The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by blairandgretchen, Dec 10, 2014.

  1. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,000
    60,362
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Yes - I noted that. Flat is 73% whether your own trailer, or rent one of theirs for $170/week.

    $170/week for three years is close to $25k - or a new trailer. So, I figured I'd buy my own rather than help them pay off theirs.

    Rollin Coal - I've been reading your posts for a long time - thanks for the information I've learned from you so far, only up till now, I din't have much to stand on in the "Owner/Operator" section . . . now I'm a little closer!
     
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,000
    60,362
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    I'll go flat for now, and buy my own. I see much higher rates on the open deck freight, and the revenue percentage is a little better. I'll keep van in mind for Winter time, maybe entertain the idea of buying a used van to sit out the back for the extra 7% if I do so.

    It'll be me solo on the truck - I doubt there's much need for teams in flatbed, but she may want to sign up later on for team van if something lucrative rears it's ugly head. Right now she's liking the idea of early retirement, and I think after 9 years teaming with me, she's deserved it.
     
  4. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

    12,466
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    Mar 29, 2008
    TN
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    Well have I got a deal for you... it just so happens I have a van trailer for sale that would make a nice yard ornament. :)
     
  5. BoostedTeg

    BoostedTeg Road Train Member

    1,600
    2,454
    Jun 2, 2008
    Boise ID
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    Congrats nice looking truck. Did you buy it at a dealership or private party.
     
  6. Junkyard Johnney

    Junkyard Johnney Light Load Member

    209
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    May 27, 2012
    Plains,Mt
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    Best of luck to you. 20yrs in the biz myself 95% as an o/o with own authority. Long hard road but it has been worth it. On my 3rd truck now and have owned it for a little over 9 yrs. Couple things that have kept my business alive ; #1. Maintenance, can't stress this enough. For me I do a lot of seasonal work and can't afford shutdowns. If it looks even a little iffy before the season starts it gets replaced with new. Do not stretch out your oil changes, that oil is the life blood of that engine. I change mine every 12,000 without fail, I know overkill but the proof is in longevity 750,000 on the inframe and it is just starting to really run good. Research your engine as time goes on and find out where the weak links are and tend to them. Brakes, tires and lights always perfect don't run junk or try to get by. #2 Start a maintenance file in your computer, dates of any services and mileage is absolutely a must. Last but not least; stay loyal to your people but not foolish, don't jump around companies all the time. Keep a "little black book" of shippers names, contacts and phone numbers mainly the busy and efficient ones , later on you may want to try your hand at your own authority and this will come into play. Do this and keep your paperwork straight with some luck you will be fine, sounds to me you are quite methodical in your planning and have the best possible chance of making it. This is a thinking mans game now, the cowboy days are over, they were interesting for sure but long gone. See ya out there.
    J-J
     
  7. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,000
    60,362
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    Private party - most likely would have been $15-$20k at a dealer.

    I called on an Ex-Werner 2001 FL Classic XL at a KW dealer in Joplin - $20k, SOLD, and he said I was about the 30th guy to call asking about it. It had been on Truck paper about 3 days. I realised I'd have to start looking a little deeper and off the wall to find something.
     
  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,000
    60,362
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    Thanks J-J.
    I'll start that right away, and have almost 2 years of records to start me with.

    I'd thought of the contact keeping with regards to agents/shippers - for the same idea.

    Planning on oil bypass filtration, and regular sampling and monitoring. Cowpie put me on to an outfit nearby, and Shaffer oil - of which I've tracked down a local rep - and their H/O is also in my neck of the woods.
     
  9. Junkyard Johnney

    Junkyard Johnney Light Load Member

    209
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    May 27, 2012
    Plains,Mt
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    Sounds like you are on top of it Blair, nice truck keep it shined up it always makes a guy feel better about the hard work when the truck is clean. I know they get dirty we got to work but every few weeks sure does make them last, I always sit a little taller in a shiny truck. As time goes on feel free to PM me if you wish with any questions I will do my best to answer them or if I don't know the answer point you in the right direction. Sometimes it may take me awhile to answer as things can get a bit crazy. Happy Holidays
    J-J
     
  10. KW10001

    KW10001 Light Load Member

    107
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    Sep 29, 2010
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    I see it there in your sig. Purdy truck. Good luck!
     
  11. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

    6,618
    12,265
    Aug 24, 2011
    Tampa, Fl
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    I dont think you can go wrong there.

    Thats similar mileage that mine had when I first bought it. I'm over 1.2 million now. Mechanically flawless. Only problems I've had were leaks, hoses, wires and an ecm. Rest has been maintenance and tires.

    I think you will be fine. I ran an old Pete years ago with N13 13 spd combo and other then injectors leaking every now and then it was a fantastic motor.

    Good luck to you!

    Hurst
     
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