Taking the leap...

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Dr Demented, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. ampm wayne

    ampm wayne Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2009
    bloomington,in
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    My 14.0 gets 6+ in the winter 7+ mpg in the summer. Average load 25,000 pounds.
     
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  3. miconn

    miconn Light Load Member

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    Jul 29, 2009
    Mobile,AL
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    I would say that there is something wrong with that fuel mileage, as I also have a '96 FLD with a 12.7 Det, 475 strait HP, and it gets 7.5 to 8 mpg pulling heavy rib sided containers.
    The 14 ltr is a pain in rear with the EGR (mine is now starting to "stick") I wish I had researched more before I bought it. I would have rebuilt the '96 before buying this truck. Running under your own authority, you can get away with a little older truck......
    As far as slowing down to 60, do whatever pleases you, just do it in the right lane and please don't attempt to pass.......
     
  4. truckmike55

    truckmike55 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 13, 2010
    kingman AZ.
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    BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, Save cash, Pay cash for your truck or DON"T DO IT, have cash for truck in your pocket, lease to Landstar, If you can make Good Money that route, go back to CO. driver
     
  5. Dr Demented

    Dr Demented Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2007
    Delphi, IN
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    Well, I got shot down...the bankerman said that he was really impressed with my business plan but that I don't have enough collateral. I'm not giving up...just have to start looking elsewhere, maybe grovel at my family's doorstep or look for venture capitalists.

    The thing that really galled me was that he said I should lease on to a company for three years so that I can prove to the bank that I can make it. I told him the same thing I've said on this thread, that there's no way I can justify making a company money while they barely give me a few pennies to cover my costs. From what I've seen and read, that's the sure road to ruin & certain financial doom. It's all or nothing for this driver...I may have to go back to work for a company, but not as a Lease-Op.
     
    ampm wayne, Tommo2 and Gears Thank this.
  6. Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Aug 20, 2009
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    Hang in there Doc... all's not lost. Keep plugging away... you can do it!
    I'm impressed you put together a business plan. That's your roadmap! I wish more took it as seriously as you!
     
    nevuloso and Dr Demented Thank this.
  7. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
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    welcome to produce. it's heavy and it's HOT. no time to slow down unless you want to drive 16hrs a day to make up the extra miles. I generally average 800 miles a day. that's hard to do at 60mph

    it's not bad but it's not great ether. I'd like to see 6mpg for the trade off of driving an ugly vacuum cleaner of a truck.

    when I can run 65 on flat ground my fuel mielage is between 6 and 6.5. the hills kill this motor too
     
  8. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
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    being leased to a company gives banks a warm fuzzy feeling for some reason. I doubt very highly that in this financial climate you will find anyone to lend you money to start out as an independant. Had some other freinds go through this recently. I sugessted getting a letter of intent to lease from some company so they could get the financing. then one the papers are signed there is nothing stoping you from changing your mind and going independant.
    it worked for them
     
    Fratsit Thanks this.
  9. Dr Demented

    Dr Demented Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2007
    Delphi, IN
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    hehehe, that's not a terrible idea...I might have to look into that.

    Thanks!
     
  10. newly crusin

    newly crusin Medium Load Member

    Thanks for insight,yes i think all O/O would have to have the business mind to survive today.

     
  11. newly crusin

    newly crusin Medium Load Member

    Looking for advice on a used truck,
    seeking advice on reliability not pricing.

    Seeking advice on Volvo's 780.

    I found 1 2007 780,Cummings ISX 400 hp, 13 speed Fuller with a 3:55 axle ratio.
    410,000 miles.
    A company truck,Comes with all maint. records from day 1.
    6 month,50 k mileage warranty.

    The other is a 2006 780 ,Cummings ISX 545 HP( If I'm remembering correctly),325,xxx miles, fuller 13 speed,
    3:55 axle ratio,
    had a complete rebuild BY Cummings, 25,000 miles ago because it had over heated.
    I saw the paperwork by Cummings, it stated that all cylinders,pistons,bearings at pistons,entire head and all valves replaced ,coolant replaced,etc.( I sure I'm missing things here, the parts list was long).
    6 month engine warranty by Cummings.

    Would the larger ISX engine consume more fuel?
    (if both were driven in the same manor,same speed,etc.)

    Both trucks will be checked out at my local heavy truck place before buying.

    Advice would be appreciated.
     
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