Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Need help on which truck to get

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011.

  1. Jan 14, 2011 #1
    626Truckin'

    626Truckin' Bobtail Member

    15
    1
    Jan 14, 2011
    Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    0
    Howdy fellow truckers,

    Some background on me: I've had my CDL for 2.5 years now. Drove for CR England for a few months when I first got it, but things came up and I got a local job with Fedex as a delivery driver. So its been about 2 years since I've driven a truck but want to get back into the industry as an O/O (local). So here's the deal, I've been shopping around for my first truck and think I've come up with my top 3, but not sure which one to get. Just wanna get some opinions out there. Thanks fellas

    -Looking for something economical as far as price and repairs (Freightliner with a Detroit)?
    -Truck will be paid in cash (loan from a bank, I'm not rich):biggrin_2557:
    -But I do have money set aside for start up costs/repairs:biggrin_25525:
    -Live in CA and will be starting with a company that works in rail yards

    Truck A: 2005 Century, 594K miles, Detroit engine 10sp tranny, will need very minor repairs right off the bat (2 tires, alignment, belts, rear shocks), currently in FL dealership getting a dyno (will get results tomorrow morning). Worked this deal down to $25,500, buying from private party

    Truck B: 2005 Columbia WITH 2005 engine! 660k miles, Detroit engine 13sp tranny, slightly better condition than Truck A. Buying from used truck dealer. Asking $29k but havent negotiated on this deal yet

    Truck C: 2006 Century, 607k miles, Detroit engine 10sp tranny, probably in the best condition of the 3, SelecTrucks from FL and comes with a basic 100k mile warranty thats already built into the price. Cant decline it because its already paid for? Asking $31k but havent negotiated on this deal either

    In conclusion, is it better to save the money and get the lowest priced truck or spend a bit more and get a newer engine? I've been thinking about it all day and can't decide. Any input will be appreciated and what are other factors I should consider?
    -Will I spend an extra $3k buying from a dealer because of sales tax? (9.75%)
    -A friend told me the 2004 engine is more prone to breakdowns, has anyone else heard this?
    -I do prefer the Century more because I like the look of it and the interior/dash instead of the Columbia's (I know they're almost the same truck)
    Thanks for reading guys
     
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jan 14, 2011 #2
    otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

    13,081
    45,332
    Nov 18, 2008
    CA...gold discovery foothills
    0
    Better get up to date info on the engine issue...age v. CA emissions standards...you might rethink your purchase!
     
    otherhalftw, Jan 14, 2011
    otherhalftw, Jan 14, 2011
    #2
    rocknroll nik Thanks this.
  4. Jan 14, 2011 #3
    626Truckin'

    626Truckin' Bobtail Member

    15
    1
    Jan 14, 2011
    Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    0
    I have, but the 07 and newer emission engines START in the $60k range! The 2004 engine is compliant in the rails/ports until 1/1/2012, and the 2005-2006 engine compliant until 1/1/2013. Anybody correct me if I'm wrong, thats just the latest info I have.
    If I do end up getting the 2004 engine, I'll just have to look for work outside of the rails/ports.
     
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    #3
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  5. Jan 14, 2011 #4
    pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

    1,185
    598
    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
    0
    Just a word of advice...learn some more about the industry before buying a truck. A few months as a CR England company driver and then local FedEx work does not give you the proper knowledge for being a successful O/O...or even a O/O period. There are way more things that need to be considered. Mostly you say you are gonna pay for the truck in cash, then you state a loan from a bank. These two terms have very different meanings and effect your business in very different ways. Also running in Cali has its own challenges (CARB, the state is broke, Mexican trucks/drivers, and really cheap rates especially pulling rail junk). As for the repair costs: they will be higher than you think running rail freight. Many rail yards are horrible places on tires so plan on replacing a tire every week or two just to be safe. Not to mention some are pretty rutted up (this takes a toll on the suspension). Sorry to be so blunt, but this is a very unforgiving industry especially in the cheap rail freight area.
     
    pullingtrucker, Jan 14, 2011
    pullingtrucker, Jan 14, 2011
    #4
    rocknroll nik Thanks this.
  7. Jan 14, 2011 #5
    Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

    2,970
    934
    Oct 1, 2009
    Midwest
    0
    If you get a LOAN, the truck is NOT PAID IN CASH...it's one or the other.

