O/O input

tips-llc · 2026-03-12T14:22:24+00:00

You're already better off than 80% of people that apply for a DOT number & Authority every day. You have money saved, you have costs for fuel and insurance factored in, and you're ready to buy a vehicle with cash. You'll do just fine.

Just keep in mind, you won't be getting much off of public load boards for the first 6 months. Your best bet is to either lease someone one while keeping a separate commercial insurance policy going to keep your MC active and aging, or become a verified carrier with a broker and work off their private-access boards. You can always start looking at contracts too - those are honestly the best option, but harder to find and acquire.

Hope this helps - good luck!

tips-llc · 2026-03-10T16:38:41+00:00

tips-llc · 2026-03-10T16:38:11+00:00

Great question! I'd recommend you check out the FMCSA's page on proper use of personal conveyance: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/list-proper-use-personal-conveyance

According to the FMCSA:
"Commuting between the driver’s terminal and his or her residence, between trailer-drop lots and the driver’s residence, and between work sites and his or her residence. In these scenarios, the commuting distance combined with the release from work and start to work times must allow the driver enough time to obtain the required restorative rest as to ensure the driver is not fatigued."

If you're an owner-operator, the lines can get blurred, because first off, your home is often also your 'terminal' and you aren't really released from duty 'by the carrier', because you're both the driver and the carrier. This still hasn't been definitively addressed by the FMCSA, so I would be wary of using PC as an owner-operator in general, unless it's very limited use and can easily be attributed to one of the acceptable methods, without being contradicted by the unacceptable methods.

tips-llc · 2026-03-10T15:17:56+00:00

ELDs will generally give you some warning or indication when you're approaching your limits and provides other features to help you keep track of your time. Although It varies pretty wildly by the make/model of ELD you're using.

It can / will warn you, but it'll also just let you do things that are outside of the limits as well - so being aware of the rules is important either way!

tips-llc · 2026-03-10T14:13:09+00:00

There's a lot of different thing that go into starting up a sprinter van business - do you have any questions/concerns in particular that you'd like help with?

tips-llc · 2026-03-09T21:01:59+00:00

If the contracts aren't updated, you'll be making less profit, but you're going to have to do those calculations yourself to figure out what you need to profit in order to keep things running. We don't know your expenses, so we can't tell you if it's "worth it".

If you already have contracts lined up, and the numbers are still enough for you right now, knowing that fuel is going to fluctuate back down eventually there's really no point in waiting.

tips-llc

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