Shortie FedEx sleeper truck

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by OpenEye, Apr 5, 2008.

  1. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    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 .
     
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  3. Badcable

    Badcable Medium Load Member

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    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 :D) loads to get the CPM average back up there.
     
  4. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    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 .
     

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  5. Badcable

    Badcable Medium Load Member

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    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?
     
  6. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    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 .
     
  7. Miles_Of_Truckin

    Miles_Of_Truckin Light Load Member

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    Yea i see them here an there myself. I wouldnt mind running one of them trucks myself.:biggrin_25525:
     
  8. Badcable

    Badcable Medium Load Member

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    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.
     
  9. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    "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 .
     
  10. bossman211

    bossman211 Light Load Member

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    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.
     
  11. bossman211

    bossman211 Light Load Member

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    lakeland fl.
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    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.
     
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