VOLVO FOR HAULING FRAC SAND?

Formulate a plan that doesn’t include leasing a truck through the carrier that you haul freight for. That is a horrible idea. Maybe try Lone Mountain if you must lease.

 

Kenworth is a good BRAND. But, the MODEL of Kenworth is important. My T2000 is an aerodynamic truck designed for over the road.

Beyond model of truck, look closely at how the truck is specced. I would want at least 450-550 horsepower, with at least 1300 foot lbs of torque, with a 13 or 18 speed transmission. Again, full locking differentials in order to power through the inevitable deep mud.

You will also want a wet kit already installed on the truck, a PTO that powers the air system for unloading the pneumatic bulk trailer. Your Volvo probably doesn't have that, although it can be installed later, as long as the transmission is capable of adding the PTO.

Don't jump into being an owner too soon. Wait at least a year. That's to get the basics of driving under your belt. There's a lot you haven't yet experienced. My strongest recommendation is to go haul frack sand as a company driver. You want to make your mistakes with a company truck, not with your own truck. The first time I had to drive through a flash flood was as a company driver. Sure glad I didn't have to pay for the damages. You learn from mistakes. As an owner you PAY for those mistakes.

 

That arrogance is going to lead you directly to failure in this industry. If you can't learn from other people's mistakes, or your own, you aren't going far at all.

 

@Zeviander is trying to help you. Don't rain on that sound advice. On this forum we often have folks chomping on the bit to become owner operators. My advice is to start reading the Owner Operator subforum religiously. Start learning everything you can about trucks, truck repairs and how to do it yourself, accounting, and off road driving. Arm yourself with knowledge.

Start looking at prices for used trucks. Go with any Western Star, Kenworth, or Peterbilt with an all metal body. Pay CLOSE attention to the specifications of the truck you drive when you run sand as a company driver.

Then start making a business plan. If you don't know how, then start learning. You have to love crunching numbers. As a company driver you end your day and crawl into the sleeper berth. As an owner you start crunching numbers.

 

Company I used to be with I went to ND oil fields a lot. I drove a 2006 International Eagle 9400ISX with a 565hp cummins engine, 13 speed. That truck was a workhorse and did very well in that environment.