Newbie Lookin to buy a truck

Seriously? What makes you think a newbe can be a success as an owner operator? These forums are full of threads from newbes who wish they never thought of doing it. The fact that you grew up with your dad driving trucks will help you to be a better driver, but you know nothing about the challenges of being an Owner operator. Plus, with a DUI only a year ago, what carrier will lease you on? I can't think of a single one that will touch you for at least three years.
I suggest you get a job as a mechanic for at least three years before you even consider driving a big rig, and then give it another few years to learn the ropes, then maybe start to think about being an owner operator.
I'm surprised your father hasn't pointed this out to you. Or has he?

 

The dui I have no knowledge of weather that is doable or not. But the previous post is bull. My son went to a year of college when he came to me and said pop I have found a truck with a bad motor got a grain wagon lined up too. The bank says I need a cosigner due to credit history. I wasn't thrilled but - did it. I raised him in a red and black 359. Noting prepared me for the red and black 379 1MM C16 he bought. He built the engine with little coaching from me. Handles his business without me. At 19 he is sucessful hauling grain in state. Never late on a truck payment, lays under it all night to run the next day if he has too. Lays under mine witout me asking when I been. Running hard. I had a load of live cattle on when told my mom was bad he delivered that load out of state. So I could be there with her. Matter of fact he isn't under my wing makes his own decision. Age isn't a facter its the drive in a MAN to suceed.

 

This fall made his first year. Not too bad for being too young.

 

You got a DUI a year ago? Put off buying that truck. You aren't going to be leasing on with anyone for a few years.

 

That DUI will kill you "if" you find someone to take you and your truck on. About the only way I could see it happening would be for you to provide your own insurance....never tried to figure that out for myself always drove a companies truck....but I'm sure that doing it would prove to be costly at best..if not impossible because of that recent DUI....Good Luck but turning wrenches will probably be your best bet for a few more years.....just saying!

 

Get a second DUI and you're done with trucking.

 

The only way I think this could be workable would be for the OP to purchase his own insurance. That should be researched before purchasing the truck. If he can obtain insurance I'm sure it will be expensive, given his age and the DUI, and that will impact the business plan.

The OP should make a business plan to determine if he can make money and stay afloat. Peruse the O/O section of the thread regarding how to calculate costs.

While the OP is young and a "newbie" to driving, he certainly has a leg up with his expertise with mechanical repair and prior driving experience. I like the fact that he is "grabbing the bull by the horns" at this young age and going for it, and I hope that his experience with the DUI and losing his CDL will be something that he will keep at the front of his mind in the future.