Where is the money in trucking?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Moneyhungrytrucker, Feb 2, 2023.

  1. The Railsplitter

    The Railsplitter Medium Load Member

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    "BFE... and lovin' it!"
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    Long FLD, I gotcha beat, I only paid $40K cash for my current home, lol... on half a treed acre in a rural subdivision, nice and quiet, no through traffic and virtually no crime. I live outside town limits, so my property taxes are $100 per year, lol. The home is a fixer but it's in decent shape, I'll be finishing the home rehab work this spring. I have two metal sheds on concrete slabs, one rather large which is practically brand-new, and I have a metal dual carport which matches the larger shed (built by the same outfit). To top it all off, the seller had to pony up for a new septic system because the old one failed state-mandated inspection, so that was an added bonus... I could NEVER find a deal like this in Kalifornia, it's simply not possible. $40K wouldn't buy an outhouse in that state, lol. :rolleyes:

    My whole point here is that bargains can be found, but ya gotta look for 'em by checking listings daily, and once ya find a place ya like, ya gotta move fast or someone will beat ya to it... those goldurned investment groups are looking for cheap properties to fix up and rent or flip. But a hand can keep trying until he finds a suitable fixer home, and if he's handy with tools he can make most of the repairs himself and bring that home up to speed. In a way, I'm living the American Dream, I'm happy here and I have excellent trail riding minutes from my door... I had to give up the ocean & sailing to do this, but I'm totally free & clear on home, car, bike, etc. Hey, it may be a 20-year-old Camry, but it still fires up every single time, lol... the bike is a 2011 KLR 650 with 25K miles on the odometer, plenty of life left in it. o_O

    I know, I digress from the OP's post(s), but I think it's important for younger hands to realize that location is important, and trucking is one of those jobs which allows for a bit of leeway in choosing where to live. Honestly, I left Kalifornia because I realized that I could no longer afford to live there, the overall cost of living there is insane... and for what? Crowds, traffic, smog, crime, the whole ugly nine yards... better to GTFO of the Big City and live in the boondocks, aye? Visit the Big City on the job or on vacation, but live in the country... preferably outside town limits so your property taxes are dirt cheap, but you're still within easy striking range of resupply points in town. Some states have much lower overall costs of living than others... do a little research and pick a location that suits ya. :cool:
     
    rockeee Thanks this.
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  3. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    You would have to minimize leisure activities. I don't disagree that Americans could make more money, but truckers have it a little better than a lot of people. There are companies that have very good insurance out there. Some are cheaper than others, and there are companies that give you coverage from day 1. All that being said, the society ain't changing man. You gotta figure out how to navigate it.
     
  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    No doubt, I used to commute to the north side of Nashville from Murfreesboro when I worked local. Getting there wasn't the problem, I had to be there at 5 am. Going home was the hard part. I always got off during rush hour. So yeah, to see anything worth a ####, it's gonna come at some sort of cost.
     
  5. Moneyhungrytrucker

    Moneyhungrytrucker Light Load Member

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    I concur with your statement. While earning a livelihood as a truck driver is possible, the income often only covers basic expenses, leaving little room for emergency situations or retirement savings. The key to success in trucking is to live in one's truck. Unfortunately, living in your truck is not an option for individuals in other professions.

    This Facebook post, with over 6,000 comments from people from various industries, highlights the reality of many who have to resort to living in their cars in parking lots of Walmart, rest areas, and other locations.

    My favorite spot to sleep in my car is hospital parking lots • • • • • • • • • • • • #carcamping #carcamper #carcampingadventures #travel #traveladdict #cheaptravels #happytravels #roadtrip #roadtripusa #roadtrips #hospital | Michael Hickey | ghostly echoes · roslyn (slowed + reverb)
     
    bryan21384 and The Railsplitter Thank this.
  6. peabody747

    peabody747 Light Load Member

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    see that's the good buddy job perks management feels they need to push onto us drivers, and we take it up the ### everyday. Dump that job and go make the money you think you deserve
     
    Kyle G. Thanks this.
  7. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Thanks for the tip.
     
  8. Kenworth6969

    Kenworth6969 Road Train Member

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    The only money in trucking right now is having a wrecker business in Wyoming.

    The accidents and pile ups are soo relentless over there. No shortage of work ever.
     
  9. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Yeah man, the rent is too #### high! In my Jimmy McMillan voice lol.....
     
  10. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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    The money in trucking is providing a service that has a demand and others are unable to perform.
    Hauling specific commodity that needs tedious attention that others forgo. Providing a service in an under capacity geographical market. Providing equipment for transport that is in an under capacity market.

    These under capacity situations are failed to be achieved because of lack of intel, laziness, availability of equipment, risk, cost, expertise, and not a single Waffle House within the Michigan state lines.
     
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2023
    bryan21384 and Moneyhungrytrucker Thank this.
  11. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Niche markets. It might take some time and it definitely takes some effort but you can build a good business around stuff that a lot of people ignore.
     
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