“The Expediters’ Exit” is getting Sprinter drivers serviced & on the road quickly, but how are they so efficient?

By way of introduction to our readers, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been married to the girl I met in college for 33 years, and I have four grandchildren. Growing up in KY, I am a huge Wildcats fan. I enjoy Reds baseball going all the way back to the BiG Red machine!

How did you get started in the expedite industry?

In the mid-90s, I got involved in the expedite freight business as a van driver. Several years later, I moved to operations manager for Expedite Loads. I spent time brokering loads, finding freight, and signing up drivers looking for loads. This was the very first load board for expediters. In 2000, I began selling straight trucks and sprinters exclusively to expediters. In fact, I sold the very first Sprinter in the US that went to an expediter! Also, I spent time as a recruiter for an expedite company. Now I am back into Sprinter sales as a Brand Manager, Sales and Leasing Consultant for Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Fort Mitchell.

What are some of the changes you’ve seen over the years?

Over the years I have seen the creativity of expediters and now how comfortable a Sprinter can be equipped for the road. With the Sprinter size, an expediter can have nice bed, TV, and microwave, and still have room for freight. These options help owner operators stay comfortable and more productive on the road.

What are some of the challenges full size cargo van owners face?

Being able to carry larger loads. With the Sprinter it is possible to carry three full size pallets with height up to 76 inches. Also there is a little bit of learning curve as to which loads to accept.

How do they get over these challenges?

I think mainly by having a van to haul up to three pallets. Also, I would encourage drivers to make a commitment to take every load offered to them. The key that I learned is to have as few dead head miles as possible. You want to have freight in back when the wheels are moving. I think also trying to stay on the road for at least two to three weeks at a time.

It seems all the major manufacturers have followed Mercedes-Benz in upgrading their full size cargo vans. What are some of the main differences with a Sprinter van?

Over the years we have seen other companies try to copy the Sprinter. Sprinter still has the best resale value. It is the only diesel engine available and is proven to be the longest lasting. It is also top in fuel economy in its class. Over five years Sprinter has the lowest cost of ownership based on independent studies.

Tell us about the services available at Sprinter of Fort Mitchell.

At Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Fort Mitchell we pride ourselves in taking care of the expediters. We are conveniently located in the center of the Midwest region, right on the I71/75 corridor. We have a Sprinter tech on duty 6 days a week and can get regular maintenance done in less than one hour. Sprinter maintenance/service is every 20,000 miles with an engine warranty of 5 years / 100,000 miles. There is never a need to schedule ahead. We have huge supply of parts just for Sprinters. We have a service advisor who specializes in Sprinters. If you are looking for a new Sprinter we always have more than 25 in stock.

WAnything else our readers need
to know?

We love Sprinters. We love expediters and it shows. Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Fort Mitchell is the only dealer that has two Sprinters as loaners should the expediters’ need arise. Come check us out! Enjoy our coffee bar, use our business center and enjoy some pastries.
We are the “Expediter’s Exit #188” in Northern Kentucky just 5 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
Phone: 888.661.5758 EN