I must say, this has proven to be the most informative and revealing about getting into this business and I have watched dozens in the last few days. I am tossing this idea around and it looks like it would be doable. Yes, the longest, highest truck is best, of course, as I would be spending nights out on the road. I want to be comfortable in my 'home', wherever it is parked. Many thanks.
Thank you Sir.Ive been pulling chemical tank for over 26 years and now they're wanna put cameras on my truck. I'm done.You really helped me to make my mind.
Carrying loads on sprinter van now is above 4,000 to 5,000lbs. If I get max carrying 5,000lbs capacity and hauling less then that while van weights 6,000 itself too. Would I have to stop at weight stations?
So glad i see this video am in the process starting up my cargo transportation business every little positive advice i can graft to now is appreciated... i have just subscribe bro
Expedited and most currior work is as an independent contractor. I did 4ys (425K miles) of expediting in a 1 ton Chevy gas cargo van but Sprinter changed everything. Most expediting companies won't take on a cargo van these days.
Are you saying a Sprinter cargo van would also be no good? Or a Ford Transit cargo van? I'm not sure if you mean a passenger van with seats removed would be better, or if you need a more heavy duty vehicle than a simple cargo van.
@@redcapote4760 sprinter style Vans are cargo Vans. What Allen was talking about is a standard van like e 350 Chevy Express low-top vans that are 48 inches high hope this helps and in most cases Allen is right I'm just saying if you find the right carrier get the right load boards you can make money with a low roof cargo van is it more at work to book loads yes are you going to lose out occasionally because you're too short yes but I made $1,000 a week plus driving a cargo van as a company driver it wasn't fun doing it it was Bare Bones and I had to drive about 3000 to 4000 miles a week to make that but I made it work
The ram pro masters are tight for taller people. Knees are always in the dash. Nissan nv2500’s are trash over all. They get stuck very easy especially in driveways with wet leaves for example. The awd ford transits or 2018 and older mercedes are the best.
EXACTLY about “NOT letting them run your credit” bc that HARD INQUIRY will stay on your credit for 2 years but will be effective for only 1 year but using your EIN from your business is better to use bc Hard Inquiries doesn’t impact a business credit rating as a serious issue
My best advice is to buy a low milage used van and save about 10k. This will help you move on when you hit 300k miles. I look for Commercial loaners from service department s. They are serviced by the dealer and well maintained because they want to sell it. Example my Metris cargo had 8,900 miles. The price was $22,900 at a Mercedes dealer. $31,000 for new.
Also the pricing on used is often no haggle and priced to move. Beware they will try to take you on a trade. The internet price on a used commercial is the lowest price.
@Dorsey Enforcer I have a friend that’s selling two extended Ford Transits. Low milage take over the lease from Bush leasing. Vans used for local FedEx Ground routes.
I am probably starting off low roof because a low roof 2019 Ford Transit is what I can afford right now, but I will hopefully work my way up to the high roof one day! Thanks for the video.
The DEF systems are trouble. I have listened to some Hotshot drivers with the Cummins diesels and they are saying the DEF has a freezing problem in sub zero weather.
In Uk ford have four of the top ten selling vans, Transit top seller with two more Transit derivatives and a Ranger. Mercedes Sprinter is 2nd. Sprinter looks better but I’d go Ford for reliability and cheaper repairs. As for size guys here go for what suits their freight. Some deliver boxes like depot local to me so small car derived vans are most economical and nimble,. Pallets then it’s like you say Sprinter, Jumbo Transit or even a 3.5 curtained box. And so many other sizes for so many jobs in between. It really is a good question.
even better go in with your own loan approval from your own bank etc.the dealer will run your credit tooo many times and drop your score alot of points to get you a crappy approval.
Mike is right. This used to be the case but at least in the US they did pass laws to help with this. So, there's two different kinds of hits, soft hits are when one isn't applying for a credit, for instance, running a credit check through a service like Credit Karma or through a monitoring bureau. And then there's hard hits, which are when you're applying for credit. Since the legislation, when a hard hit occurs, you can do a number of other hard hits without them impacting your credit without an arbitrary limit, for a period of 48 hours (federally, some states extend this, to 96 hours or more in some instances). It serves two functions 1. Helps keep dealerships more honest and 2. Allows consumers to cross shop within that period of time for loans or with other dealerships.
But I do agree that you should shop for your own loan. A lot of the times they'll offer a better rate, especially if you go through a credit union. And some dealerships don't offer lines through credit unions, and some only offer loans through expedited loan services which tend to offer a lower bar for approval as far as credit score is concerned, but with a substantially higher APR, in order to be able to sell to more customers. For that reason, get your own approval, but if the dealership thinks they can do better with their lines, might as well let them run it if it's within that 48 hours. When I bought one of my past cars, my credit union offered 2.4% and the credit union the dealer ran it through offered me 1.8%. So yeah, in that one case the dealership actually beat my own approval.
