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Hard Miles book cover by Edivaldo A. Fontes showing a cargo van on a winter highway, a brutally honest guide to starting a cargo van business

by | Mar 15, 2026 | Articles, New releases, Books in English, Books in Portuguese, News from VLM Press | 0 comments

Hard Miles

Articles, New releases, Books in English, Books in Portuguese, News from VLM Press | 0 comments

Hard Miles book by Edivaldo A. Fontes about the cargo van business and real transportation industry costs

The Reality Behind the Cargo Van Industry

Every mile costs money. But what does each mile truly earn you?
Thousands of drivers enter the cargo van business every year, believing that more miles automatically mean more money.
Fuel, insurance, maintenance, downtime, and broker commissions reshape each trip’s economics.
Hard Miles reveals the crucial gap between gross revenue and real profit.

The Growth of the Cargo Van Market

The transportation industry has expanded rapidly as e-commerce has grown. As a result, many people are considering entering the sector using cargo vans or utility vehicles.
The opportunity seems promising: more miles, more loads, more money.
In practice, however, the reality of the road can be far more demanding.
This is the daily reality explored in Hard Miles.

A Direct Look at the Cargo Van Business

Hard Miles offers a straightforward, realistic analysis of the cargo van transportation sector, highlighting challenges and costs often overlooked by new drivers and small operators.
The book details what happens when someone enters this market.
The book details commonly overlooked factors, including: the real cost of fuel, ongoing vehicle maintenance, mechanical wear from long trips, high insurance, broker and platform commissions, downtime between loads, and the financial impact of empty miles.
These variables alter everything. What seems profitable can quickly become a tight-margin operation.

More Miles Do Not Always Mean More Profit

One of the most common myths in the industry is simple:
The more you drive, the more you earn.
Hard Miles shows why this logic does not always hold true.
Every mile generates hidden costs that accumulate quickly:
• fuel
• vehicle depreciation
• preventive and corrective maintenance
• tires
• insurance
• operational expenses
Without careful financial control, many drivers realize the problem too late, driving thousands of miles for less than expected.
Hard Miles book by Edivaldo A. Fontes about the cargo van business and real transportation industry costs

A Guide for Those Entering the Industry

If you plan to buy a van and enter the transportation industry, this book offers a vital perspective before investing.
Hard Miles helps readers understand:
• how to calculate the true cost per mile
• how to evaluate loads strategically
• which financial traps to avoid
• how to protect long-term profitability
This information helps newcomers determine whether there is a profit or a loss.

Also Relevant for Experienced Drivers

Even drivers already active in the industry can benefit from the book’s insights.
Hard Miles discusses topics such as:
• operational efficiency
• cost management
• data-driven decision making
• financial sustainability in independent transportation
In a highly competitive industry, understanding these elements can make the difference between remaining in the market and eventually leaving it.

About the Author

Edivaldo A Fontes

Edivaldo A Fontes

VLM Press CEO & Founder

Edivaldo A Fontes

Edivaldo A Fontes is a published author, Writer, Businessperson, Business Consultant, Master in Theological Studies, Public Speaker, Experienced in International Business Management and Marketing Strategy. Editor, CEO and Founder of VLM Press, Edivaldo A Fontes is a Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Book Editor. He is an author of the books: Self-discovery, secrets for a life of fulfillment, Stay Free, How to get rid of guilt, shame and pain from the past, America, Men of Great Value Volume 1 e Men of Great Valor 2.

Author's Books

America - An essential guide to starting a business and living legally in the United States
The Path to Greatness
Stay Free - How to get rid of guilt, shame and pains of the past and rebuild a peaceful and free life.
The Path to Greatness

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