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Small Business Mentor

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by KW11, Jul 6, 2020.

  1. Jul 6, 2020 #1
    KW11

    KW11 Bobtail Member

    19
    11
    Feb 3, 2018
    0
    I'm interested in managing a small fleet of trucks and would like to hear from O/Os and small fleet owners about a path to take. I think that it would be extremely beneficial to work alongside someone with experience managing the financials and learning rules/regulations before making any initial investment.

    I'm from a small rural area where it seems every swingin' dick takes a stab at driving truck. Flattop 379, 8" cowboy pipes, and more lights than the Vegas strip. You know the story. A lot of these guys run one, maybe two trucks, and spend the rest of their lives on the road. Why? Is it a lack of business expertise?

    My question is whether it's best to make the investment of purchasing a truck and learning as you go OR take a couple months to mentor with someone with experience, sitting in a truck part time. Any insight is much appreciated. Thanks a lot.
     
    KW11, Jul 6, 2020
    KW11, Jul 6, 2020
    #1
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  3. Jul 7, 2020 #2
    Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

    3,778
    9,852
    Apr 29, 2020
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    Not a "couple of months" that's for sure. Couple of years? ........Maybe.
     
    Dockbumper, Jul 7, 2020
    Dockbumper, Jul 7, 2020
    #2
    kemosabi49 Thanks this.
  4. Jul 7, 2020 #3
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,373
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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Most drivers aren't business people and most business people aren't drivers. They're are exceptions. To buy and own a truck or 10 and drive it and run the business end is a lot of work. Lots of O/O 's have CPA's or their at home wives doing the paperwork aspect while they drive. I've worked for a few truck co owners who could run a business but couldn't drive a truck. They didn't even have a CDL !

    A shiney new Pete all chromed up and painted nicely is ridiculous if you think about it. ( as much as I like nice looking trucks) VS a plain jane freightshaker or Int'l. The plain jane will get the job done and be much cheaper to buy. I mean, it's a business right ? A good business man will keep the $$$ outlay to a minimum. good luck to ya'.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 7, 2020
    Allow Me., Jul 7, 2020
    #3
    REO6205 Thanks this.
  5. Jul 7, 2020 #4
    Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

    506
    1,329
    Oct 4, 2019
    0
    There is plain Jane and there is sloppy.

    How bout those owner operators where the paint on the tractor is chipping revealing each of the 5 colors it was once painted.

    He also got a trailer from a trucking company that went under 5 years ago. You know this because you can see the ghosting where the decals were peeled off.
     
    Harry Flashman, Jul 7, 2020
    Harry Flashman, Jul 7, 2020
    #4
  7. Jul 7, 2020 #5
    D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

    19,660
    130,560
    Apr 26, 2013
    Gettin' down westbound
    0
    Well id say paint chip is one thing and body panels fallling off is another. There is plenty of paint peeling trucks on the road that are top notch underneath. A nice paint job dont make u any money
     
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 7, 2020
    D.Tibbitt, Jul 7, 2020
    #5
    buzzarddriver Thanks this.
  8. Jul 9, 2020 #6
    Mid-May Trucker

    Mid-May Trucker Road Train Member

    1,119
    2,078
    Oct 23, 2018
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    [​IMG]
     
    Mid-May Trucker, Jul 9, 2020
    Mid-May Trucker, Jul 9, 2020
    #6
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