YEEESSSS... I slid over here faster than I slid back in the slow lane when I saw that State Trooper behind me in the express lane..😂😂😂 I've been waiting for this. Thank you again sir. It helps me get my thoughts together. 👍👍👍
@@EverythingApax I have a 2020 Chevy cab chassis with a single dual rear axle. 6 wheels and tires on my van with a 15 foot box on it. Although I have type one diabetes, I still pass the DOT medical every 2 years and a gas 6.0 liter engine and I get sometimes 19 mpg when there isn't a crosswind blowing and cruise on. I am also an amputee and I haul wheels for a wheel maker all over the place. I did a trip last week and had 4 wheels to take to Florida. I made a log book out. Didn't have to do it really but got pulled over by Dot on 75 south and he said that I followed everything right. I said thanks and went on my way. Anyway, I have a trip to North Platte Ne. and then to Phoenix, Az. With some wheels. About 300 pds worth. Going to a Ford dealer. Then take the damaged wheels back to the terminal in Iowa. I am 66 yrs of age and do this part time. I enjoy it. No hurry, no worries getting to my drops. Later. 0 liter
@@richardziemies8247 sounds like you've got a nice gig that fits your needs. There is all types of opportunities out there for all types of vans if you look for it. Be safe, driver.
You are the best and how you have paintaince amaze me I'm like your brother people is dump I've been in over the road trucking for over 30 years did hotshot and semis all my life but never did what you doing but I did I would choose a ford over any because ford been around for ever
Hello I would like to share a little I have learned about the promaster. I believe there are 3 sizes 139 inch and 159 inch wb and 159 extended. The 159 just at 12 ft floor The 159 extended around 13 ' 6" The extended are only available as a 3500. The 3500 is geared a little lower, so lower mileage. The promaster is based on a fiat. The promaster is made in Mexico The Ford transit is made in the USA I think the fords cost more. Alex seems to think they are more reliable. Hmm made in usa
I disagree with the smaller van for deliveries, I drive for Amazon and our loads are HEAVY. The Mercedes Sprinters with the shelves are best, they're best for organizing for order, helps move faster to get the job done. Space is a huge deal. Only thing is you have to keep your eye on the DEF.
@@GeraKosmos Diesel Exhaust Fluid. It's something that the EPA mandates for most diesel engines these days. Supposed to neutralize the sulfur and other byproducts of burning diesel or something like that. It's a bit controversial though, as some engines do have issues with their DEF systems, and with it being an extra thing, at the very least you have to keep an eye on the level and top it off, most of these vans it's about every third fill up of the fuel that you typically have to top the DEF off. Another thing is you don't want to over fill it if you don't have access to a pump that automatically shuts off too. (You can buy DEF at hardware and TSC stores if you can't find it at the pump in a particular area, but it comes in plastic jugs), but that's not much of an issue anymore, since semis require it now you can typically find a pump of DEF that has an automatic shutoff at most truckstop gas stations.
From what I've heard the best 2 days to making a deal and buying any vehicle is the last day the month and the last day of the year because the sales people are trying to make some type of quota.
I've made the decision to go expediting. DOT done, UCR done, Waiting on DOT PIN for MCA....getting insurance quotes and looking at vehicles. I've been looking at cargo vans - love the size... love the ford transit you got. Looking for something similar.
@@EverythingApax So far so good. Where I live (S. Florida) vans are really hard to come by. The large Ford's, Chevy's, etc... are beat to death and you can't get anything under a 2010 for less than 10K.... some other areas in the US are better for vans.... But so far its going well. TY. I'm currently looking at carriers to work under.
I've always wondered, how things ever got expideted. High top vans are only a recent innovation, but the old timers, worked for years in those low topped vans. So I'd say, why not do a video on the low roofed vehicles.
You went from a cargo van to a high roof. Exactly what i want to do because it only makes more sense, just like you said. Now, my question to you is, what is the fuel consumption now with the high roof compared to the cargo van you had before?? I’m getting about 22MPG highway on my current chevy express and I heard that these high roofs can get 12-14MPG. Is that accurate, do you remember what you were getting before?
Chevy Express I just thought I could haul two skids and have enough space to sleep don't bother me I've been in a curtain truck I've been in a cargo van been in a protostar that Chevy van I bought for a few thousand dollars I'll literally make my money back in a couple of months
The van I just bought man it's a Duramax diesel pre-def ain't nothing going to outlast that I'll run circles around your european-style vans all day long it'll last twice as long that van will literally rust away before it dies
If the plan is to do otr, I don't agree, but other than that, I agree. The individual's work ethic and ability will make any size van work for the time needed.
When getting started is there a limit on how old the van can be or how many miles to drive for most companies im trying to get started but not trying to spend a lot on a new van so hoping I can run a used Older model
I have heard by most experienced operators that most of the larger companies want the age to be less than 5 years! 5 years or newer! I hope this helps!
