Hit me with advice on becoming an Owner Operator.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mothertrucker004, Nov 13, 2021.

  1. mothertrucker004

    mothertrucker004 Bobtail Member

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    Looking for advice from you o/o…here’s my story

    I’ve been driving horse vans for about 3.5 years. Recently got into flatbedding and on track to start OD/heavy haul within a few months. The company I’m with will lease on o/o at 67%, no trailer fees, good amount of freight and a dry van division if the flatbed gets slow. I’d like to get my own truck, but now isn’t a great time to buy, and I figure I need to get 6mos-1 year experience in this area before I make the leap. (Does this all sound reasonable so far? Anything I’m overlooking?) I have about 90k in cash to put towards a truck. I plan to take a portion of that (20-30k?) and put it in a maintenance fund, plus .20-.30 per mile ongoing. So, the question is…do I buy an older truck at 60-70k or use that as a down payment on something newer with a warranty?
     
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  3. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    If it was me buy new. And if you are gonna go that route, go ahead and put the order in now since it will be about a year before you get it depending on truck. You can put 10-20 percent down and keep most that money in hand for rainy day issues.
     
  4. mothertrucker004

    mothertrucker004 Bobtail Member

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    What’s the best engine in a new truck?
     
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  5. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    I could not tell you. I think most are about equal. I myself like.Volvo D13 but others hate them. My thought is if you dont care get the truck that has the best service shops in the areas you will be running. Parts for most trucks are a problem right now but Volvo has not had that issue.
     
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  6. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    I drive a 2019 VNL760. Had 2 NOx sensors need replacing in Reno Nevada area about a month ago. I was on the road the next day with 2 new sensors installed and was told if I had a Freightliner or International, I could have been several weeks as they are on backorder with no firm date on when there would be available.
     
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  7. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    Keep getting experience and keep saving. As has been said you could order now to get ahead of the curve but would you really know for sure what you even need spec wise at this point?

    Your doing fantastic and I’d keep building your stack. At a certain point the gov is going to have to tap the brakes with this inflation. At that point opportunity will to be had and you just may be in good shape to take advantage.

    Edit: Guess I overlooked your actual question. I’d buy new but with waiting and what I said above, if circumstances align you make be able to pick up a slightly used one still with warranty for good price.

    These repair shops are getting to be insanely priced. I remember when 100/hr I thought was high. Now most seem to be 150/hr and it adds up quick! How long until they are $200/hr? Better to stay out of the shop and if you do have problems, it be the manufacturers problem to fix.
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2021
  8. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Do you want a 13L or a 15L They're all about the same, its the emissions system that will give you trouble most of the time. They all have their own minor issues. What dealer do you live the closest to?
     
    Pamela1990 Thanks this.
  9. mothertrucker004

    mothertrucker004 Bobtail Member

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  10. mothertrucker004

    mothertrucker004 Bobtail Member

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    My goal is to get into heavy haul/OD (at least that’s what I’m thinking now)…what specs would I want for that type of application? I know I have a lot to learn, and I’m not in a rush to go buy the first pretty truck I see (although…I do like pretty!!) but I’m in that information gathering stage, and you guys here seem to be a great resource, so please excuse any dumb questions ;)
     
  11. mothertrucker004

    mothertrucker004 Bobtail Member

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    Good question! I googled and the closest are Peterbilt and Kenworth. Pete in about 45 min north and KW about and hour south
     
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