We were in the same position this time last year the Isle of YouKnowWhere, with loads of courier carrried daily. We were very worried when we got our 146 taken off us and a Q4 in it's place.
However, when you actually do the sums for how much a Q400 saves the company in fuel and maintenance costs compared to what you lose in freight revenue, it simply doesn't add up. You couldn't fill both holds of a 146 with enough freight, no matter how well it pays at today's rates, to cover the fuel savings alone.
The Q400 with no freight and restricted loads to 78, will actually make so much more in a year than a 146 pounding back and forth at lower than optimum levels chucking 2 tonnes plus per hour out the back, you'd be amazed. No wonder the acountants love them.
The sums are that big it's a very hard argument to overcome with misty eyed affection for the 146. Day in and day out, you will still get room for some high value/time sensitive courier. The freight forwarders simply have to learn to package it in smaller consignments to make sure it gets across bit by bit as we do.
If it comes as a large single manifested load, it either travels or doesn't. if it's several smaller lumps, some gets on, the rest follows. That's how you box clever and keep some of the business.
Doesn't land as nicely though. Having said that, on really rough days, like this week, when you pine for the old Jumbalino, we've still managed a few smoothish arrivals. As for reliability, far better than we expected too.
Answer= Q400 and add rotations when it's peak season. it's working for us!