Flatbed trailer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Bumpy, Jan 22, 2010.

  1. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

    6,527
    5,242
    Jan 27, 2009
    New Ulm,MN
    0
    In todays economy,do you guys think it would be a bad idea to start making payments on a truck and pulling a 48ft flatbed trailer?:biggrin_25524:
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. JasonTheRock

    JasonTheRock Light Load Member

    257
    102
    Feb 7, 2009
    Oakland, Ca.
    0
    Its not that simple, you need to create a business plan or model, factoring in costs, income, savings, etc. Some will say yes, others will say no. Sit down and run the numbers. Find out what it will cost to operate then find out what companies are paying to lease on, or what you can make under your own authority.

    If you do not do this you could likely end up in the hole (very deeply) and broke.
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,354
    11,164
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    I guess it would be ok if the payments were low and you lived in the truck and you had some customers lined up that paid good and on time and you had a cash reserve and knew you wouldn't break down and were the luckiest guy around.
     
  5. 112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

    1,384
    20,547
    Nov 30, 2008
    pocono's, pa
    0
    bad idea guys that have been in busness over 20 years are starving

    my truck has been parked since last feb and will stay that way untill things shake out
     
  6. Billy_Big_Rigger

    Billy_Big_Rigger Bobtail Member

    19
    4
    Jan 13, 2010
    NW Indiana
    0
    I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Equipment is cheap and the economy is picking back up on the flat side. Just have a plan because nobody is going to hold your hand and show you the way. But they will take advantage of you if you let them.
     
  7. broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    platform frieght volumes may be generally higher, but our rates sure as hell aint!!!!!!!!!!

    right now i'd wait.......wait....i am waiting.....i dont even like the payment i have, let alone doubling it
     
  8. coastie

    coastie Road Train Member

    Been there and done that. I rather do Vans or a Reefer. With a Stepdeck To much work for so little pay. My biggest week hauled 3 loads and got my lowest pay. I was making more with USA Truck as a Company Driver.
     
  9. Billy_Big_Rigger

    Billy_Big_Rigger Bobtail Member

    19
    4
    Jan 13, 2010
    NW Indiana
    0

    Well if you are just going to run off load boards then yes finding good freight is hard. But cutting out the middle man you would be surprised how much more coin goes in your pocket.
     
  10. Boardhauler

    Boardhauler Road Train Member

    1,634
    2,951
    Dec 21, 2008
    Ballin' in it for Shakey
    0
  11. Boardhauler

    Boardhauler Road Train Member

    1,634
    2,951
    Dec 21, 2008
    Ballin' in it for Shakey
    0
    I think you will be surprised at how hard it is for a 1 truck owner operator to find, service and retain his own accounts. Not to mention getting them to pay a fair rate in a timely manner.
     
    ModularMike Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.