I would like as much advice that you old timers can give me

Well the "Old Timers" are over there<<<< At the coffee shop, they are talking about their jobs they once had, I've ran my own business but that was after being in that same business for 15 or more years I learned every trick of the trade I could possible get, I learned every position there was I learn every what not to do in that business, THEN AND ONLY then was I comfortable enough to get into business myself, You have a degree and 1 year of driving experience! I would drive for another 5 years! Then go to get into your own business, Being down in Florida that is another disadvantage, If you run into and out of Florida there isn't much down there unless you have a customer set up that is going to use you, but if they use you they may have 5 loads this week to NY are you going to be able to haul all 5 loads or are they going to give one to you and then the other 4 to another company? That isn't going to last long till they get tired of making 2 phone calls and guess whee they are going to make the single phone call to? not you. you can only handle 1 load they ae going to call the other company who has 5 trucks in Florida right now. Major disadvantage for you man, A major. Sorry you asked for no arrogent responses I don't think this is but it is the truth. Good Luck whatever you decide to do!

 

I agree with Mr Lovtotruck,

I will also add I don't think $30,000 is enough, you need to save a lot more prior to going solo. Diesel alone will eat up 1/3 to 1/2 of your check, take in to account your insurance and maintenance your talking of at least another 1/3rd. You have to live pay taxes. You need a reserve in case the vehicle is off the road, and although you plan brokering you won't earn enough to cover all your bills or you'd plan to do brokering full time.

Also statistically the amount of new transport companies still in operation after 4 years of operation is around 45%. The remaining 55 & go bankrupt or voluntarily close the doors before the bank closes them.

Have you looked at running a 1 ton and renting trailers as needed. You will still need the same licenses as a class 8 and you could still broker loads. It would be the form of an apprenticeship with a view to building towards the big boys.

I wish you look in whatever you decide, But research a lot more before risking everything you have worked hard to achieve already.

 

Know your TRUE cost per mile and do not believe everything you read on the INTERNET , PROFITABLE trucking is hard to get into and a lot of the I got $3.50 / mile is not for every mile they run although its made to sound that way.

 

I don't consider myself an old timer by any means. However, I do not think 30,000 is enough start-up money. You will burn through that so fast before any money comes trickling in. I would advise you to have 50 grand in the bank before you purchase a truck and trailer. Even when you have that cash on hand, buy cheaper equipment, say 30k for both truck and trailer, and FINANCE IT. Even though you have the cash at hand, FINANCE IT ANYWAY. You could very well need that cash and if you don't have it, it will be a quick death for you. You can always go to the bank later and pay it off in one shot at any time. Cash flow is the biggest thing you will need to worry about, aside from finding loads. I wouldn't recommend going out to get direct customers with just one truck and broker authority. Even as a new broker, you may have a difficult time finding available trucks because you are so new, the trucks may just use their go-to broker already established because they know they will be paid. If you want to attract the truck by paying COD, then there's more cash you will have to float until you are paid. Cashflow, cashflow, CASHFLOW!!!