The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Complex answer to a simple question.

When we were 33 and 38 years old - it was the best decision at the time. Paid off debt, worked hard. Burnt 7 to 10 years of life doing so.

Now we're 50 and 55 years old. She is taking care of her aging father, so teaming together is not an option. I could team up back there at 90cpm with some random team member, and make W2 $1ook, but be gone 48 weeks of the year.

Some realize, and others do not, that it's not just caregiving that takes a toll - time wise. To be a partner to it soaks up an invisible cost. The supporting partner picks up the slack in many areas, the financial cost of an absence of potential income, the emotional support.

@staceydude mentioned going on a holiday for a bit to get away. Not options.

But- back to the question - Yes - depending on a plethora of situations, it's still better off on this side of the fence, for us.

We watched a lot of older couples still teaming at ODFL. They'd turn up on their scheduled leave time, do their 6,000 miles, go home. Until retirement. I'm not sure if losing 20 or 30 years to a career that has you trapped in a box for 80% of your life is better than another.

I'd certainly recommend it to younger folks, for a short period, to give them a boost in financial capabilities. The more years go on, the less jubilant I am about the idea.

 

Just old Kevin Rutherford's Profit gauges. $19/month - works for me. I'm no good at spreadsheet stuff.

 

You're both right. As a lease on company the only one committing you to work, at Landstar, is yourself, and your word. And maybe to further an agent/customer relationship. You know - 'can't say no to this one 'cos you might not get called on the next one'.

But there's always the rules to follow, certifications and renewals, equipment in the driveway that needs maintaining , an e-log, file this, send that. Clean it and service it yourself, inspections . . . I think the only thing I really miss was being able to park the truck at the ODFL terminal , and go home.

 

I apprecciate it. I probably could have bought a truck earlier, say 2010 - but we would have been on a compromised footing doing so.

I'm sure the boats will rise with the tide. I haven't been in this long enough to see the trends, I didn't forsee a 2 year downturn.

Happy New Year fella.