Looking to start my own trucking company

You are both right, my bad!

 

I’m wondering if the OP is a troll? Thinking about it, he seemed legit if clueless about the actual cost of doing business, but then to expect a $3k profit monthly?

 

I don't think so. In todays job market, people without a lot of options tend to think,,,trucking, why not? Many times they find they are horribly incorrect on what the job actually offers, and I bet we answered their question in a hurry. I'd like to think we saved another person the grief of actually going through with it, like many of us did, and we did our job here.

 

As times go on, being an O/O has only gotten worse. This notion your 3k profit I know some people who lose there houses because they were dumb and went all in on black when red was the winner. That's exactly how I see o/o a giant gamble the house who gains all the profit brokers, and the government. The only certain thing is is some big expense rather your truck or something else or someone will drop the ball, you lose a customer. Even if you have a contract the problem with said contracts you would have to hire an attorney, money you likely wouldn't have to a case you may win many years later... The number one constraint for the trucking industry is in fact, the FMCSA since it was created and that is just the one big issues, not the last.

 

You really do not understand that the Sprinter Van is NOTHING like owning and operating an actual trucking company. You say you have read n here and made notes but your posting says otherwise.

 

Every single post is 100% true. So many variables involved. Biggest hurdle is finding and keeping a good Driver. Every Driver has a plan. Just like you. Even using the 1/3 examples, One major repair can take 6 mos worth of profits easily. Another 3 mos later, takes another 6 mos. projected profits. Now you’re in the hole. Hoping and praying for a good 6 mos. I call it chasing it. I’ve found myself chasing it so many times. The difference is I drove my Truck. I’m the only one I can depend on. A Driver WILL switch jobs at your worst moments. Can’t blame them. Would you put your livelihood in jeopardy? I’ve seen it work with reefers, typically Driver made 25% of $7000 per week. $1750. Fuel cost @ .50 per mile. Left $3500-$$4000. Enough to run fancy equipment, and constantly upgrade. Drivers stayed for the money, and because of the fancy Peterbilt/Spread axle Reefers. Running 5 units for over 20 years. Trucks ran hard and steady WI.-FL. Owner ran 1 himself. Wife ran home office. I think he’s still running just 1 unit himself. One of the few people I’ve seen succeed. Takes a lot of effort and dedication.

 

Pffft...why even bother torturing yourself when you see all these ads for Chicagoland outfits offering fleece purchase drivers "up to $6k gross" per week? Just think, with an all in payment of only $1k/week (for that shiny white Volvo and trailer) and a weekly fuel cost of about $1200, you'll net $3800 a week! (Their math & logic, not mine). Tempting, isn't it? And no need to worry about break downs because you'll have a warranty.
But if you want your own business then maybe you can partner with TQL. I see they have tons of freight.

 

Freight magazines & web sites track this info. GCaptain & Whats Going On With Shipping are on X & YouTube. Just use internet search for freight volume ships, trains, trucking.

 

Sal Mercagliano is a pretty good source for shipping thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, I'm a little past the beginner stage of trucking so the resource you use for tracking capacity and volume is what I'm hoping you share.

Everything I've seen and looked into for tracking capacity and volume has some pretty big holes so I'm always looking for others experiences so I can keep learning.

Would you mind sharing what you use for capacity and volume for trucking? Usually it's CASS and Sonar but maybe you can point me to something more helpful.

 

I run every aspect of my operation it can be done but it's work. Money management skills, discipline and a hard core work ethic are needed but the main thing is the Good Lord watching out over you.