When I was in a cargo van the Freightliner Sprinter came out. I wrote an article calling it..."Super Van" (in Super Man logo) with the 5 cylinder diesel. Should have left it alone. It was the super expiditer van.
spoiler alert..DO NOT DO IT!!!! my life effectively ended 12-25-2018 in the PETRO W. MEMPHIS woke up with a stroke and a BRAIN ANEURYSM, ALMOST BLIND AND TYPE 2 WAS OFF THE SCALE and as a little kicker during my stay at BAPTIST (over looks interstate ,ironically) heart failure. before you even THINK about a van see if you can do the paper work and keep yourself heathy. AND I am not some kind of HATER/NAY SAYER I followed APEX 4 miles down the big road JUST TO SHAKE HIS HAND (SUPER DUDE AND YES I AM STILL A FAN BOY OF HIM AND HIS BROTHER) Now this is not to steal his thunder but they both drive same vans for same outfit TO ME THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES
@@martajajackson1836 LOL...THANKS YOU MADE MY DAY...WHEN I first looked at reply it looks like i hate you and the sentence break makes the thumbs up goes with i hate you but on second look you can see it correctly . I GUESS I GOT MYSELF. THANKS AGAIN I NEEDED THE LAUGH!
@@robertchandler5055 ROFL...noo....I can't hate you sir. We're all in this industry together. I thank God you're alive and breathing. PLEASE stay safe with all this Covid stuff.☹️☹️☹️
I'm very sorry to hear you have gone through so much. I worry about it for myself as well. You are correct that people should take care of themselves. I am with a great carrier and a part of succeeding out here is the carrier. I hope nobody ever feels i am recruiting or advertising for people to get into expediting because I'm not. It's a tough life for most. I am merely trying to help those who have decided to try it. Again, very sorry for what you've been through.
Your a smart man, thanks. What companies do expediting, traveled over the road for 40 years, am retired now but still like to travel, but how about heavy lifting, I'm lazy if l actually had to work for a living, l would have had to rob banks.
Mr Allen, An opinionated video? I would have never guessed. You are a legend. If people do not listen to you then they are the ones that made the mistake. Charge on and keep all the tires on the concrete.
I booked for ford tarnsit 350 for expedite but that's on gas Some people told me about diesel vans are good for long miles and engine What do you recommend?
Very well said! Been watching you for years! I went out for 5 months running for Panther as as a driver for a fleet owner 60/40 split. Came back home and still in blood so I'm buying a new Ford Transit 350 soon. Are you still with Barrett? or are you strictly on your own?, Thanks for another great video.
I know someone in our fleet who decide to buy a Nissan because he had lots of problems with his Sprinter diesel. I didn't get a chance to talk to him the last time I saw him because were in the middle of a large shipment from a chartered jet full championship clothing. I don't have his contact info. Anyone here anything about these vans. They aren't the longest, but if they are better built and more reliable than the Promaster or Ford I might be a customer. I'd be sacrificing length but I can live with that if they are more reliable.
@@abmtz8537 Transmission? review it, I drove my company NV 3500 V8 Houston TX to Salt Lake City UT 3 times or more. So the cargo length should be longer, It only held 2 pallets on the floor, so stacked pallets of the same maybe 4 can be hauled if the tranny holds up. Comfortable until the wind moves it, Hightops sway some. Stay on top of hard plastic parts on the engine, those parts age fast from the normal engine heat like the oil fill spout breaks or the air filter housing breaks.
What a great video. Please may I ask directly.... what type and model of van is best for out of state cargos. And which one is better on overhead. Thank you in advance.
I had Heavy Duty Straight trucks so as high as a dealership. Over the road you did not have much choice. They were quick and got you going faster. I did use a mom and pop place in Michigan if zi could make it. The money saved was often off set by downtime.
Speed Co for oil changes and fluids. Loved that company home of the 40 minute heavy-duty oil change. Roadside was the most expensive. Worth it to get my guys moving again.
I run an Animal Transportation company out of my car and rent a lot. Im working on trying to repair my credit and build my buissness credit. I may be upsidedown about $4-8K on my car depending on the trade in. Im scared shit trying to buy the most expensive vehicle I ever own.
Size? Really depends. You can get away with using personal vehicle. There is medical stuff. I'd look into local courier companies and see what is offered. Also look into the apps available such as goshare, frayt, etc
Hello Boss, I and my friend are looking to start the cargo van business, he called a dispatch today and she said Cargo vans get paid 70 to 90 cent per mile, is that not too cheap?
Hello. How do you think how important is the opening radius of doors 180 or 253. I can't find a complete set with doors 253 degrees. I think 180 is quite enough, but I wanted to consult, thanks
@@EverythingApax I surprised too. It has 3.5L PFDI and 253-DEGREE SWING-OUT. Or 3.5L ecoboost and 180-DEGREE SWING-OUT. So my choice is ecoboost. But the question with the doors torments me a little. I think that's enough. I talk about ford transit 350 extended base and high roof
Allan, you said, 'to many vans chasing to few deliveries'. Big D said the same. I'm fearful doing expediting until 2021 rolls around. Wait & see attitude. Which engine, the old 3.7L used till 2017 or 3.5L is the better engine in the Ford Transit? Do you ever for see rates at a steady $1.00 per mile again or will rates stay flat or fall? Did you find your overheating problem? How's Big D doing? Hope he does another video again, I miss his videos. Apparently your brother has given up on doing videos? Is he still expediting?
