Kicking around the idea of getting my own truck in the Spring of 2014

I will gross close to 60k this year but will probably hit it because I am at 57k right now. But that is gross. Unless I have a really bad week which I have only had 2 that I recall this year, I typically net $800-1000 per week after taxes, 401k, health insurance. To some it may sound like a lot but for a single income family it does not go far.

Just looking to net 20-30k more a year after it is all said and done. I think it is possible with Superior but still researching it.

 

This would be a huge decision for me. One that I am not taking lightly so I am open to everyone's advice, suggestions, help, etc. If I was still 20 I would probably not listen and just hope for the best like I used to do. I am not like that anymore. A life full of mistakes has broke me of that.

Any helpful advice you can give me I will take. I appreciate your help so far.

 

I was just informed today that I will no longer be driving my truck. They are taking me out of it and giving it to a new hire. They are putting me in a newer truck so I guess my current truck will not being up for sale any time soon. There goes that option...

 

Superior tries their best not to do that to the ic's because they do not make anything deadheading. If Superior deadheads an ic, they try and keep the distance to a minimum from what I understand. I know a driver personally that runs out of my terminal who is an ic. He will not take loads to California because he won't get a load coming back out of there and it is too far to deadhead back to any of our terminals from California.

Glad you brought that up.

 

Thanks for a positive post. I talked with one of our I/C's today for a good while. I got some great information from him and he made me feel a lot better about the whole idea of owning my own truck. I feel confident I can do pretty well.

In addition to my research and business plan, I need advice on finding a decent used truck. What to look for, best engine to get the best mpg. What kind of gear ratio will get the best mpg pulling tankers?

I was interested in the KW T600 but I am hearing the Cat C15 does not get great fuel mileage. Any advice on this would be great and much appreciated.

 

I like the truck I drive and the way it is set up other than it would be nice to have a little more room in the sleeper. My only issue with the truck is fuel mileage. This past week I kept an eye what kind of fuel mileage I was getting and it is 5.5mpg. I might be able to squeak 6 out if I run 60mph all the time. I was talking to a co-driver had a Volvo with the ISX Cummins at the last place he drove. He said he could get 7mpg out of it. I like the Volvos. I don't think I would have a problem with a Freightliner if I knew it was dependable. I have had a couple old timers say they love them with the Detroit engines in them. Others say they are throw away trucks.

I have a set amount I won't exceed on paying for a truck if I do this. It will be paid for. Not getting a loan.