Straight Trucks or Vans Drivers

F rikken
O ld
R ebuilt
D odge

 

I converted an AMC Pacer into a Straight Truck

 

I remember. It was a sweet ride. Hauled a lot of freight too!

 

After reading some of these posts, dating back to 2009. I've been expediting since it started in the late 70's early 80's. Was doing it in high school in a chevy citation running construction machine parts to airport for my Dad's company. saved up enough money and bought my first cargo van in 1985 while in college....a 1980 Dodge Ram Van for $825.00
So in answer to some of the questions here;
1. In any vehicle under 10,000lbs, you do not have to log, or typically stop at scales, except for certain states that require ALL commercial vehicles to scale, then you must!
2. You are not regulated to the amount of driving hours (HOS) as are the big rigs. Now if Panther has a 16hr rule, it's their own company policy, but it's not a mandatory law.
3. IMHO if you run a cargo van or sprinter with signs on your vehicle, I would then consider it a commercial vehicle....I say that because I run a cargo van and usually don't use signs (I use magnetic ones if I have to) so the DOT doesn't know what I'm doing on the road and will leave me alone..I also work with carriers that don't require qualcomm either!

 

I have been driving a straight truck for 2 years and I have made decent money. 41k first year, 56k last year. I drive for a fleet owner on a 60/40 split. I get 60 he gets 40, I get fsc all wait time ect.
As far as taxes go, I file quarterly and at the end of the year have gotten refunds from IRS both years. SAVE ALL RECEIPTS.
So you can make good money driving straight truck and do it as a solo

 

I too am looking to get into expediting, and was wondering if your carrier is Panther and are you running team or solo?

 

I am wanting to get started in trucking with a straight truck, sprinter or similar. I was wondering if anyone has any tips or info that would be of help for a new guy.

 

No I drive for Express-1 Expedited

 

Call panther,cargo and straight truck you don't need experience.For cargo van you don't need cdl I believe but I may be wrong on that.

 

Panther requires a CDL to driver a cargo van