It's very difficult to be at $1 now. My 2 vans are averaging mid 90s. Nothing figured out with the running hot. At a guessing game point with it. Big D may do videos but he's out of expediting. He's driving a box truck hauling Amazon
No. Because you should have an agreed upon price before asking for a loan amount. If there is no dollar amount specified then they'll run it for too much which can cause the rate to rise.
Once Toyota decides to bring a sprinter van to the us market it’s game over for all these companies.
Exactly
Yep, I think the gov't and GM Ford work to keep them out.
Basically with any kind of work vehicle
Great comment.. I wonder what’s the hold up
Man, they have one in China that is crazy nice.
I must say, this has proven to be the most informative and revealing about getting into this business and I have watched dozens in the last few days. I am tossing this idea around and it looks like it would be doable. Yes, the longest, highest truck is best, of course, as I would be spending nights out on the road. I want to be comfortable in my 'home', wherever it is parked. Many thanks.
Very much appreciated. Have you done over the road before?
This man is serious about helping new people entering the business. I like honest and upfront people. Mike Miller in KY
Thank you, Mike!
Thank you Sir.Ive been pulling chemical tank for over 26 years and now they're wanna put cameras on my truck. I'm done.You really helped me to make my mind.
Thank you for the explanation between Transit 250 and 350, even google could not break it down like you did.
As a former FedEx Driver...always, always, get the biggest truck you can!
Carrying loads on sprinter van now is above 4,000 to 5,000lbs. If I get max carrying 5,000lbs capacity and hauling less then that while van weights 6,000 itself too. Would I have to stop at weight stations?
@@mahfah7911you can't put 5,000 on a sprinter van. Possibly on a box van but don't get one of those.
Just the information I needed. Appreciate all the knowledge you dropped on this video. Liked and subbed!
You're welcome. Appreciate that.
So glad i see this video am in the process starting up my cargo transportation business every little positive advice i can graft to now is appreciated... i have just subscribe bro
Any other questions please feel free to ask.
Good advice Allen nice of you to help other people your a good American .
Expedited and most currior work is as an independent contractor. I did 4ys (425K miles) of expediting in a 1 ton Chevy gas cargo van but Sprinter changed everything. Most expediting companies won't take on a cargo van these days.
Yes, it's difficult to get on somewhere decent with a cargo van.
Are you saying a Sprinter cargo van would also be no good? Or a Ford Transit cargo van? I'm not sure if you mean a passenger van with seats removed would be better, or if you need a more heavy duty vehicle than a simple cargo van.
Zipline Express will FedEx will and with my experience the smaller mom-and-pop carriers pay better they take care of their drivers
@@redcapote4760 sprinter style Vans are cargo Vans. What Allen was talking about is a standard van like e 350 Chevy Express low-top vans that are 48 inches high hope this helps and in most cases Allen is right I'm just saying if you find the right carrier get the right load boards you can make money with a low roof cargo van is it more at work to book loads yes are you going to lose out occasionally because you're too short yes but I made $1,000 a week plus driving a cargo van as a company driver it wasn't fun doing it it was Bare Bones and I had to drive about 3000 to 4000 miles a week to make that but I made it work
Good stuff, sir! Appreciate you taking the time to make these videos and share valuable information!
Glad you like them!
The ram pro masters are tight for taller people. Knees are always in the dash. Nissan nv2500’s are trash over all. They get stuck very easy especially in driveways with wet leaves for example. The awd ford transits or 2018 and older mercedes are the best.
I'm 6'3 I'm looking for comfort.
@@jamesweatherspoon2550 ford or Mercedes
I just subscribed you and you answered all my questions in one video, thank you!!!
@selamlehager5289 appreciate your support. I'm happy to help!
I'm so glad to have come across this video. You answered some of my biggest concerns. Please keep up the good work! I appreciate it.
Thank you
EXACTLY about “NOT letting them run your credit” bc that HARD INQUIRY will stay on your credit for 2 years but will be effective for only 1 year but using your EIN from your business is better to use bc Hard Inquiries doesn’t impact a business credit rating as a serious issue
Hey Allen which video show how to put the floor in the van thank I can't find it send you do it b4
Great 👍 info Apex, thanks for sharing your life experiences with van expedited. Be safe out there.
Appreciate it. Welcome
My best advice is to buy a low milage used van and save about 10k. This will help you move on when you hit 300k miles. I look for Commercial loaners from service department s. They are serviced by the dealer and well maintained because they want to sell it. Example my Metris cargo had 8,900 miles. The price was $22,900 at a Mercedes dealer. $31,000 for new.
