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For expedited trucking you have many choices for the size vehicle you can use. Each size has advantages and disadvantages so the best size for you depends on your interest, financial situation and long term goals reflected in your business plan.
Here are the common options for today’s expediter:
B unit - Cargo van.
Some Advantages: no CDL required by regulatory agencies (unless hauling hazmat); By-pass scales (unless hauling hazmat); no HOS restrictions; Park anywhere; lower investment; less costly to operate; same speed limit as passenger vans; vehicle can be utilized for other purposes if you do not continue with expediting.
Some Disadvantages: significant limited load capacity; not dock high; not the most popular size unit carriers are seeking; uncomfortable living environment when waiting for loads.
C unit - Small straight truck
D unit - Large straight truck
Some Advantages: The D unit is the most popular size unit carriers are seeking; can be customized to haul specialized types of freight; less costly to operate than a class 8 truck or tractor trailer; easier to operate and find places to park than the tractor trailer; you can haul straight truck or van loads; you can haul LTL freight when expedite loads are not available; can be equipped with a comfortable size sleeper; higher pay rate than a van
Some Disadvantages: limited load capacity compared to tractor trailers; more costly to operate than a van; larger investment than a van; in most cases requires a CDL and is subject to HOS regulations.
E unit - Tractor Trailer
Some Advantages: you can also haul straight truck and van loads; you can haul multiple LTL shipments at one time to supplement your revenue when expedite freight is scarce; opportunities are growing rapidly for tractor trailers in expedited trucking; higher pay rate than other sizes.
Some Disadvantages: Tractor trailers are closely monitored by regulatory enforcement officials; higher investment to get started; more costly to operate and maintain; limited parking areas.
Once you have figured out what size vehicle you want, now you have to build it!
There are dealers that have trucks on their lot and ready to go for this type of application. That’s great for many individuals who need a truck in a short period of time or for those that are not interested in making their own specifications. More and more truck manufacturers are recognizing the increasing demand for medium duty applications and are including different size straight trucks designed for the expedited trucking segment with a cargo box and medium size sleeper already on the chassis.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A TRUCK MANUFACTURER?
Quality, Price, Durability and Reputation. Also, there may be features that are important to you that only certain manufacturers offer which may narrow your choices down. Warranty is also a big factor. Be sure to find out where they have service available throughout the United States.
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