tractor- box truck conversion

That is ok sir,
Sometimes when you type fast, and are not an expert at it, it is easy to mistype and spell a word wrong. Sometime it can create a new word such as, "with lwss than 250,000 mi on it. You are welcome.

 

While laughing at my mistake, and your mistake correcting my mistake, I realized something.Collage is a word(just the wrong one) and a web search shows "lwss" to be , "Lake Wobegon Scientific Society".
Now you have to admit that is funny.

 

The way to go in expedite is a fleet of smaller trucks. even gas powered boxes. There's no need for CDL drivers so pay roll is cheaper and they do not have to stop for dot or keep logs. The suspention can be adjusted to handle heavier loads, they aren't governed and with bigger tanks they can go forever and haul a variety of freight. I used to drive one with a liftgate and large doors on both sides. It could be loaded from the rear or side depending on the load or the order it had to be unloaded.

 

I'm finishing college (University of Phoenix, Business/ Finance) in Oct. and thinking about starting a fleet of trucks myself. I'll probibly lease them to another company though. That way I can take advantage of their pre-existing business. Unemployment will be high so finding drivers will be easy and the market will be on the rise near the end of 09.

 

Mr. bossman,
I noticed that you list living in Fl. and show 0 to 1 year experience. I have some information you may find invaluable.
------Please note------ that a downturn in the economy affects us all but some forms of freight are far more affected than others. The expedited industry relies on the automotive sector for a large portion of freight. Have you been watching the news lately?
If you would not mind: 1)-What is your trucking experience. 2)- What type of trucks are you considering. 3)- New or used 4)- How many trucks are you considering as a "fleet". I consider a fleet as 10 or more. 5) what type of freight are you considering hauling. This is important considering where you live.
As for as unemployment is concerned, I don't find this to be as revelent to a driver with a good record and that can present him(or her)self. I can quit my job this morning and get another before the day is out.
A common mistake for companies is filling seats. A company that pays a good wage, and has a good company/driver relationship, does not have as high a turnover rate. A person leasing is limited on pay ability according to income.
Leasing to another company is an excellent idea for many reasons, especially for someone new to the industry. To operate under an Authority involves more than most imagine.
To operate under an Authority involves knowledge and implimentation of rules and regulations. Fines for failure to adhere to the rules and regulations can be substansive. Within a timeline any new Authority will be audited.
There are many advantages but also disadvantages to leasing. If you form a company with an authority(jump thru all the hoops) and buy trucks you have to 1) find drivers. 2)-have frieght. This involves either also brokering, finding a broker, or using load boards. 3) have a location or "yard", office and staff. Record keeping is phenominal and critical.
Someone has to be a safety and compliance officer and must know the rules. This is not an option.
Even if leasing(fleet) you will need a "yard", excellent record keeping, and an accountant.
Buying or leasing you have to decide to purchase new(big notes or capital outlay) with warranties or good used. You will need a shop or access to one you trust. 10 trucks could be 50 oil changes a year and $6500 to $7000 in expenses.
The actual downside is the fact that most companies charge up to 33%(each truck) for managing your trucks.
There will be monthly "fees" that you will incure if the truck is running or empty on each truck.
You must choose a company that pays enough for you to account for all variables, and of course still make money.
Working capital would be a major factor deciding in which way to choose.
Another factor would be the extent of your involvement.
This is just the tip of the proverbial iceburg but there is money to be made.

 

You need to do a little research . If you have a fleet of small trucks they have to generate enough revenue to pay a driver a worthwhile pay and return a reasonable investment to the owner . Cargo van expedite rates have dropped to $.70 - $.80 a mile . Cargo van drivers need a CDL and need to log and stop for some scales when transporting placarded hazmat .
If they are over 10,000 lbs. GVWR log books are required .
Who ever told you expedite payroll is less ? In the larger trucks expedite O/O's earn more than truckload OTR running around 25% less miles .
As far as being governed , even with the loads expedite dispatch figures ETA using a 55 m.p.h. average speed . Expediters obey all speed laws and many never exceed 65 m.p.h. to conserve fuel .

 

Sounds like something I could have majored in.

As it is, I have my PhD in MSH ... Make S(tuff) Happen.

 

Cool
I am a specialist in S.O.M.B
Sitting on my butt

 

If the rates have fallen that low it supplied the answer. Put you money elsewhere unless you just need a tax write-off.
It is not possible to operate in 2009 at post 1990ish rates. Would anyone argue with this?
Cargo vans: if the 10,000 lb GVWR rule does apply concerning logs then that is one thing. A person would have to look at the rules if interested. A commercial vehicle, in interstate transportation of freight, leased to a company with an operating authority, probably will be required to stop at scales. I have seen some commercial vans with prepass in them and that would be for a reason.
Also, stay away from hauling hazmat period, unless you are familiar with the laws, have a corporate structure for personal protection, more than enough insurance, and the compensation is worth it.
The average solo driver, hauling hazmat, is subject to breaking federal law several times a day. One fast example would be fueling. A driver fuels, then goes inside to pay for the fuel, that driver probably just broke the law, and certainly if nature calls at that point.
Remember, most laws and rules may not seem as important unless a person is caught breaking them. Fines concerning hazmat laws, can be substancial. Any accident involving a loss of life changes the "rules". If an accident involves hazmat it can be earth shattering. Hiring a driver, and requiring hazmat, shortens the pool.
The turn over rate for drivers is high. A truck sitting without a driver, cost money.
The profit, most be worth the risk.

 

And that explains student affairs how?