Shortie FedEx sleeper truck

Expediters run all size rigs from B units (cargo vans that aren't over 10,000 lbs. GVWR so drivers don't have to log ) to E units which are tractor trailer .
The majority are the straight trucks with the big sleepers and most are husband and wife teams . The pay is good but not enough to support 2 households .
The major expedite carriers use all O/O trucks although many trucks are owned by fleet owners contracting solos or teams to drive them . There are only a couple of expedite contractors using pups and they have single axle tractors . The class 8 FedEx tractors you see pulling pups are FedEx Ground which was formerly RPS before FedEx bought it from Roadway . FedEx Ground trucks are also all O/O with many owned by fleet owners .
The rates aren't all that great . While the mileage rate is higher you get less miles than OTR because loads are irregular . Cargo vans received rate cuts and are luck to get $.80 a mile . Straight trucks have grossed $150,000 a year or more but it's predicted earnings will be less in 2009 .

 

Great post, I just wanted to say, that the expedite companies primary customers USED to be the automakers, but that has dropped considerably. I read an article a few weeks back though that some carriers are working hard to get pharmaceutical (those pay well ) loads to get the CPM average back up there.

 

I figured those links would be removed . Here's a`pic of a typical expedite straight truck . Sterling was pretty popular but Daimler will soon stop production of Sterlings . Many Mack dealers sell Hinos and you will see many Hino expedite trucks on the lot . They are less expensive than other brands but you get what you pay for . The ride isn't as comfortable , they have less power , and are not really geared to be used OTR . This is a C unit . Heavier D units may be on a `stretched tractor chassis with tandem drive axles or have an air tag axle . Some experienced , succesful O/O's have ordered new Class 8 chassis with longer wheel bases built to their specs .

 

I was kicking this idea around a few weeks ago: Would it benefit an expediter to run a tandem (2 axle, 1 steer, 1 drive) tractor setup with a 28' or 32' pup with a liftgate? (an additional addon might be a reefer unit aswell) The extra footage might increase load possibilities, but scaling the load legally (possibly) becomes an issue. The next question is; is it feasible to install a tag (air lift) axle on the tractor, and/or the trailer?

 

There are a couple of expediters out there using a single axle with pups and I've often wondered why there aren't more . They are a lot easier to maneuver than long straight trucks . Why do you think weight would be a problem ? The load would be less than carried by LTL carrier pups . Expedite carriers classify a pup trailer the same as a straight truck with tandem axles or a tag axle .

 

Yea i see them here an there myself. I wouldnt mind running one of them trucks myself.

 

your probably right RickG, I was just thinking that a 2 axle tractor and a single axle trailer have more axles to spread the weight than a traditional 2 axle straight job. Plus you have an additional 10 or so feet of extra space over a straight. Plus, with the extra length I'd assume picking up a few LTL's would make that deadhead home much easier aswell.

 

"Home" varies for expediters . When most get unloaded they sit and wait for a load nearby . If they are in a poor freight area they may deadhead to a better area . Many stay out 3 weeks then take a week off . They may head to a home base or take a week off in a part of the country they enjoy visiting . Some only go "home" once or twice a year . Since many expedite teams are husband/wife with grown children , paid off mortgage , and possibly have their income supplemented by military retirement or other pension , this lifestyle suits them well .

 

Yes, my friend drives one and they are moble homes with a big closet! There is a bit of down time but when he's running he's RUNNING! The truck is not governed and he makes really good money.

 

The truck he drives is just under 26,000 lbs so he doesn't have to fill out a log and gets great mpg compared to heavier trucks. His truck is modified to carry heavier loas than a simular truck would. Things like suspention, larger tanks, etc.