White Tiger Truck Specifications and answers to FAQ's

We have received a lot of e-mail asking about the spec's of the White Tiger Truck and the reasoning behind its design. In response here are some spec's and a list of some of the most frequently asked questions to Mark & Linda Yates about the WhiteTiger Truck.

Specifications: (designed in 1998)
Engine-250 hp
Automatic transmission 6 speed overdrive
296" wheel-base
39 ft overall length
31,000 Gvw
Liftgate
145 amp alternator
Motorized mirrors
Ether-injector
Hydraulic stabilizer legs
2 - 75 gal fuel tanks
Aluminum wheels
16 ft cargo box
148" Sleeper

FAQ's
1) Why did you put such a big sleeper on a little truck?

Our philosophy in building our truck was a lot different than most. Think of it this way; if you had two homes, one where you spend most of your time and one that you spend only 8 to 12 weeks out of a year, where would you want your comfort? When we did our research on expediting we found undoubtedly the best opportunity to make money, no matter which company you work with, is to stay out in the system. So we felt realistically we would be in our truck an average of 35 to 40 weeks and our present home would become secondary. If we were going to do that then why not make it as comfortable as a studio apartment?

Keep in mind, we decided to get an average C-unit with a 16 ft box so having a 12 ft, 8 ft or 6 ft sleeper is personal preference as long as you are aware of key things to consider as far as load capacity and make your adjustments accordingly. For example, the bigger the sleeper the more your weight capacity comes into play. To maximize your load capacity the sacrifice you may have to make is going from a GVW of under 26,000lbs to a 33,000 lb GVW. If you consider all of this ahead there are less surprises after you commit to a monthly truck payment. A truck with a 33,000 GVW is subject to more taxes and regulations than one under 26,000 lbs. After making our income projections based on average C-units we calculated only a small percentage of added expense for the 33,000 GVW and felt all the advantages of putting together a self sufficient C-unit truck out weighed staying under the 26,000 lb GVW. With saving on deadhead miles home, hotels, eating out, Laundromats and showers we would come out about even if not better.

2) Don't you lose freight because of your small box and load capacity?

Yes we certainly did, but no more than a C-unit with a 16 foot box and smaller sleeper. We couldn’t haul D & E Freight. All express companies are different. The company we chose to spec' our truck for had a maximum load rating of up to 5,000 lbs in a C-unit. So, even though we could haul more than 6,500 lbs we couldn't haul D rate freight. Unless you have a tractor trailer you will be limited to your size and less. Why do people choose to run A, B or C units which limit their hauling capacity? Because that is what fits their situation or desire and the freight is there. No matter which unit you choose, there are sacrifices and you have to be comfortable with your decision. Not very many people travel with their family (3 dogs, small, medium & large), so not many people require such a large living area. We could not give our pets away just because we changed careers. We have helped people design sleepers of 6-8 ft with many of the same comforts as ours.

3) Why did you choose a C-unit?

We chose a C-unit instead of a D because at the time we did our research express companies were looking for C-units. Also at that time even expediters said most of the freight hauled was under 5,000 lbs and 3-4 skids so that was the trend about years ago. One thing we did do to try to increase our load offers was equip our truck with a liftgate, dollies, blankets, pallet -jack and floor rings which would enable us to accept special loads.

4) With plenty of truck stops and rest areas why take up space with a shower and commode?

The most valuable thing to an expediter is time. Having your own shower and commode not only provides sanitary facilities but also allows for minimum stops on a run. Each time you stop it takes away from your run time. The more efficient you are with utilizing your time the easier the job becomes. Having a shower in the truck beats waiting in line at a truck stop for a shower or missing a load because you needed to find facilities.

5) Isn't a washer/dryer a little extravagant for a working truck?

