Starting out, first truck

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Sub Marino, Mar 28, 2023.

  1. Sub Marino

    Sub Marino Bobtail Member

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    Aug 27, 2015
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    Hello Everyone,
    I am looking to start a new one man trucking company in the next 6 months. I was doing some research and this is what I came up with for trucks.
    Other than a few beat up Western Stars, Volvos and Petes, the only real options are:
    Freightliner Classic XL or Kenworth W900L. I would like a pre ELD, pre emission truck, that keeps its value fairly steady, I'm 6'4", so studio cabin, no flat tops. 10, 13, 18 speed manual transmission, Detroit 60 or Cummins N14 engine. My plan is to work as an owner operator out of North Carolina, taking spot market flatbed loads with my own truck and trailer. I would rather stay under 50 grand for the truck, and 20 grand for the trailer. I can weld and do repairs and maintenance. Drove trucks on farms and have some hotshot experience, new CDL with all endorsements (except bus).
    Any thoughts, experiences and advices are much appreciated!
    Thank you!
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    Kansas City, MO.
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    How much money do you have saved up after you buy the truck and trailer? I spent 20-25K a year on maintenance so and 2K a month for insurance.
     
    D.Tibbitt, tscottme, ducnut and 3 others Thank this.
  4. Constant Learner

    Constant Learner Medium Load Member

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    Jul 19, 2011
    The Moon
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    New CDL means you have 0 OTR experience, right?
     
  5. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    California.
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    Right.
     
  6. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Ontario Canada
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    You should use your 70 grand and borrow another 130 and buy me out.
     
  7. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    50k ain't gona buy ya much of a pre emission hood that has much if any life left in it with out spending 20 or 30 k on it fixing everything wrong
    And you want a studio sleeper & ultra cab .. Yea good luck to ya
     
    Oxbow and Siinman Thank this.
  8. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't buy a w900.

    We've got 5. All of them have messed up hoods. Kind of leaves a sour taste for never wanting to drive one again.
     
    Oxbow, Diesel Dave and Last Call Thank this.
  9. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Tourist Town, FL
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    Have you received any insurance quotes yet?
     
  10. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2010
    ludlow MA
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    Your still going to be over 100k into it by the time your first check rolls around….
     
    D.Tibbitt and Oxbow Thank this.
  11. OscarGoldman

    OscarGoldman Light Load Member

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    May 9, 2022
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    You can't get or afford insurance. Thanks for stopping by!!
     
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