Closing up shop, or thinking about it?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Midwest Trucker, Aug 28, 2022.

What’s your situation in todays trucking climate?

  1. Still in business and plan to keep going.

    50.7%
  2. Still in business but it’s touch and go, we’ll see.

    9.6%
  3. I sold out, just couldn’t make it work anymore

    4.8%
  4. I’m a company driver, and glad I didn’t make the jump

    15.8%
  5. Owner op for life, ride or die!

    21.2%
  6. Other: Retirement or something else. Explain

    8.9%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. Jed2009

    Jed2009 Light Load Member

    195
    573
    Jan 8, 2020
    Midwest
    0
    Wishing you the best right now. Have you considered a small one man shop? I am always sure to read your posts, seems like you’re fixing your own stuff as much as possible. Your posts have helped me out in the past and it seems like you are capable of doing lots of heavy repairs. Even if you kept it to simple stuff like tires, services, suspension, brakes, etc. maybe it could be a good venture!
     
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  3. 59EX

    59EX Medium Load Member

    407
    631
    Jun 27, 2015
    0

    How is it a failure if you're getting out on your own terms?

    You're pretty much where I was at 2 months ago. The amount of effort and time I was putting in did not coincide with the amount of compensation/satisfaction I was getting. Also most importantly, I thought my time/effort would be better spent somewhere else.

    Good luck.
     
    Siinman, JoeyJunk, dwells40 and 4 others Thank this.
  4. KrumpledTed

    KrumpledTed Medium Load Member

    485
    1,463
    May 6, 2022
    0
    I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I know I get attached to things and ideas. Especially when I’ve put a lot of effort and blood into it.
     
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  5. bonder45

    bonder45 Road Train Member

    1,803
    5,445
    Oct 2, 2011
    Williston, ND
    0
    The real true measure of success, though, is knowing when to get out, and then went to get back in at a better time.
     
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  6. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

    3,069
    20,582
    Oct 17, 2022
    0
    @Rideandrepair stay strong. You don’t always get the return you should and you have to work harder in the lean times, but you’ve invested 10 years into the business. Stick it out it will make you a better businessman and the tide will turn. I know it becomes draining but this too shall pass.
     
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  7. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

    13,166
    26,303
    Mar 29, 2008
    TN
    0
    Nothing wrong with that but you can't let it wipe you out. Don't lose your home and everything hanging on to an idea.
     
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  8. KrumpledTed

    KrumpledTed Medium Load Member

    485
    1,463
    May 6, 2022
    0
    You’re right. But it’s still hard to let things go, especially when you’ve spent time building them. Whether that’s a truck, a book of business, a house or an income stream. It’s hard for me to let things go when I’ve not only become attached to them, but when I’ve allowed them to be part of my identity.

    That’s just my experience. It makes the choice to let go pretty tough. Doesn’t help that I’m also fairly stubborn and set in my ways lol
     
    bzinger, rollin coal, Siinman and 3 others Thank this.
  9. thatsright

    thatsright Light Load Member

    238
    2,754
    Nov 12, 2022
    0
    Lost almost half of my working years. Had to just walk off with my clothes... made even more poor decisions to get where i am today. Which is not very much. I can agree with someone getting out on their terms not someone elses.
     
    Brettj3876, bzinger and Siinman Thank this.
  10. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

    5,195
    13,123
    Mar 5, 2017
    Kansas City, MO.
    0
    I feel your pain. The last month has been nothing but disappointment. Work my butt off to get a good load that is worth going out only to get stuck because I don't want to run for junk rates. End up just driving home empty the last few times. These are long runs over 1000 miles so it really sucks. Got a load tonight that was bid just that way on 800 miles. Plan is to drive back home empty unless something pops when out. Very highly doubt it will happen.

    I am gonna just have to start pulling stuff that I don't want to pull so I don't get myself neg. Still making enough money but not like I want for the time being. Might change my thought process before too much longer and try to land a customer even though I hate to be tied down to regular work.
     
    Brettj3876, bzinger, JonJon78 and 2 others Thank this.
  11. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

    3,672
    9,490
    Jun 3, 2018
    0
    currently on a side gig only routine. Making just about the same as my truck if I stuck with current rates.


    Home when I want to be, and less headaches. Way less.
     
    Rideandrepair, Siinman and bzinger Thank this.
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