In need of some solid advice from experienced O/O

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by visionarygvp, Sep 25, 2021.

  1. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    You need to correct your post
    In case needs to be when
     
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  3. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    If there’s a prepayment penalty then call and see if you need to pay it over the entire term or if the penalty goes away after X months
    If it’s full term then make payment

    Next time ask the questions before making decisions
    Some answers you will like. Others not so much
    Find the middle
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    www.OOIDA.com - is a business website for the owner-operator
     
  5. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Going the cheap (pre-2007, or pre-2003 if you can find one) truck route is doable. Only if you're able and willing to do the sweat equity it takes to make it work. That means doing nearly all of the maintenance yourself (on time, whether it needs it or not) to keep it from breaking down, and most repairs when it eventually does. If you can't do that, you're better off remaining a company driver, and potentially exploring a better gig if you're looking to make more money.

    No shame to it if you can't. Some people just aren't wired for it. Those are the guys that work their way into private fleets that run all new equipment and pay 6 figures plus benefits. It's not a bad thing.

    If you are capable, then plan for the cost of whatever truck you buy in cash, plus a bare minimum of $10,000 to spend in the first 6 months. There's plenty of candidates on FB Marketplace right now priced $15-20k. I just sold one for $12k. They will sell fast, and will be as-is where is. So buyer beware, and they go to the first person that puts money in the seller's hand. Every one of them will have things wrong with them needing immediate attention.

    Just my humble opinion, the next step up in price is a bad bet for a new guy. Definitely avoid 2008-2012 anything, 2013+ is gonna be expensive to run in addition to the purchase price. You'd really need to have some ownership experience under your belt to make that leap and make it work. Right now you think you know what's up, but you have no idea how much you don't know, and it all comes from experience and lots of money.

    Keep your good credit as a back up to the back up plan. Go in with cash, and spend every dollar like it's the last one you'll ever get. If you're hungry enough, you should be able to make the sacrifices to stack up enough cash to do it in a year. If you have a hungry family, like fancy cars and whatnot, then maybe don't do it. You have to approach being in business like walking into a casino and be prepared to walk away with empty pockets in the worst case. If that's not a risk you can see yourself taking, then don't do it.

    If I had to guess, your 2011 Mack went away because the owner is gaming the inflation to either sell at market or get max trade from wherever the new trucks are coming from. Don't let it get under your skin. In my opinion (above re: '08-'12 models) they did you a favor.
     
  6. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Well said Sir. Well said.
     
  7. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Actually you can pick a road worthy 02-07 Coronado for about 18K, but you still have to fix things.


    you are correct, in this industry it’s “when”
     
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  8. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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    If you have a dream, follow it. Kinda of like @Dave_in_AZ ….
    I would chase that dream with at least 50k in bank after all equipment is bought and in good order. Also depending where you lease on will matter if you will be profitable or fall into a trap. If things aren’t profitable at a certain company you will not be happy and see your investments dry up.
     
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  9. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    It's a high $ game of musical chairs. You don't want to be the guy that owns it when the in-frame / head gasket / etc happens. Choose wisely, stay on top of little things so they don't become big things, and decisively get rid of it when your spidey sense lets you know it's time to let it go.
     
  10. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Most definitely. But a S60 cheaper then DPF equipped truck post 2010 truck.
     
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  11. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I’m not sure what tasting does
    But I sold a Peterbilt 379 and the guy came from about 1500 miles away
    He started tasting all the fluids
    Just a drop but still

    He said he could taste if something was wrong. Or going out

    He bought the truck and then I asked if he would taste my new truck
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2021
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