'Lighter' weight rig?

I don't understand this type of passive-aggressive behavior. I got rid of my Volvo 770 and bought a KW t800 because of a lot of reasons, but weight was a big reason. I lost about 2300 lbs in the process. The point wasn't to load cheap heavy loads, but rather to have the room on the trailer to add LTL. So far it has worked quite nice. I've been able to add well paying LTL that pushes me over $4 a mile, sometimes close to $5. All without adding substantial miles or time. Doesn't always work out well, but I enjoy doing it.

Am I comparing it to heavy haul? Nah, I probably have more in common with a dry van carrier than a heavy haul outfit. We're two completely different operations. But the point is we can both make decent money.

 

MBE4000, C12, D12, M11 but that's going way back. Basically any 12 liter motor is going to save weight and very likely, fuel as well. And 12 liters is plenty for anything under 80,000#.

 

If the shoe doesn't fit, why are you trying to wear it?

 

Why are you trolling? The op asked a serious question and you're just on here talking nonsense and not staying on subject. There isn't one response to this question that has advocated hauling cheap or heavy yet you seem stuck on equating lightweight and versatile equipment with doing just that.
You are grossly mistaken.

 

I didn't make a reference to OP, just stating what's usually the case. Seems as if you are worried about a possible attack on Freightliners, eh Bobby?

 

If you weren't making a reference to the op, why were you even commenting on this thread?

As for being worried about attacking Freightliners or defending them or any other brand of truck; well if that's what a person needs to do to feel good about themselves, sorry I can't help them.

 

the very same reason you are chatting with me, Bobby. Guess that word 'beancounter' rubbed you the wrong way, eh?

 

I'm lost?

Are you suggesting I can only make money with LTL? That's far from the truth. It's about getting an advantage over my competition. I'm the lightest in the fleet, and there are benefits to that. I'm also top 3 for fuel mileage. The most profitable business is the one with the largest space in between cost and revenue, and I'm constantly working on improving both.

Also nothing was forced, the Volvo needed to be retired anyways. I bought a truck that fits my needs better, more storage for gear, and much lighter. And guess what? It also has more potential to pull RGNs and other trailers like that. I wouldn't dream of doing that with the Volvo, where would I put all my gear?

 

I can put 50K on the deck of my curtain van. That's with a composite trailer & half tanks of fuel, tire chains & all tie down gear on board. I see no virtue in owning a heavy truck. The cost of hauling that extra couple of thousand pounds around with you (loaded and empty) will add up over the course of a couple of million miles.

I know lumber mills that will reduce their rate if you can't haul 50K. I also know people with trucks a lot lighter than mine. IMHO 30K is about the heaviest tare weight I'm willing to live with.

 

I do great with a heavy truck. Payload of only 42500.
And I wouldn't give up the shower, full kitchen with double sink,oven and microwave and 5'lighted fridge.
I wouldn't give up this comfort for more money, though I don't think there is more money in hauling heavier.
Just great comfort in having a full shower in the truck after doing a dirty tarp job.