Have you tried short term van rentals? its not a quick turn here in Tucson, maybe different in larger city's. here was my experience: Shortest term available was 3 months for 500 month plus some super cheap charge for tire wear in 32th of an inch. The tires were the deal beaker for me. we blew a tire in TX, so now what, do YOU want to buy a new tire for some one else van that your going to turn in, in like 30 days? extra 400 in that tire and two tires were pretty crappy also so we had to keep a close eye and caused extra stress. Now I financed a van. 14,000. 350 a month and I can invest all I want in it cause its mine. Notice the aluminum wheels, There is no aluminum wheels on a rental. this van is Owner Operator status because we are owner operators. also on Friday afternoon when a someone calls with 2.25 a mile van freight, I dont have to phone penske and ask if they have a van. again I dont use the van much. but when I do its worth it. Its not for every one. Renting did not work well for me.
plates and insurance are cheap on trailers and they don't depreciate much. Makes sense to me to own a few, especially if you get by the house a lot. Keep your options open, why not ? I own a stepdeck and have been pulling short term rent vans for the last few months. Took me awhile to learn the lanes and market spots, but I've been happy to not have to secure and tarp in some of this weather, that's for sure ! I suspect JB Hunt will be flooding the market with 2000-2001 Wabash air ride vans soon. It would definitely be my "second" trailer to my step, but I wouldn't mind having one around if I can get a deal on something roadworthy. I wouldn't mind having a 48' flat at some point as well, when steel is hoppin' I'd like to pull more of those 50 and 60' beams and 47k - 48k loads, can't do it with my step. I'll have to study up on income taxes a bit, but I also suspect if you buy and sell them right and use the correct depreciation there is some benefit there in having a few trailers to depreciate as well.
Buying a peice of equipment for the sole purpose of a tax deduction is not good business sense, you are spending .75 to save .25
I have owned a step, flat and van at once before. The van got (gets) used basically to help friends move or store stuff, so no real $$ advantage to me. Owning both a flat and step caused to much trouble; was always dragging one and wanting the other. Gone to just a step; chasing the market for direct freight HARD, sell PREMIUM service and havn't looked back.
Not too big on switching back and forth vans to flats vice versa.. ..but I know nothing about flatbed freight. An extra van trailer would be very useful for me though. I could pickup Friday loads that deliver on Monday yet have an open trailer for possible weekend runs.
that's probably why noone suggested buying it for the sole purpose of a tax deduction. I merely pointed out that in addition too several compelling reasons for owning both you could additionally see some tax benefits by having another depreciable item. reading y'know, it's good for you, try it.
Don't get yer panties in a bunch, I was merely making a statement. One that needs to be made and made often, there are far to many people in this business or any other for that matter that spend money like crazy to have another tax deduction, and all they end up doing is screwing themselves.
