Trucking: Need advice on buying.... quick!!, freightliner fld 120, overseas containers

Question
Hi ,
   My question is this. I have a contract lined up to haul overseas containers locally from port and rail to local customers. How much of a tractor do I need. I have found an 1994 International 8100 tandem with cummins 300 horsepower and 9 speed. Has air suspension sliding 5th etc..rears are 40000 front 12000 it seems like a small tractor but would probably be effecient? Is this enough truck for that or should I be looking at a Freight 120 or Mack ch16 etc..Fuel is a huge issue but so is having enoufgh truck to do the job do you think the inter is enough? Any advise is hugely anticipated...and appreciated..Thanks Alot

Answer
Hi,

 I've run an 8100 before and it's not a bad truck.  300 horsepower is at the very bottom of what you should get in horsepower.  My question would be, when was the last time the motor was rebuilt being a 1994?  If it's been a while since the last rebuild, it could be running a lot less hp than 300.

I subscribe to the "better to have it and not need it" theory rather than the "not have it and need it".  I've hauled a lot of containers in my day.  If it was me, I'd either look for a Freightliner FLD 120 or International 9100 or 9200 (I love the 9200 ex-Wal Mart trucks) with al least 350 hp.  I'd get a small sleeper too.  You never know how long you may sit at the dock once you bump it.

Many guys go with cab-overs for city deliveries, but it's your choice.  If your getting an unbelieveable deal, try it out.  If not, get something a little bigger.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens