Can You Make Money with Straight Truck or Box Truck?

Whether yoursquo;re an experienced driver looking for your next adventure or a newcomer eyeing the lucrative world of trucking, the decision to use a straight truck or a box truck is a crucial one. In this article, we will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with using each type of truck for different purposes, focusing on team expedited LTL runs and last-mile delivery services.

1. Straight Trucks in Expedited LTL Runs

Expediter companies often employ two or three-axle straight trucks with various size van bodies, typically ranging from 20rsquo; to 26rsquo;. Well-known examples include FedEx Panther and XPO Expedite. These outfits generally offer lucrative rates for team expedited LTL runs, but profitability comes with several caveats:

The demand for these high-paying opportunities can be highly competitive. Drivers need to have extensive experience and an impeccable track record. The cost of maintaining or purchasing the truck can be significant, especially when considering features such as reefer units, comfortable sleepers, etc.

While it might be tempting to think of buying a truck from an auction, the reality is that new trucks can be quite expensive. For example, TruckPaper shows several nice expiditers for sale: a 6-year-old 2-axle unit with 315,000 miles for $80,000, a 6-year-old 3-axle unit with 420,000 miles for $88,000, and a beautiful 3-axle Volvo with a huge sleeper, 20rsquo; box lift gate, and reefer unit for just 230,000 miles, listed at $237,500. Adding in the cost of new trucks would be even more prohibitive.

2. Last Mile Delivery or Home Delivery Services

Another major sector utilizing these trucks is the last mile delivery or home delivery company. These companies handle home deliveries for big box stores like Lowersquo;s, Home Depot, various furniture stores, and more. These jobs can be physically demanding, involving the unloading and installation of heavy appliances at clientsrsquo; homes.

While these jobs offer their own set of rewards, the primary question is not whether you can make money but rather, ldquo;Can you make enough to justify the equipment costs and your time?rdquo;

3. Making Money with Both

Transporting specialty products can command the highest rates of pay. Consider the FedEx Expeditors, who use 2-axle straight trucks typically with large sleepers and 20rsquo; refrigerated boxes. They handle vital freight like blood, with guaranteed deliveries within hours. These jobs are highly paid but highly competitive to enter.

Personally, I have had success with both truck types. For about 12 years, I operated 26rsquo; box trucks for local business-to-business deliveries, primarily dock-to-dock, and managed to make a good living. Over time, I acquired a second truck and hired a driver to manage it, allowing us to expand our operations.

Conclusion

While both straight trucks and box trucks offer opportunities for high-paying jobs, the challenges and rewards vary depending on the sector and the specific type of truck. Whether you decide to go into team expedited LTL runs or last-mile delivery services, the key lies in understanding the market, the equipment requirements, and the physical demands of the job. As with any profession, preparation, experience, and a solid understanding of the market are crucial to success.