New Owner but not operator

Starting a trucking company without knowing the basics and having no experience is just about everyone in the past 20 years.

Very few jump in knowing how things are done or having real world experience.

I say good luck, but you need an advisor aka an mentor asap.

 

Lots of information on this site if you use the search button. You can look up and read a few of the threads that have great information in it. ELD I use Keep trucking/ Motive is the new name. I prefer new trucks instead of older trucks with warranty. If you can work on your own trucks then maybe old is better for you.

 

DAT if running dry van or reefer, Truckstop if running Flatbed.
Get you a fuel card lots of options, No fav apps that I use other then my iPhone Weather App and Google Maps.
For parking and other information app Trucker Path is the best.

Get you a pass for the weigh stations if you can and it will auto pay for the tolls. Best pass is what I use.

 

I’ve been in this business since 1979. Been broke, broken even and made money at the end after the up’s and down’s. It’s call getting experience through out the years. Many come here(like yourself) and want to know the holy grail how to get rich without learning the sacrifices one makes 101 style. Many come on here wanting to know who they haul for and there rates, basically they want everything handed to them on a golden platter. So “a s s” you can see, pardon me if I sounded like a “Richard” at least better then being a “Karen”. As for answers the rest of your question, use the search feature above, you’ll get more answers than you need. And if you do use that feature, you’ll understand the sarcasm “If” you last long enough on here. Good day to you.

 

Well, you just missed out on the good market. I guess there will be some opportunities to pickup cheap trucks in the next 12-24 months when some of these folks start defaulting on their $5,000/month truck payments. Cat 3406e/6nz c15 or Detroit 12.7. I’d say 2010 and older is still too new. I’d go for 2003 and older. At the end of the day, trucking is where money goes to die 90% of the time. You’re probably better off going all in on crypto currencies, investing in some of Donald Trump’s digital NFT trading cards, or asking chatGPT to reinvent the wheel for you.

 

OP, so you own these two trucks or looking to buy. Post 1 comers across as your thoughts, post 12 you own them. If you own them then I presume just.

Not so long ago I'm was your position but share some of the driving. The days are around 200 mile and I'm in Australia. I found work that was well paying and local. I have no idea what interstate are getting but my staffer and I are home with our families each night. I take home 3000 to 5000AU each week. Staffer takes home 1000 for a 30hr week, my week is also 30hr behind the wheel.

Regardless I would collect a trustworthy dossier for a spare driver, mechanic repair shop x 2, mobile mechanic, tow truck, tyres, truck electrician, parts supplier, and truck-trailer hire mob. Its inevitable something is going to let you down, and keeping that to a minimum so one is dependable is important. There are plenty that circle who will take bite while your down.

I also chose a brand of truck for 2 reasons. One is I drive past the dealer daily. They are only $20ph more in labour but they have several million in parts 30 minutes away, and all the know how to sort stuff quickly. I have a MX-13 motor with 450K on it that is 13yo and its been faultless. Develop good relationships with staff both in the office and shop floor, and when the chips are down little favours can save you. Yes you still pay but its no where near as much as the truck being off the road. They also do evening and Saturday morning servicing.

The other is though the truck is ugly, it has a sound reputation and the spec to get the job done. Auto with enough gears to suit my run, but not so many its jumping all over the place. Great exhaust brake that simpler than a gear box retarder, cab over with short wheel base for the tight twisty roads we do. I chose an auto as the truck safeguards itself from abuse, it won't change gears if perimeters are out. A mechanic once told me in his 10 years in the shop, he has replaced perhaps a 1000 manuals but never an auto.

I hope I never loose my driver but that day may come. Where I deliver to a competitors new driver hopped out of the truck with the gear shift in his hand claiming WTF. But you don't brake the gear shifter of the box driving it correctly, $20K later the truck was on the read again.

Not sure I am telling you to suck eggs or any of it is relevant, but as others have said it doesn't all come for free, but get out there and start doing.