I would advise everybody to take the time to find a low mileage used van still under warranty. 100%
Also the pricing on used is often no haggle and priced to move. Beware they will try to take you on a trade. The internet price on a used commercial is the lowest price.
@Dorsey Enforcer I have a friend that’s selling two extended Ford Transits. Low milage take over the lease from Bush leasing. Vans used for local FedEx Ground routes.
Today, you are better off buying a new one since used ones are still more expensive than new ones.
I appreciate you sir! This is exactly what I was looking for!
I am probably starting off low roof because a low roof 2019 Ford Transit is what I can afford right now, but I will hopefully work my way up to the high roof one day! Thanks for the video.
Did you start?
The DEF systems are trouble. I have listened to some Hotshot drivers with the Cummins diesels and they are saying the DEF has a freezing problem in sub zero weather.
In Uk ford have four of the top ten selling vans, Transit top seller with two more Transit derivatives and a Ranger. Mercedes Sprinter is 2nd. Sprinter looks better but I’d go Ford for reliability and cheaper repairs. As for size guys here go for what suits their freight. Some deliver boxes like depot local to me so small car derived vans are most economical and nimble,. Pallets then it’s like you say Sprinter, Jumbo Transit or even a 3.5 curtained box. And so many other sizes for so many jobs in between. It really is a good question.
That's interesting to know for real. Thank you
You make alot of sense ! Im glad I found you on here !
Thank you
Thanks for clearing that up, I didn't know expedited and Courier now I know
So many don't realize there is different avenues of earning in a van. Appreciate you
excellent video . I’ve learned so much from your channel before i got on the road myself
Thank you!
I seriously appreciate your advice I'm starting my business soon and trying to get the best van possible especially for legroom!
No problem. How's it going so far?
@@EverythingApax nothing I’m still pursuing but I gotta find a car company that willing to help and insurance! It’s been tough brother
even better go in with your own loan approval from your own bank etc.the dealer will run your credit tooo many times and drop your score alot of points to get you a crappy approval.
Exactly. That's the best way.
The dealer can run your credit an unlimited amount of times in, I think, a 48 hour window with no additional hits.
Mike is right. This used to be the case but at least in the US they did pass laws to help with this. So, there's two different kinds of hits, soft hits are when one isn't applying for a credit, for instance, running a credit check through a service like Credit Karma or through a monitoring bureau. And then there's hard hits, which are when you're applying for credit. Since the legislation, when a hard hit occurs, you can do a number of other hard hits without them impacting your credit without an arbitrary limit, for a period of 48 hours (federally, some states extend this, to 96 hours or more in some instances). It serves two functions 1. Helps keep dealerships more honest and 2. Allows consumers to cross shop within that period of time for loans or with other dealerships.
But I do agree that you should shop for your own loan. A lot of the times they'll offer a better rate, especially if you go through a credit union. And some dealerships don't offer lines through credit unions, and some only offer loans through expedited loan services which tend to offer a lower bar for approval as far as credit score is concerned, but with a substantially higher APR, in order to be able to sell to more customers. For that reason, get your own approval, but if the dealership thinks they can do better with their lines, might as well let them run it if it's within that 48 hours. When I bought one of my past cars, my credit union offered 2.4% and the credit union the dealer ran it through offered me 1.8%. So yeah, in that one case the dealership actually beat my own approval.
That’s extremely informative. Thanks .
Thanks for your advice. It's highly appreciated! God bless!
YEEESSSS... I slid over here faster than I slid back in the slow lane when I saw that State Trooper behind me in the express lane..😂😂😂
I've been waiting for this.
Thank you again sir.
It helps me get my thoughts together.
👍👍👍
I forgot about that.
The courier work vs expiditors.
👍👍👍
A lot of guys don't "listen and pay attention" to their vans. An important reason why they have problems.
That is for sure. You can most definitely hear the difference or feel it.
Great advice. I've watched a few of your videos,good stuff.
Thank you!
Thank you for this info it was needed god bless you
I always get the best vehicle deal in November.
I'll have to look into that
@@EverythingApax I have a 2020 Chevy cab chassis with a single dual rear axle. 6 wheels and tires on my van with a 15 foot box on it. Although I have type one diabetes, I still pass the DOT medical every 2 years and a gas 6.0 liter engine and I get sometimes 19 mpg when there isn't a crosswind blowing and cruise on. I am also an amputee and I haul wheels for a wheel maker all over the place. I did a trip last week and had 4 wheels to take to Florida. I made a log book out. Didn't have to do it really but got pulled over by Dot on 75 south and he said that I followed everything right. I said thanks and went on my way. Anyway, I have a trip to North Platte Ne. and then to Phoenix, Az. With some wheels. About 300 pds worth. Going to a Ford dealer. Then take the damaged wheels back to the terminal in Iowa. I am 66 yrs of age and do this part time. I enjoy it. No hurry, no worries getting to my drops. Later.
