mercer transportation

No, they didn't say. It's a 2016, so I assume it's the 2350 from what I just read trying to figure out what you were asking. I honestly don't know.

 

Just finished reading this entire thread, loads of excellent information, so many thanx to everyone who contributed. I've got one more year of saving my pennies before I will be reasonably well capitalized, then I'm gonna get me some blue Kool-aid.

I've never owned my own rig, been a company driver for four years now. I'm planning on buying used and I'm mechanically inclined, so maintenance and repairs won't be a major issue, but I do have a few questions for anyone who wants to answer.

1. What is the most reliable truck/engine combination? I've never driven anything older than '12, but I'll be looking for something 1997 to 2007.

2. Unless Mercer changes the 6mo. fb experience policy, I'll have to run van at first, although I do plan on going flat asap. How feasible would a $12k/mo gross be pulling a van on a 3wk out 1wk home schedule? I'm based in the Democratic People's Republc of Ill&annoyedistan about 40 miles west of Chiraq.

That's all I've got for now, thanx in advance and I will continue following the misadventures of the Kool-aid Krew.

P.S. Congrats @TruckerPete1990 on the new tricycle motor.

 

First, if you read the thread how can I yell at you for not reading the thread? Man you already ruined half my fun. LOL

But really, I'll try and answer but I have a few for you to ponder.

Why do you want a '97-'07? OK I know pre emmisions but if you pull a van that might hamper you some.

Why not go out and get FB experience now? That way when you are ready to pull the trigger you won't have to pull a van here for 6 months. Also your older truck won't hamper you like it would pulling van.

Just things to chew on, now to your questions.

With what you describe, I would go with a DD60 motor. And that sticks you with a freightliner basically. But you can find and maintain them cheap. Mid 2000s is a good year range. Before that (say '97-'03) everyone has a different opinion and they all are correct. Lol

Your location is great for a flat. Van rates are a bit of a wash due to the large amount of Chicago truck companies. But what you are trying to gross is doable. I think you might rethink your time off a bit. Not that 3/1 is bad. But with an old truck in that area you may think about 4-5/2-3 (days not weeks). It might allow you to meet your$$$ goal with more home time per month. Just food for thought. Good luck.

 

On the Mercer spread axle, are we only allowed 34,000 lb? Thanks!

 

40k in the US.

 

Cool!! Thanks CJ!

 

I am with cj if you still got a year I would check out Melton where I came from or another company good flat training, tarping experience, and you will get Familiar with different equipment so you can buy what works best for you / exp I personally don't like Mercer's tarps to heavy I perfer a 3 piece

 

well there was an issue with newer trucks Fuel pumps.. They would fail and take out the engine. So im wondering if that happen to yours but if you been in the shop within last 3 months they should of done the recall if it affected you

 

Wow! A fuel pump goes bad and takes out the engine? Dang, that sounds like a disaster.

What exactly happens to where it tears the engine up?

 

Question when i do my DOT Physical do i need to get a drug test too? Only reason asking is its like $30 more lol