big decisions

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by hrtbr8kr, Nov 25, 2011.

  1. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2011
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    I am trying to decide if I want to buy my own truck in Feb. I have drove as a lease op last year for CR Engalnd, and needless to say that was a joke. Wouldnt have been bad if i had gotten the mileage i needed. but i have been at home with the kids since july and i am biting at the bit to get back out. but i am thinking about being an owner op and either running for a company, or hiring a broker. i am weighing out all the options of owner op, company driver, otr (again), local...... and the list goes on. the biggest i am concerned about is how to run the behind the scenes work as an owner op. as a leaser i didnt have to worry bout fuel cards pay, ect.... but i liked having to do the paperwork and seeing where everything goes and figuring what i needed to run and so on. i love to have that control and know how. but i dont know how to get a hold of any owners here to chat about how they run theirs, what they use for the office work, details, how to run the truck effectivley... i dont want to start the year nxt year bad if you know what i mean. any advice would be great!!!!!!!!
     
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  3. rodknocker

    rodknocker Road Train Member

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    It costs roughly $1.18 a mile to operate your own rig. Anything after that is yours. You can make good money with your own truck but you'll never make money with a $1.25 a mile company regardless of how many miles they run you. You'll never make good money with a company job thats always looking for drivers.
     
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  4. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    What type of truck you looking to buy? What will you haul? Will you have cash on hand AFTER buying the truck?

    There's a million variables to think about.
     
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  5. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2011
    Yukon, OK
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    i really enjoyed my 2011 freightliner cascadia dd15...except the #### def fuel. but it ran good on mpg and smooth...i love my petes and kw's but i need better mpg lol. i will have cash, but i need to look for a truck with a reasonable pmt since i am looker for a newer model. i like reefers, dry van, i want to learn flatbed.
     
  6. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    ya , i learned that quick with my lease. i was being paid .90mile before they took .14 off the top for variable, .07 maint and so on.....ugh
     
  7. q in sac

    q in sac Light Load Member

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    Jul 12, 2010
    Sacramento, CA
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    You said " but i liked having to do the paperwork and seeing where everything goes and figuring what i needed to run and so on. i love to have that control and know how. but i dont know how to get a hold of any owners here to chat about how they run theirs, what they use for the office work, details, how to run the truck effectivley... i dont want to start the year nxt year bad if you know what i mean. any advice would be great!!!!!!!!"

    The vet's on this forum are here, they either recovering from football, overeating, over-drinking or out "black friday" shopping with the owner (i.e. wife). Or working.

    There are a lot of variables that you are asking for. There are a number thread on this forum that will answer a lot of your questions. The paperwork is crazy and you learn by trial and error. Some will some basic info, but the reality is that its a "hands on" deal. But patience is important and take your time.
     
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  8. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    thanks... i think its just my nerves about the whole thing. im young, kinda, and dont want to make the BIG mistakes.
     
  9. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    HA, i looked at link a lady posted for owner ops and my head was spinning with all the lists she had of the things you need to do and have.... whew. im sure 90% of all that is a one shot kill and was probly doing myself already as a lease op. ............ maybe i just ned to hop on with an owner for a week and get the ins and outs lol.
     
  10. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    It's not nearly as complicated as some make it out to be.

    You're in PA? If you end up buying a reefer, send me a pm.
     
  11. hrtbr8kr

    hrtbr8kr Medium Load Member

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    Yukon, OK
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    i read a link by Nightwind that was ver resourceful and funny.... eased the nerves a bit lol.
     
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