Considering the switch

Im unsure how much fuel the sprinter burns while idling but it really depends on how long I have to wait for the load. Like in Wisconsin this week I was there for 2.5 days. I spent most of my time at in the drivers lounge or in dennys but I just paid for my fuel. Filled up when I got there then when i left for my run and it was $23 for 2.5 days of idling. Like I said the owner is a nice guy other than the fuel, hes talking about getting a espar and a generator setup probably in December around Christmas. I just gotta deal with it I guess until then lol

 

its all good for the thread jack lol

1.) I don't know of a age limit for the van because Ive ran into people running 2004 and 2005 sprinters with 500-700k on em. But those vans were very well taken care of. A lot of people run ford and chevy cargo vans but it has to have 8ft of cargo space. I know that for O/O when I went to my 2.5 days orientation got a $1,000 sign on bonus in cargo vans but I dont know if thats still the case.

2.)24 hour dispatch you can contact them on qualcomm or via the phone. Sometimes they even have dispatchers you text chat with on their website tstate.com. Supposedly their very experienced but since this is my first driving job I honestly have no clue if their good bad or average. Mostly polite though but they are human and can get testy lol

3.)I personally have run a lot in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and the Carolina's. Ive not been any farther west than eastern arkansas up thru Missouri. I know the recruiter told most of their business is east of the rocky's. I have been to Georgia a few times and to Florida once. You can request no NYC if you like but in a cargo van I don't think its as big a deal as in a Tractor. Could be VERY wrong though as I havent been there yet, was supposed too but the shipper cancelled or postponed the load and I was redispatched to Detroit.

 

Also have had SEVERAL loads to the Nissan plant down in Canton Mississippi which is nearly impossible to get a load out of. Ive always been bonus'd out of their afterr about 12-18 hours. Another popular location for loads for me have been to the Volvo truck plant in Dublin Virginia. Done a few transfers out of Lexington KY and Knoxville TN between 2 solo drivers as they only let solo cargo van guys drive about 700 miles at a time.


Found this on the website, not sure if it helps but this is straight from the horses mouth about van requirements:


Proof of $100,000 non-trucking liability insurance. Tri-State is to be listed as an interested party. Your recruiter will have the details.

Escrow is as follows:
Cargo vans $500.00
Qualcomm $250.00
Trailers $500.00
All are payable through settlement deduction.


Workers Comp or Occupational Accident Insurance. The accident insurance must be approved before acceptance. Your recruiter will have details.

You must have a weight scale ticket 3 months old or less.

You must have the original vehicle registration.

Your original annual DOT inspection that includes the name and address where the inspection was performed.

Your truck must meet all specifications.

All vehicles must have DOT approved safety requirements
Triangles: Placard holders for vehicles with hazmat endorsement

Fire extinguisher that has a UL Rating of 10B, C or more with gauge.

Load securement devices:
Vans: 2 straps, 1 load lock
Trucks: Safety legs, 4 straps, 2 E track 4” load bars; Tractors: 4 ratchet straps, 4 E track 4” load bars
Plywood should be mounted on the floors of cargo vans.

Operators should be able to determine that the vehicle is safely loaded.

Operators should know how to block, brace and tie down cargo.


For owners that are going to be a qualified operator, all items on the operators checklist also needs to be completed.

Dimensions and other specificationsVans: minimum of 9’ cargo space and the ability to haul 3000 pounds.
Two rows of E track mounted in the plywood of the floor. The E track should not be higher than the plywood. Load lock bars are required for the E track.
Plywood is to cover the cargo area front to back and should be fastened to the floor

 

they do and to go out of your home state you have to have DOT number and MA number

 

My van and a lot of vans out there have full authorities just like straights and tractors a like

 

Tri State Expedited Services