0 liter
@@richardziemies8247 sounds like you've got a nice gig that fits your needs. There is all types of opportunities out there for all types of vans if you look for it. Be safe, driver.
As Always GEMS Thanks Bro
You are the best and how you have paintaince amaze me I'm like your brother people is dump I've been in over the road trucking for over 30 years did hotshot and semis all my life but never did what you doing but I did I would choose a ford over any because ford been around for ever
Thank you.
Hello
I would like to share a little I have learned about the promaster.
I believe there are 3 sizes
139 inch and 159 inch wb and 159 extended.
The 159 just at 12 ft floor
The 159 extended around 13 ' 6"
The extended are only available as a 3500.
The 3500 is geared a little lower, so lower mileage.
The promaster is based on a fiat.
The promaster is made in Mexico
The Ford transit is made in the USA
I think the fords cost more.
Alex seems to think they are more reliable. Hmm made in usa
Thank you!
I disagree with the smaller van for deliveries, I drive for Amazon and our loads are HEAVY. The Mercedes Sprinters with the shelves are best, they're best for organizing for order, helps move faster to get the job done. Space is a huge deal. Only thing is you have to keep your eye on the DEF.
What is DEF?
@@GeraKosmos Diesel Exhaust Fluid. It's something that the EPA mandates for most diesel engines these days. Supposed to neutralize the sulfur and other byproducts of burning diesel or something like that. It's a bit controversial though, as some engines do have issues with their DEF systems, and with it being an extra thing, at the very least you have to keep an eye on the level and top it off, most of these vans it's about every third fill up of the fuel that you typically have to top the DEF off. Another thing is you don't want to over fill it if you don't have access to a pump that automatically shuts off too. (You can buy DEF at hardware and TSC stores if you can't find it at the pump in a particular area, but it comes in plastic jugs), but that's not much of an issue anymore, since semis require it now you can typically find a pump of DEF that has an automatic shutoff at most truckstop gas stations.
If you're an Owner/Operator only use box DEF.
Pump DEF will fk your engine.
From what I've heard the best 2 days to making a deal and buying any vehicle is the last day the month and the last day of the year because the sales people are trying to make some type of quota.
Sounds about right.
I've made the decision to go expediting. DOT done, UCR done, Waiting on DOT PIN for MCA....getting insurance quotes and looking at vehicles. I've been looking at cargo vans - love the size... love the ford transit you got. Looking for something similar.
Good luck. How is it going so far?
@@EverythingApax So far so good. Where I live (S. Florida) vans are really hard to come by. The large Ford's, Chevy's, etc... are beat to death and you can't get anything under a 2010 for less than 10K.... some other areas in the US are better for vans.... But so far its going well. TY. I'm currently looking at carriers to work under.
@SFLAdventures, are you still doing the expedited work?
@@EverythingApax Never started. : (
Very helpful video if you’re a beginner looking to purchase your first van. Great info!
Thank you
Do you think staring out with a extended cargo van is fine? Is work harder to find in them?
@@WatchAke if you put in the work yes you can make it work.
@@EverythingApax I appreciate your words and inspiration brotha. Keep spreading the knowledge! It’s very helpful!
Great video thank you so much for putting it out here
Thank you
Thanx for educational videos, be safe...
Thank you
Ford Econoline my personal favorite
I've always wondered, how things ever got expideted. High top vans are only a recent innovation, but the old timers, worked for years in those low topped vans. So I'd say, why not do a video on the low roofed vehicles.
My early videos I was in a low roof cargo van.
You went from a cargo van to a high roof. Exactly what i want to do because it only makes more sense, just like you said. Now, my question to you is, what is the fuel consumption now with the high roof compared to the cargo van you had before?? I’m getting about 22MPG highway on my current chevy express and I heard that these high roofs can get 12-14MPG. Is that accurate, do you remember what you were getting before?
Another thought is the price difference and maintenance cost a deal breaker? The 170 Sprinter is a lot more money then the competition.
Second video that said transit is better thanks 💪
Chevy Express I just thought I could haul two skids and have enough space to sleep don't bother me I've been in a curtain truck I've been in a cargo van been in a protostar that Chevy van I bought for a few thousand dollars I'll literally make my money back in a couple of months
I agree 100%. If you're ok with what it provides then go at it. I still own a regular cargo van.
Thank You for the Free Game 🙏🏿
Absolutely! A better educated driver should help the industry.
Carriers only require 48 which is a standard height of a cargo van
The van I just bought man it's a Duramax diesel pre-def ain't nothing going to outlast that I'll run circles around your european-style vans all day long it'll last twice as long that van will literally rust away before it dies
Would it be better to expedite with a 26ft box truck? Would a box or van provide better opportunities?
Good video man!!! Great information and your straight the eff up!! 👍
I want people as informed as possible.
Get whatever van you can afford...
If the plan is to do otr, I don't agree, but other than that, I agree. The individual's work ethic and ability will make any size van work for the time needed.
