diffrence in straight trucks and that has to do with the weight. I would rather buy a 33klbs truck than a non cdl truck and be limmited to 26klbs. If both truck are single rear axle then the tolls will be the same.
    You will also be able to haul freight that might be too little for a semi and too much for van or a non cdl truck. Its is always better to be in both categories that be limited to just one.

    I would recomend Dynamex inc start with if you are going to get a staight truck. Good luck

    KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  4. Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle "Bregan D'Aerthe"

    208
    9
    Jan 15, 2006
    0
    I wouldn't buy an ex-Penske or AMI truck. Let's say the maintainence is, uhh, SPARSE (oil at 20-30K). Honestly, I'd rather have a U-Haul.

    Try to get a standard shift if you can drive it--a slushbox will suck down more fuel & eat lots of power. Get the DT466E if it's an International. If it has a rear power liftgate, expect that it's seen LOTS of time idling. Get the oil analysed (good idea in any case) before buying.

    Rear air-ride is OK--the ability to drop the bags can be handy when hand-loading. Personally, I admit to preferring regular springs.

    For a really cheap way to get a truck, what about a retired U-Haul Super Mover? The 26' Internationals are built like tanks, cheap (because U-Haul is phasing out all the standard shift trucks), no CDL needed (hydraulic brakes, GVWR <26K), get reasonable mileage (10-15MPG), & have a low floor & a ramp for easy hand-loading. Having hand-loaded one of these versus the standard-height F-650 I have now, it's night and day.
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

    45,826
    200,195
    Sep 19, 2005
    Baltimore, MD
    0
    Well, when pondering suspensions there is more to think about than your backside. With air your freight doesn't take as much of a beating as with springs, and air bags are replaced far more quickly when needed than springs.
     
  6. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

    45,826
    200,195
    Sep 19, 2005
    Baltimore, MD
    0
    Raising the lift axle doesn't always work. The PA Turnpike charges by your weight, not amount of axles.
     
  7. doggone

    doggone Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Dec 6, 2005
    0
    I live in Florida was thinking about buying a 26 foot straight truck. is there alot of business out there for a straight truck.have a cdl but never use it. the problem is don't want to buy it unless I know I can get some business.
     
  8. Slowpoke98908

    Slowpoke98908 Bobtail Member

    40
    7
    Jan 22, 2007
    Yakima, WA
    0
    You only make $10 a hour and use your van? Sound too low, if it was a company truck then ok. I would not use my vehicle for so little full time. So how much will you make with a 24 foot truck? Not sure what the right answer to the amount you need is but would guess about $20 a hour.
     
  9. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    Two more options are:
    1) An Expediting company: To run for one of them, your will probably need to have a straight truck with a small sleeper, and possibly dolly legs to support the rear end (when loading and unloading, some customers require 'em). the Money there will of course be paid by a percentage, so you may be able to make some good money

    2) FedEx ground: i used to run a parcel van for them, and I made some great money moving their packages. And yes, they have Straight trucks (and tractors too) and they are an O/O co. Now, you will work some loooooooonnnnnnnngggggg hours (most of the year 50-60 hours/wk, holidays 70-80 hrs/wk), and some terminals will really give you a big load of dung to put up with. Also, you will probably end up seeing mostly deliveries to malls (lots of runs back and forth from your truck to the stores). If you can put up with this, you will get to work M-F, your truck, your route and make some good dough ( I was putting around $700-850 in my bank acct every week, AFTER paying taxes, expenses and saving for maintanance). So it's something to consider.... Good luck!
     
  10. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

    10,311
    5,253
    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
    0
    I have never been an owner, but seems to me that the competeition would be tough. If he swings it on his own. He would be hit and miss with customers. The big players could out do him by being available any time they needed a pick up or delivery. With one truck he would be a little thin. Not saying he could not do it, but I would think he would run into a lot of obstacles. Not meant to deter you, just something to consider.
     
  11. jimmyparky

    jimmyparky Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Nov 25, 2006
    0
    Any advice on buying straight truck? Someone mentioned about getting manual, why? What should I look for in a truck? I looked at Ryder's International 4700 that's around 1999 with 180k. Are they pretty good choice? How about GMC? Are Ryder trucks good? I'm considering them thinking they should have maintained it well.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.