A few questions on going Owner Operator

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Passoverlamb5, Mar 5, 2025.

  1. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    Well I think the problem is that those trucks at that mileage are insanely expensive to repair, even if you don't need a rebuild.

    I know of a shop that did some work on an isx. Not exactly sure everything they did but there was work done on the common rail and a whole bunch of other things but no rebuild.

    This is an honest shop, and the bill was $40,000.

    I'm not trying to dissuade you at all, but there's a member on here that bought a truck I think for $60,000 because he wanted to buy a really good truck and it wasn't that old.

    I think in a year and a half he had another 50 or 60 into it he just had incredible problems.

    Some of it is a crap shoot but these new trucks the cost of everything is just outrageous.

    If you really can do repairs yourself, and you have a brother in law that is a decent mechanic, why don't you buy an older truck that has a series 60 in it or an n14 and you have a very simple engine that doesn't cost a whole lot to work on or even rebuild.

    You're going to spend a lot of money for a truck like that in good shape, but if you can do the little repairs and you can fix the air lines and the brakes and springs and whatever it needs, you are ahead in my opinion.

    My truck is a 95 Freightliner and that thing will go across the country tomorrow. No different from any $100,000 truck in any way shape or form as far as dependability.

    And my truck I can work on every single thing without ever going to a dealer, and it helps because mine has a mechanical engine.

    Something to think about but if you buy one spend the money to buy one that has a buttload of repairs that they have actual receipts for.

    Find an owner operator that's retiring and pay him top dollar, because whatever you pay for it you will get it back in what it will not cost you with these insane newer trucks.

    Just my opinion, good luck.
     
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  3. Passoverlamb5

    Passoverlamb5 Bobtail Member

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    I will look into this option with the series 60 or n14. Thank you.
     
  4. Passoverlamb5

    Passoverlamb5 Bobtail Member

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    My plan was to run load board until I could network into some direct freight. I do know how to negotiate with brokers and I have inquired about insurance.
     
  5. Passoverlamb5

    Passoverlamb5 Bobtail Member

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    If I did delete I would buy a j-pro scanner. Not for sure about deleting, just was asking the consensus on it.
     
  6. Passoverlamb5

    Passoverlamb5 Bobtail Member

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    I will take all of this into consideration, not just looking for the community approval. I came here for real opinions and advice.
    I am not above leasing on, I just made a new post about that and would appreciate your advice there as well.

    I do not operate with any debt of any kind, in my personal life or business ventures. So no, no credit cards.
     
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  7. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Well, here is a link, read what I said - What I say
     
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  8. Passoverlamb5

    Passoverlamb5 Bobtail Member

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    I don’t think Landstar would take me, I’m a felon and did time. I was a young drug dealer with no family at all, did 5 years in the pen and came home 4 years ago. Just trying to work hard and get ahead.
     
    Siinman Thanks this.
  9. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Ok. Have you looked at some of the spot rates? They are cheap, I personally think you are going to a really hard time making it in the current market.
     
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  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Think again, but LS is not the only company out there. So, do some research.
     
    FullMetalJacket Thanks this.
  11. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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