And then you eventually won't be able to keep maintaining the same van due to its unreliability.
Ur the number 1 bro👍
Thank you for the information.
When getting started is there a limit on how old the van can be or how many miles to drive for most companies im trying to get started but not trying to spend a lot on a new van so hoping I can run a used Older model
I have heard by most experienced operators that most of the larger companies want the age to be less than 5 years! 5 years or newer! I hope this helps!
When I was in a cargo van the Freightliner Sprinter came out. I wrote an article calling it..."Super Van" (in Super Man logo) with the 5 cylinder diesel. Should have left it alone. It was the super expiditer van.
spoiler alert..DO NOT DO IT!!!! my life effectively ended 12-25-2018 in the PETRO W. MEMPHIS woke up with a stroke and a BRAIN ANEURYSM, ALMOST BLIND AND TYPE 2 WAS OFF THE SCALE and as a little kicker during my stay at BAPTIST (over looks interstate ,ironically) heart failure. before you even THINK about a van see if you can do the paper work and keep yourself heathy. AND I am not some kind of HATER/NAY SAYER I followed APEX 4 miles down the big road JUST TO SHAKE HIS HAND (SUPER DUDE AND YES I AM STILL A FAN BOY OF HIM AND HIS BROTHER) Now this is not to steal his thunder but they both drive same vans for same outfit TO ME THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES
alot of people ignore the health part.It should be priority number 1.
I hate you had to go through that sir. 👍
@@martajajackson1836 LOL...THANKS YOU MADE MY DAY...WHEN I first looked at reply it looks like i hate you and the sentence break makes the thumbs up goes with i hate you but on second look you can see it correctly . I GUESS I GOT MYSELF. THANKS AGAIN I NEEDED THE LAUGH!
@@robertchandler5055 ROFL...noo....I can't hate you sir.
We're all in this industry together.
I thank God you're alive and breathing.
PLEASE stay safe with all this Covid stuff.☹️☹️☹️
I'm very sorry to hear you have gone through so much. I worry about it for myself as well. You are correct that people should take care of themselves.
I am with a great carrier and a part of succeeding out here is the carrier.
I hope nobody ever feels i am recruiting or advertising for people to get into expediting because I'm not. It's a tough life for most. I am merely trying to help those who have decided to try it.
Again, very sorry for what you've been through.
Your a smart man, thanks. What companies do expediting, traveled over the road for 40 years, am retired now but still like to travel, but how about heavy lifting, I'm lazy if l actually had to work for a living, l would have had to rob banks.
No heavy lifting required. Appreciate you
Mr Allen, An opinionated video? I would have never guessed. You are a legend. If people do not listen to you then they are the ones that made the mistake. Charge on and keep all the tires on the concrete.
Lol. Yes I enjoy doing opinionated videos. I try to help is all.
Thanks man for the information
Great advice! Love this.
Thank you
Thank you 😊 this video is very helpful
How about a Chevy 2500 express been looking into this work just got one was wondering if I could use it for this type of work
I I was wondering the same thing
I didn’t even know it expediting was!
I booked for ford tarnsit 350 for expedite but that's on gas
Some people told me about diesel vans are good for long miles and engine
What do you recommend?
I prefer gas. I own 4 gas vans. Very reliable as well.
Ok Well I think I'm going on a right direction
Thanks for suggestion
Appreciate you buddy
Very well said! Been watching you for years! I went out for 5 months running for Panther as as a driver for a fleet owner 60/40 split. Came back home and still in blood so I'm buying a new Ford Transit 350 soon. Are you still with Barrett? or are you strictly on your own?, Thanks for another great video.
Congrats! I'm under my own authority full time.
Which fleet owner?
Does he have terminals in Texas?
Recon Corpsman has your back.
How was the Panther company paying out, any profits if you don't mind ?
Great information.
Thank you
I know someone in our fleet who decide to buy a Nissan because he had lots of problems with his Sprinter diesel. I didn't get a chance to talk to him the last time I saw him because were in the middle of a large shipment from a chartered jet full championship clothing. I don't have his contact info. Anyone here anything about these vans. They aren't the longest, but if they are better built and more reliable than the Promaster or Ford I might be a customer. I'd be sacrificing length but I can live with that if they are more reliable.
I believe they use the same 4.0L engines from the frontier, and according to Scotty Kilmer they are pretty reliable.
@@abmtz8537 Transmission? review it, I drove my company NV 3500 V8 Houston TX to Salt Lake City UT 3 times or more. So the cargo length should be longer, It only held 2 pallets on the floor, so stacked pallets of the same maybe 4 can be hauled if the tranny holds up. Comfortable until the wind moves it, Hightops sway some. Stay on top of hard plastic parts on the engine, those parts age fast from the normal engine heat like the oil fill spout breaks or the air filter housing breaks.
What Van do you own/use? Any apps you use for loads? Thanks in advance. Great video & information. I appreciate your time
What a great video.