    Have you even TRIED to see about getting a loan from a bank?
    Most will NOT loan you money for a rig unless you can prove you have contracts and/or will be leased to a carrier (and showing the lease agreement).
    It's not like buying a car at all...
    Oh and dont be stupid and take out a HELOC to pay for the rig as my local dealer had suggested.
    Never EVER put anything trucking related against the home you live in....


    Sales tax is paid regardless of whether you buy from a private sale or dealer.
    Some states do offer tax exemptions when you have your MC but I dont know CA rules and laws.
    I bought my rig with CASH from a guy in MN and when I brought it home and registered it I then paid sales tax to my state.

    I admire your desire to do this but not sure you really grasp all thats involved here.
    If your not careful you will end up in really really bad shape.
    There are some recent threads on here listing costs/expenses for your own rig. Insurance is a big big cost...I would price that out too.

    Be careful.
     
    Hanadarko, Jan 14, 2011
    Hanadarko, Jan 14, 2011
    #5
  8. Jan 14, 2011 #6
    Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

    12,683
    23,165
    Jan 17, 2008
    Wherever and Whenever...
    0
    First off.....You can retrofit an '04 with a DPF.....But the retrofit will run you anywhere from $12K-$24K.......

    Second...there is a proposal by CARB...(Which Mary Nichols has just been reappointed to head btw.....) To have the DPF ('07-Current) and/or SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction '10 and '11 in combination with the DPF) tied into an engine shutdown should one or both fail....Only '07-Current ECMs are capable for that code "update"...and if it goes through, it will be like the mandatory "Re-flash" the state had a few years back....

    Currently, '07-'09 engines (DPF only) '10-'11 Engines (Both DPF and SCR except for Volvo IIRC which went to an EGR instead of an SCR) Will de-rate and generate an error code on the ECM...



    You are right that CARB compliant trucks will cost you more....Supply and demand; compliance with the regs as well....The cost will always increase....

    The ports are dead serious about CARB compliance.....But you still see old shakers running on day passes in Long Beach and in Oakland......there are no O/O's running in the Port of LA...Teamsters only per agreement between the port operators, the Teamsters, and the mayor of L.A.


    There is funding available from various agencies and depending on your authority, Intrastate carriers are eligible for funding as are "Designated" businesses in the state.....

    Interstate carriers although IRPed in California, are not eligible for any program currently....So they must do what I did....Bite the bullet and buy a new CARB compliant rig.....


    Another thing you should consider....

    CARB considers the "Useful Life" of a rig to be ten years....

    I purchased a "Brand new on the lot '09" last March....CARB is giving me until 2020 to run the rig.....In 2021....again according to my CARB contact...I will have to purchase a new rig....



    You can go to CARB's website for more info......


    Unfortunately....Those are rules.....Hopefully those of us who became compliant will have the business advantage to justify our upgrades.....

    I would be extremely pizzed if CARB allowed exceptions for NAFTA and out of state rigs....
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2011
    Working Class Patriot, Jan 14, 2011
    Working Class Patriot, Jan 14, 2011
    #6
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  9. Jan 14, 2011 #7
    626Truckin'

    626Truckin' Bobtail Member

    15
    1
    Jan 14, 2011
    Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    0
    Sorry that was a bit confusing. What I meant was I'm getting a loan from a bank but taking that money and paying off the dealer. I get my truck and just pay the bank back. Yes I was approved for a commercial loan from the bank at 5.3% (I have great credit).
    Wow your dealer is desperate if he's suggesting to use a HELOC loan to buy a truck, I agree I'd never do that. And insurance is gonna be about $680/month.

    An update on the trucks, "Truck A" came back with very low power on the dyno. It was set at 515 hp but only pulled 256hp at the wheels so that truck is out. I knew it felt a bit sluggish but WOW is that low!
    Went back to FL and they had a truck like "Truck C" but with a 2006 engine as well. Probably gonna get this one.

    I appreciate all the info and advice guys. I'm not expecting it to be easy but I'm gonna get it done! I have 2 friends in the trucking biz and they'll be my mentors, but I really am determined to become an O/O.
     
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    626Truckin', Jan 14, 2011
    #7
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.