Not only having one but carrying all that water. Again time management is vital to expediting. We designed the truck to stay out weeks at a time. If we run hard and then have to stop to find a place to do laundry at a truck stop or Laundromat and wait for an available machine that's precious time I'd rather spend running, sleeping, shopping or even site seeing. When we delivered a load at 4 or 5 am we parked, put a load of wash in, went to sleep and when we woke up the clothes were washed and dried and we were ready to go. Also we didn't have to worry about what was in the washer before we use it. As far as carrying all the water, we would dump it if necessary to haul more weight and then just filled up again at a truck stop after we delivered. If anything, having a washer/dryer was ideal for making the most of what ever spare time we had and allowed us to stay available instead of going out of service for the essentials. Another great thing about it is it doesn't take up a lot of room. It’s only about 2ft wide x 3ft high.

6) Why do you take your motorcycle with you?

If you think about the way most sleepers are designed you have a bed with overhead cabinets for storage. What we did is reverse it. We made an upper bunk and enclosed the storage space to create a drum box to carry the bike. Plus, we used it for storage as well so we didn't waste any space, we utilized it differently. The bike is a low-rider and is not real heavy. Since we designed the truck to stay out on the road for weeks at a time if we were laying over for the weekend away from home we could make the best of it and use the bike to get around. Once motorcycle riding is part of your life it's a heartache not to be able to go riding. Not having a job where you’re home every night means less opportunity to go riding. By having it with us we had more of a chance to enjoy motorcycling.

7) Why chrome wheels?

Our wheels are aluminum, many people call it chrome. When you spec' your truck you can get steel or aluminum wheels. We opted to go with aluminum to increase our load weight capacity. One considerable desire of aluminum wheels is the weight factor. There is a substantial amount of weight difference between the steel and aluminum, steel being heavier. We also prefer polishing aluminum rather than repainting steel. The plastic hub covers have a chrome finish which helps dress up the wheels. If you are looking to maximize your total load capacity it is important to consider aluminum wheels and looking nice on your truck is a bonus.

8) What's with all the "chicken lights?"

The side lights (chicken lights) down the sides of the truck are a great safety feature providing light to easily see the lines on the road and they also make the truck very visible to other motorists. We really appreciate these lights in bad weather, dark back roads, construction areas and when turning corners in the city.

9) Why do you call your truck the White Tiger and what made you put a tiger on your truck?

When we first got the truck it was plain white and looked like it needed something. We talked about it and said since we saw our truck come to life from the side rails of the frame to the finished truck we needed to put a design that was significant and had personal meaning. We came up with the white tiger not only because of my admiration of the tiger but because of what the white tiger represents. We have overcome many tragedies and adversities in our lives and managed not to lose faith, keeping our courage and gaining wisdom as we grow. The White Tiger with it's rare existence and courage was seemingly fit for our white truck. Once we went back on the road with the tiger painted on the truck everyone started calling us the White Tiger truck and the name has been with us ever since.

10) Why did you spend so much on your first truck?

Since we both came from different careers, before we stepped into this business we did a lot of research. Not only in equipment but in the nature of expediting. After the time we invested in learning as much as we could we felt confident in entering our new career and we felt comfortable with spec'ing our own truck. In the late 90’s a new C or D unit  cost from $50,000 to $80,000 or more depending on the enhanced features. We decided to add the features that would increase performance and resale value right from the start. Between the liftgate and all the other special equipment we invested probably $15,000 more in the beginning but we saved a lot in the long run. Your truck is no different than your home. You invest quite a bit of money in it, take pride in your creation and want it to look nice as well as suite your needs. Everyone's needs are different, for us the White Tiger Truck served as a well equipped expediting truck and a second home.

I hope we've helped answer some of your questions by providing the spec's and reasons behind our choice of design for the White Tiger Truck. Please remember, when spec'ing your own vehicle you need to consider your individual situation and needs. That's one of the nice things about this industry. Our tools may all be the same but we can make them all look different with our individual imaginations. Thank you for your interest in the White Tiger Truck. Please email us if you have more questions or need help with your career in expediting (ly@expresstrucking.com).

It was through the public’s interest in the White Tiger Truck that we realized the need for an information and resource center exclusively for expediters. Since its inception in 1999, the Express Trucking.com portal provides current and prospective expediters access to vital information and resources for developing a successful career in expediting.

Best wishes to all!