Should I buy a truck straight out of school?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Boone1994, Apr 12, 2024.

  1. Boone1994

    Boone1994 Bobtail Member

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    Its not a trucking business i just have to have trucks and commercial insurance. Its not doing good or else i wouldnt be selling it. Nobodys doing good in my industry everyone went under or sold to private equity companies who are forcing out all the little guys.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2024
    Rideandrepair and Chinatown Thank this.
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  3. Boone1994

    Boone1994 Bobtail Member

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    I wish i could but i have to work 80 hour weeks and take home less than minimum wage. Theres alot of reasons im getting out it would be a bad decision to not sell.
     
    Rideandrepair and bryan21384 Thank this.
  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Yeah, i know, I had a business once.

    Not tryin to bust your balls, but you asked for opinions, so.

    What are your other expenses? Just from your posts, I say no way you do this with success
     
    Diesel Dave and cuzzin it Thank this.
  5. Boone1994

    Boone1994 Bobtail Member

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    Sorry i didnt mean to come across as rude. Cost of goods sold, payroll, insurance, gas, equipment, credit card processing fees, etc. All the usual suspects haha. I dont really want to discuss my old business as thats all ive talked about for years im sure you understand. Its not cheap though and way too much headache with hundreds of customers contacting me 24/7 and then employees on top of that. I wasnt trying to brag with my expenses either i only mentioned that because im accustomed to taking big hits which alot of people have trouble dealing with.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2024
  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I am not going to sugar coat a thing, do you want an answer that justifies your decision or do you actually want good advice?
     
  7. Boone1994

    Boone1994 Bobtail Member

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    Only decisions ive made are to sell my business and get into trucking. Which some people on this forum weirdly seem to have a problem with knowing nothing about me or my current business. But those are decisions i have already made after much thought and consideration. I dont need advice regarding those.

    I am seeking advice from owner operators about if i should buy a truck or work for a company. Some people have told me just buy a truck, others have said work for a company. In my original post i already said i think its probably best i work for a company for awhile. But at the same time ive also been told i might as well buy a truck. So im looking for advice and opinions regarding that.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    OK.
    I will ask this, what is your present "business"?

    I ask for more than just wanting to know.
    Wasn't going to tell you how to run your business, but it is rather a prudent thing to know what it is.
    OK that's simple - no!

    Why? Answer my question.
    Who?

    Are they actual owners/operators or arm chair owners?
    Well that's the route I would tell anyone to go and work for a company, three years but five is better.
    Yeah, those who say that either have been lucky or just don't know what the hell they are talking about.
     
    Lite bug and Numb Thank this.
  9. Boone1994

    Boone1994 Bobtail Member

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    Why does everyone want to know my present business? Ill say this, its blue collar, im a licensed electrician, been in this industry 11 years, and the expenses and headache arent worth the profit. I dont want to share more because ive already shared my location and dont want the wrong people to know im selling until its all said and done. Ill also say im fully self made nobody gave me anything i worked for everything i have and learned from the school of hard knocks. I sweat and work with my hands all day every day. I own trucks, boats, motorcycles and can fix anything with a motor. Im ready for something new and one of my best friends who owns a trucking company said this industry is a perfect fit for me.

    I appreciate the advice but not the questioning. Hopefully i can find a local job and get some experience.
     
  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    NO. If trucking was just driving on the open road hardly anyone would quit. But 80-90% of 1st year newbies leave the industry long before they get 12 months experience. Learn the reality of the job on someone else's dime before you risk your money. What would you tell your friend if he said "I'm hungry let's get lunch. No, I think I'll buy that restaurant today." Just a few of the things you don't know about trucking will bankrupt you before you learn them. We are in a trucking recession. Not many newbies are able to be more efficient on day 1 than an experienced small fleet operator. Maybe you are that one newbie. Maybe not.
     
  11. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Sounds like a good reason to "earn while you learn as a company driver", not gamble everything on learning it all before you run out of money.
     
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