Looking to start my own trucking company

You are both right, my bad!

 

I’m wondering if the OP is a troll? Thinking about it, he seemed legit if clueless about the actual cost of doing business, but then to expect a $3k profit monthly?

 

I don't think so. In todays job market, people without a lot of options tend to think,,,trucking, why not? Many times they find they are horribly incorrect on what the job actually offers, and I bet we answered their question in a hurry. I'd like to think we saved another person the grief of actually going through with it, like many of us did, and we did our job here.

 

As times go on, being an O/O has only gotten worse. This notion your 3k profit I know some people who lose there houses because they were dumb and went all in on black when red was the winner. That's exactly how I see o/o a giant gamble the house who gains all the profit brokers, and the government. The only certain thing is is some big expense rather your truck or something else or someone will drop the ball, you lose a customer. Even if you have a contract the problem with said contracts you would have to hire an attorney, money you likely wouldn't have to a case you may win many years later... The number one constraint for the trucking industry is in fact, the FMCSA since it was created and that is just the one big issues, not the last.

 

You really do not understand that the Sprinter Van is NOTHING like owning and operating an actual trucking company. You say you have read n here and made notes but your posting says otherwise.

 

Hi GDR1187,

Congrats on getting your MC# and making that leap — it's a bold move and shows you're serious about building your own lane (literally and figuratively). That said, I’d like to offer a slightly different perspective, especially considering the current macro environment.

Right now, the U.S. is implementing or reinforcing reciprocal tariffs with multiple trade partners, especially on imports related to the automotive and transportation sectors. These tariff adjustments have a ripple effect: they increase equipment costs (like semi trucks and reefer trailers), raise insurance premiums, and sometimes cause delays in parts or maintenance — all of which impact your overhead significantly.

Financing a truck and hiring a driver under these conditions could expose you to high monthly costs before you’ve even secured consistent brokers or lanes. The $3,000 profit target after overhead and driver compensation is not impossible, but it's very tight right now unless you already have direct contracts or niche lanes lined up.

I'd recommend running a few dry runs with your Sprinter van, keeping costs low, and testing lanes while you let your MC# age. That will give you solid data before committing to a high-finance asset like a semi truck.

Curious to hear what lanes you're eyeing and if you’ve found brokers who are flexible with newer authorities?

Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

Every single post is 100% true. So many variables involved. Biggest hurdle is finding and keeping a good Driver. Every Driver has a plan. Just like you. Even using the 1/3 examples, One major repair can take 6 mos worth of profits easily. Another 3 mos later, takes another 6 mos. projected profits. Now you’re in the hole. Hoping and praying for a good 6 mos. I call it chasing it. I’ve found myself chasing it so many times. The difference is I drove my Truck. I’m the only one I can depend on. A Driver WILL switch jobs at your worst moments. Can’t blame them. Would you put your livelihood in jeopardy? I’ve seen it work with reefers, typically Driver made 25% of $7000 per week. $1750. Fuel cost @ .50 per mile. Left $3500-$$4000. Enough to run fancy equipment, and constantly upgrade. Drivers stayed for the money, and because of the fancy Peterbilt/Spread axle Reefers. Running 5 units for over 20 years. Trucks ran hard and steady WI.-FL. Owner ran 1 himself. Wife ran home office. I think he’s still running just 1 unit himself. One of the few people I’ve seen succeed. Takes a lot of effort and dedication.

 

Pffft...why even bother torturing yourself when you see all these ads for Chicagoland outfits offering fleece purchase drivers "up to $6k gross" per week? Just think, with an all in payment of only $1k/week (for that shiny white Volvo and trailer) and a weekly fuel cost of about $1200, you'll net $3800 a week! (Their math & logic, not mine). Tempting, isn't it? And no need to worry about break downs because you'll have a warranty.
But if you want your own business then maybe you can partner with TQL. I see they have tons of freight.

 

Freight magazines & web sites track this info. GCaptain & Whats Going On With Shipping are on X & YouTube. Just use internet search for freight volume ships, trains, trucking.

 

Sal Mercagliano is a pretty good source for shipping thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, I'm a little past the beginner stage of trucking so the resource you use for tracking capacity and volume is what I'm hoping you share.

Everything I've seen and looked into for tracking capacity and volume has some pretty big holes so I'm always looking for others experiences so I can keep learning.

Would you mind sharing what you use for capacity and volume for trucking? Usually it's CASS and Sonar but maybe you can point me to something more helpful.