Those pick-up-truck-trying-to-be-semi things...

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Disgruntledriver, Jul 1, 2014.

  1. JChors

    JChors Medium Load Member

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    No luck needed. The law was recently changed to allow this.
     
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  3. warmshot

    warmshot Bobtail Member

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    That rules been changed iron and you can now book off "off duty" and use your back seat to "rest in" legally.
     
  4. Night_driver

    Night_driver Light Load Member

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    I don't quite get it why a used tractor is being compared to a brand new pickup?
     
  5. JChors

    JChors Medium Load Member

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    Well, for the price of a new 1-ton (class 3) diesel pickup truck ($50-$65k) you could buy a low mileage, well maintained class 8 two or three axle tractor, with heavy duty everything, and as such, a way more durable platform than a class 3 pickup, not to mention, less dollars (per mile average) to maintain. The resale value would be much higher too. All that, and you get a real sleeper.
     
  6. Tanhands

    Tanhands Light Load Member

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    Aug 1, 2014
    Gilbert, AZ
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    In Phx for $67K you can buy a used Prime Truck from Freightliner that has 550K to 650K miles. In a year of running you could start to have expensive repair expenses. You also have to register the truck for a higher weight to compensate for the heavier truck. You always have to buy fuel at the Truck Stops paying the higher per gallon rate. If I fail for some reason I have a 1 Ton truck in the driveway that is Paid Off instead of having a Class 8 with a $1500 a month payment. For most repairs and nickle and dime things it is cheaper to have the 1 ton. When I am empty I don't look like a Commercial vehicle and draw less scrutiny from DOT and Police. Hotels are way more comfortable than a sleeper anyways. And I was not making $1.70 a mile to the truck when I owned my own.
    Ideally yes the larger truck would be great but then you are called a Flatbedder instead of a Hot Shot. I saw a used 08 Dodge Dually with 220K for $8900 all set up with tanks and ball. A 7 year old Class 8 truck is worth about he same and you have to find someone who is willing to buy a truck that most companies won't lease on because of age.
    These are my reasons.
     
  7. Night_driver

    Night_driver Light Load Member

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    I get the price similarity, however it's like comparing a $20K new Civic with a used Explorer. 8 class costs twice as much and will probably last twice as long. I looked at used semi trucks on truckpaper and the ones for $50-60K have around 500-600kmi. I don't know if it's considered low mileage, but if I got one I probably would wanna sell it before 700-750kmi to avoid expensive repairs. When you get a brand new dually you should be able to drive it worry free for at least 100kmi. You might be right about the resale, however it might not be a huge difference. If you spend $60k on a used semi, how much is it worth in 2 years after you put 200k - $40k? Not to mention the money you lose on buying and selling. I have no idea what semi truck dealers' markup is. It seems like 95% for sale is by dealers. Also don't forget the lower % paid on 1-ton, which can be significant savings. How long tires will last on a 1-ton pulling 25,000lbs?
     
  8. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    And more braking.

    I got 9 mpg pulling my 2 car with my F350, I got 8 mpg pulling it with my Pete, now compare a 6.0 engine and a 14.6 liter and tell me which one was more efficient.
     
  9. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Dahlonega, GA
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    If you pay $67 K for a used Prime Truck, I've got some ocean front property in Iowa to sell you.
     
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  10. JChors

    JChors Medium Load Member

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    Are you saying that Prime truck has a lot of FNG stains on the driver's seat? LOL!
     
  11. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    Show Me State
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    Guys in a pickup-car ( that's what I call them) who think they're truck drivers gave a lot to learn. It would take 4 or 5 of them to do the job of one of us. Many of them probably can't even pass muster on a CDL exam anyway.
     
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