Running produce to Alaska

I guess it has been a while since I shared some of my travels. After being let go from the last gig I had decided to go out on my own. I went and applied for my own authority and bought my own truck and trailer. I found a decent deal on a 10 year old tridem reefer trailer that is doing well so far. The only little break down I had so far was the alternator and I replaced some other things just to be safe.
On the truck I lucked out and found that the local Western Star dealer got 5 identical trucks from the factory that were 2013, but they had never been licensed and came with a substantial discount. I did three round trips so far and will leave again tomorrow.

The money is rolling in steady and overall it has gone as well as expected. I built my business on two loads going North and coming back empty. I did have two return loads out of the three trips which is a good start to me. I am slowly getting the hang of all the paperwork and that can be overwhelming at times. Did my first IFTA report and my fuel stops are working out pretty well to get the cheapest fuel before IFTA and also only owing about Fifty something Dollars for my first month of operation.

Quite a few of the owner operators that I know are looking out for me and have lots and lots of advice. It does help having run the lane for over a year and figured out a lot of things before hand. For now I am on a five year plan since that is the financing term for the truck and then I will see what will happen. Hopefully, the companies we are hauling for keep the freight on the road and keep us all going.

Overall I am happy with my decision and I feel happier and less stressed than driving as a company driver. It is a lot more risk and you always bring your work home, but so far so good.


I posted a small video we made today after I found a Milwaukee battery powered 3/4" drive impact. I am totally impressed and sound like a commercial for Milwaukee, but it will make changing a tire a lot easier from now on.


Here is a link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WdXG1uygLE

Here is a link to the Western Star section were I posted some pictures of the truck: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/western-star-forum/139928-lets-see-em-15.html
See post #144.

 

I keep seeing Landstar trucks up in Alaska here and there. Just remember the load North has to pay enough to come back empty since there is not a lot of freight coming out of Alaska. You could apply with Fairchild since they are always looking for drivers and experience running North. It is nice to learn on somebody else's dime. There are a lot of trucks showing up during flower and fish season to haul some loads to and from Alaska.