Dilemma

A&R Logistics pays company drivers very well and will give you the opportunity to save more quickly for your own truck someday. Shouldn't have any problem making $62K - $72K per year there.

 

No I worked for Tankstar, but my neighbor worked there and made $72K plus home weekends and some through the week at times. I didn't go there because I was in the financial position where I could comfortably retire soon and didn't want to change companies because of that.

 

Your goal is to be independent.

You're right- majority of lease to purchase are bad.

Your problem- money.

If I were you my next step would be to start putting money away from every paycheck to be able to reach my goal of being independent. Credit? Keep your credit in a good shape or start building it if it's not in a good shape.

Treat a company truck as if its yours. You want pre trips and care off the truck to be a habit. It's a good habit. Once you have money saved up- buy a truck and truck prices have been falling due to the market, I'm sure you will find a good deal within next 6 months.

After that maybe lease on to a place like mercer or landstar so you can get the practice of booking your own loads and get familiar with expenses that come with being an owner. Also you'll see how the market is going. If you see the market is in great shape-- get your own numbers.

Best thing you can do is not rush because it can ruin you financially.

 

Get as aggressive as you can with your saving. If you have to switch jobs to increase your income to save more then I would do it. You're working towards a goal and increasing your income to save more is a step towards your goal. If you buy your own truck and lease it on with a company you would have instant cash flow without the expense of buying your own trailer right off the bat.

 

I agree with these other guys. Save a bunch of money. Right now does not seem to be the best time to go independent due to slow freight /depressed rates. If you get your finances now, you be in a good position to take advantage of an improving freight environment in a year or two.

 

I ran a and r. Theyre a good company. Given their pay scales the best thing you do is run short hauls hard. My trainer was from michigan stayed all week at the terminal in joliet and ran 3-4 chicagos a day. Before his trainer cur he was grossing 3k plus. I woulda stuck it out but got hurt and was released after work comp was over