Please may I ask directly.... what type and model of van is best for out of state cargos. And which one is better on overhead.
Thank you in advance.
@@shile_onie9016 I prefer the Transit but the sprinter by Mercedes has the longest cargo space.
thanks for this information brother 🙏
Absolutely
I’m not trying to live in my van. I wanna come home every night. I wanna do Local currier work. Ford transit connect should do right??
Thank you for this video it's really helpful
Thank you
I think any Freightliner or TA/Petro can work on the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter.
How are the prices at TA?
I had Heavy Duty Straight trucks so as high as a dealership. Over the road you did not have much choice. They were quick and got you going faster. I did use a mom and pop place in Michigan if zi could make it. The money saved was often off set by downtime.
@Everything Apex TA is 24/7 so they can get it done faster and cut the downtime and hotel room cost.
Speed Co for oil changes and fluids. Loved that company home of the 40 minute heavy-duty oil change. Roadside was the most expensive. Worth it to get my guys moving again.
@@speedyfinalmile and that is definitely important and valuable.
I run an Animal Transportation company out of my car and rent a lot. Im working on trying to repair my credit and build my buissness credit. I may be upsidedown about $4-8K on my car depending on the trade in. Im scared shit trying to buy the most expensive vehicle I ever own.
Good info! Thanks a lot!!!
Transit offers AWD on the 250 only
Really? Good to know. Ty
Although there’s rumor the 2021 350 might get it
@@cadeere74 I'm not sure yet if I'd want awd. Need to look more into it. Let us know if you hear more on it.
Nice honest video
Thank you.
What if you only doing local runs. What side do you Recommend
Size? Really depends. You can get away with using personal vehicle. There is medical stuff. I'd look into local courier companies and see what is offered. Also look into the apps available such as goshare, frayt, etc
Does it matter the age of it? I found a 2005 sprinter (dodge) for a decent price
Depends on the company/carrier you sign with. There is options for sure.
Hello Boss, I and my friend are looking to start the cargo van business, he called a dispatch today and she said Cargo vans get paid 70 to 90 cent per mile, is that not too cheap?
Thanks for video👍🏾
Welcome
Hello. How do you think how important is the opening radius of doors 180 or 253. I can't find a complete set with doors 253 degrees. I think 180 is quite enough, but I wanted to consult, thanks
180 will work but surprised you're having issues finding different.
@@EverythingApax I surprised too. It has 3.5L PFDI and 253-DEGREE SWING-OUT. Or 3.5L ecoboost and 180-DEGREE SWING-OUT. So my choice is ecoboost. But the question with the doors torments me a little. I think that's enough. I talk about ford transit 350 extended base and high roof
Allan, you said, 'to many vans chasing to few deliveries'. Big D said the same. I'm fearful doing expediting until 2021 rolls around. Wait & see attitude. Which engine, the old 3.7L used till 2017 or 3.5L is the better engine in the Ford Transit? Do you ever for see rates at a steady $1.00 per mile again or will rates stay flat or fall? Did you find your overheating problem? How's Big D doing? Hope he does another video again, I miss his videos. Apparently your brother has given up on doing videos? Is he still expediting?
It's very difficult to be at $1 now. My 2 vans are averaging mid 90s.
Nothing figured out with the running hot. At a guessing game point with it.
Big D may do videos but he's out of expediting. He's driving a box truck hauling Amazon
Hi , to do expediting the van need to be new?
How long are you otr during a months period?
Anymore probably 3 weeks per month.
Lots of good information.
Thank you
thank you Sir
Can I do expediting with Chevy 350 cargo van?
Yes, you can. The hardest part is finding a solid carrier to take you on, but they're out there.
No sugar coating 😆
go to your bank and see how much they approve you for , then you go shopping knowing how far can you go
how can ya keep dealers from running your credit?? telling them no doesn't raise a red flag on the buyer?
No. Because you should have an agreed upon price before asking for a loan amount. If there is no dollar amount specified then they'll run it for too much which can cause the rate to rise.
@@EverythingApax oooh thanks Allen! a good thing to know for when I might eventually buy my own rig
What kind of van you have?
HOW DO I DO A SLEEPER IN THE VAN ?
th-cam.com/video/MkZvGJZGxUw/w-d-xo.html
Hello, Thanks for the info
Anytime
Does the color of the van matter? What if I am an O/O working for X carrier? Like an Amazon prime van?
No
@@EverythingApax Sorry, do you mean "no" it does not matter or no to the Amazon prime van color? I see most of you in white vans.
Correction, all of you are in white vans except the guy from Eagle Express who drives the MBAG sprinter.
@@MichaelSmith-qw3is color doesn't matter. White simply costs less and doesn't attract the sunlight which causes it to be hotter in the van.
@@EverythingApax understood.
Do you have to go over the road to make money? Or local
Over the road is better money but it can be done locally with enough effort. Knock on doors.
Is it okay if I use a van I found,...DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!
Lol