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Need your guys advice on expanding.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by jzcartage, Sep 25, 2014.

  1. Sep 25, 2014 #1
    jzcartage

    jzcartage Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Oct 15, 2013
    0
    Hello everyone,
    My name is Jason and for the past few years I have been an owner operator running a box truck for a decent sized air freight company out of DFW in Texas. Things have been going pretty good been able to gross over 100k a year for last two years. However I am now running into health issues in which I have Ulcerative Colitis which I found out I had back when I was in the Navy in 2002. Its not getting in the way of me being able to drive my truck consistently.

    So my question to you guys is I have been pondering for awhile now about purchasing a used tractor and trailer and putting a guy in it and running loads regionally. Most loads I would have to get off load boards but I do have a few customers I could get loads from monthly. I was looking to maybe lease on with someone possibly to get the hang of things which would be like a daily run to Houston or something? Im just trying to find a way that I can keep my business and continue with it. So here to see if you guys think its worth the money and hassle or if im wasting my time and should move on to something else? If I move foward and purchase one I would like to have about 5 trucks running over the next 3 years.

    I have an authority but its only about 2 years old and have my first audit in about a month. Havent really done much out of the state of Texas but was required to have it per my contract. Any advice or input is welcome so thanks in advance.

    Jason
     
    jzcartage, Sep 25, 2014
    jzcartage, Sep 25, 2014
    #1
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  3. Sep 26, 2014 #2
    281ric

    281ric Road Train Member

    1,248
    809
    Oct 20, 2011
    TX
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    Did I read right ? Gross how much over $100,000 a year? $100,000 a year is about $2000 a week
     
    281ric, Sep 26, 2014
    281ric, Sep 26, 2014
    #2
  4. Sep 26, 2014 #3
    jzcartage

    jzcartage Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Oct 15, 2013
    0
    Yea i average about 2,000 a week in my 26' box truck. I run for an air freight company out of DFW. Some weeks I do more some less but around 100k plus a year gross. My issue is that I am having health issues and not able to drive as hard having to miss days. So looking into expanding and hiring someone for my Box truck and buying a tractor and trailer and running it regionally. Was looking for some input on this from people who run trucks etc. I would just add another box truck but right now they are not needing any more. I cover a certain area for them doing all their pick up and delivery.
     
    jzcartage, Sep 26, 2014
    jzcartage, Sep 26, 2014
    #3
  5. Nov 23, 2014 #4
    afterburn25

    afterburn25 Medium Load Member

    516
    228
    Jul 7, 2012
    Lafayette, LA
    0
    you wont be able to make any money if you hire a driver plus not enough money would make it worth while for driver either
     
    afterburn25, Nov 23, 2014
    afterburn25, Nov 23, 2014
    #4
  7. Nov 27, 2014 #5
    Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

    2,039
    1,423
    Dec 10, 2011
    Weed, CA
    0
    I believe the OP said something about "gross over $100K?" We don't know his expenses, but that doesn't seem like a lot of income. To me. One other thing, JZ. After you pay all expenses, build a maintenance escrow, and pay your driver, you gotta be sure there's some pie left for you. Wide is the path, but narrow the gate.
     
    Starboyjim, Nov 27, 2014
    Starboyjim, Nov 27, 2014
    #5
  8. Nov 28, 2014 #6
    ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

    955
    1,267
    Dec 5, 2010
    Vegas
    0
    Really only you can answer that question. If you have steady work put it on paper and figure paying a driver and the related payroll taxes etc and then decide if it's worth your time to do it. You also need to figure out cost if you're going to offer any kind of benefits such as health insurance etc. you'd better have a plan to cover if your driver is sick, vacation and all that too. You won't be required to have workmans comp in Texas unless you have 5 employees but that is a pretty big risk so you need to decide on that as well. Good luck!
     
    ShortBusKid, Nov 28, 2014
    ShortBusKid, Nov 28, 2014
    #6
  9. Nov 28, 2014 #7
    skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

    6,232
    5,704
    Jan 14, 2012
    flatbed heaven
    0
    somke of you are unreal, the guy is running a BOX TRUCK, much less operating costs. and apparently short distance. 100k with that setup may not be a bad deal at all.

    so understand the entire post before you say 100k is bad.
     
    skateboardman, Nov 28, 2014
    skateboardman, Nov 28, 2014
    #7
    rebeloutlaw66 Thanks this.
  10. Nov 30, 2014 #8
    afterburn25

    afterburn25 Medium Load Member

    516
    228
    Jul 7, 2012
    Lafayette, LA
    0
    Even in a box truck 10th isn't that great sure fuel is a little less but also have to factor in if he's local a lot of in town driving can also use more fuel and harder on the truck too. Also maintenance is just as expensive no matter what kind of truck in a 53' dry van I gross 4th a year my take home is about 100k my guess is he's probably taking home around 50th which again isn't very much possibly even less
     
    afterburn25, Nov 30, 2014
    afterburn25, Nov 30, 2014
    #8
  11. Nov 30, 2014 #9
    rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

    12,506
    23,794
    Mar 29, 2008
    TN
    0
    There is too little info to judge whether his $100k gross revenue is good or bad. It could be phenomenally profitable or it could be really bad.
     
    rollin coal, Nov 30, 2014
    rollin coal, Nov 30, 2014
    #9
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