Bought a truck, can't drive

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Feb 4, 2011 #1
    TEEERIPPIT

    TEEERIPPIT Bobtail Member

    7
    0
    Feb 4, 2011
    0
    So, today I purchased a 1989 International day cab for $2,000. I have no idea how to drive or what I am getting myself into. I work in the logistics industry and can guarantee myself 40k a year in sales driving locally after I get off work. The truck runs fine, had a mechanic look at it, and recently signed up for truck driving school. Did I just make a huge mistake?? Where might I be able to find insurance? Thanks for any input.
     
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. Feb 4, 2011 #2
    DeafTrucker

    DeafTrucker Bobtail Member

    32
    4
    Jan 28, 2011
    Lincoln, NE
    0
    well one thing makes it difficult is getting otr experience with jobs. since you own a truck. i would just leave the truck home and do otr experience with a trainer.
     
    DeafTrucker, Feb 4, 2011
    DeafTrucker, Feb 4, 2011
    #2
  4. Feb 4, 2011 #3
    landy77

    landy77 Light Load Member

    129
    27
    Sep 18, 2010
    Biloxi, Mississippi
    0
    First get a CDL license, second read up on getting your own authority and everything that goes with it, fuel costs, maintenance, state permits, federal permits. There is a lot more to trucking than driving. The highway patrol will bend you over and wont even give a reach around or lube. My suggestion is to get your CDL and offer to work under a company or another owner operator's line of authority. In all honesty you will probably end up eating the $2,000 you paid for the truck. If you go on the road and get stopped by the DOT you will pay more than what you paid for the truck in fines.
     
    landy77, Feb 4, 2011
    landy77, Feb 4, 2011
    #3
  5. Feb 4, 2011 #4
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,200
    2,510
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
    :biggrin_25512:Would not call it a mistake, I would call it a dumb thing to do.
    Insurance is extremely hard to find if you have no experience. \
    How do you know this is the type truck you need ?
    40k might not be enough to cover your expenses.
    You need someone to advise you.
    Are you sure you CAN drive a truck ?
    All that glitters is not gold.:biggrin_25512:
     
    jbatmick, Feb 4, 2011
    jbatmick, Feb 4, 2011
    #4
    Rerun8963 and Wargames Thank this.
  7. Feb 4, 2011 #5
    TEEERIPPIT

    TEEERIPPIT Bobtail Member

    7
    0
    Feb 4, 2011
    0
    Assuming I get my CDL, how would I go about getting insured and getting my own authority? How much would I be looking at paying? If it doesn't work out, it's not a big deal, its primary purpose was for it to be used as a yard dog. I was just trying to recoup some of the expense by putting it on the road.
     
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    #5
  8. Feb 4, 2011 #6
    walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    4,678
    35,437
    Sep 25, 2010
    Since you aren't there, your house!
    0
    Maybe find someone with experience and partner with them for a year or so using his experience for insurance purposes...I'm sure someone would love access to a truck that would be willing to mentor you...
     
    walstib, Feb 4, 2011
    walstib, Feb 4, 2011
    #6
  9. Feb 4, 2011 #7
    TEEERIPPIT

    TEEERIPPIT Bobtail Member

    7
    0
    Feb 4, 2011
    0
    Sorry, I should have stated that we bought it primarily to jockey containers around in the yard. I could guaranty $80,000 in sales with accounts we already have, but would have to hire a driver for runs around the state during normal working hours.
     
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    #7
  10. Feb 4, 2011 #8
    landy77

    landy77 Light Load Member

    129
    27
    Sep 18, 2010
    Biloxi, Mississippi
    0
    From my limited experience with commercial driving, the more business you generate will help you recoup the expenses of operating. You have to think you are acting as a small business, not just driving down the road. I have seen a few advertisements and the cost for setting up a line of authority is over $1000. Honesty this is not something to do as a side job, there are big expenses involved.
     
    landy77, Feb 4, 2011
    landy77, Feb 4, 2011
    #8
    TEEERIPPIT Thanks this.
  11. Feb 4, 2011 #9
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    Well on the bright side you are only out $2000 if things go horribly wrong. I can tell you right now you won't be able to get insurance until you get a license. My best advice to you besides selling it would be to go to the OOIDA website. Everything you need to know will be on that site. There are also many reputable links to people that can help you get tags, insurance, permits, etc... Best of luck to you!
     
    chompi, Feb 4, 2011
    chompi, Feb 4, 2011
    #9
    TEEERIPPIT and papa1953 Thank this.
  12. Feb 4, 2011 #10
    TEEERIPPIT

    TEEERIPPIT Bobtail Member

    7
    0
    Feb 4, 2011
    0
    Thank you, that is helpful information. Does anything change if what I haul is considered "company cargo"? As in, hauling for ourselves and not a third party? Thanks for all posts!!
     
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    TEEERIPPIT, Feb 4, 2011
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

    • Page 1 of 3