Best trailer for Owner/operator?

That is a loaded question. Everyone has a preference and everyone is probably different. Utility makes a good flatbed and they are easy to find parts for. Starting out I would go with a used trailer. Get checked out thoroughly....brakes, drums, air or leaf spring (another debate on which is better), wiring, etc. Keep your cost down starting up, you can always get new when your up and running and know what your financial status will be. Good luck!

 

Buy a used truck and trailer, starting out you do not want the overhead of new equipment. I have been an owner op for twelve years and have never bought a new truck or trailer. With the price of new trucks there is no reason in the world to spend that kind of money with the poor rates we are seeing today. As far as brands, everyone one is going to have a different opinion there. I like Fontaine myself. I think the key to buying used equipment is to find someone that is wanting to get out of the business and buy their well maintained truck or trailer.

 

First off, thanks for serving! To me, you raise a big red flag when you say you are going to get a VA business loan for $100K. This is not the industry to start out that deep in debt, lacking experience and in an economy that is projected to slow through 3rd or 4th quarter this year. I admire what you want to do but if you don't have the cash saved up to jump in without debt, PLEASE hire on with someone to learn the business for a year or two.

 

I agree don't get in with 100k of debt . Unless you got customers because if you are planning on running the load boards and you are borrowing your operating capital it's a set up for failure

My advise get a used truck - lease on to a company ( your choice of who ) learn the business sector you choose be it Flats , Vans, etc give it a year pay your truck off if you can in that time and then look at possibly buying a trailer and going more advanced in your business

 

yes there absolutely right I myself did a lease purchase just to learn the business I was fortunate i was able to get out before the debts piled up too high i was saved by 2 factors first being i blew my engine they was gonna give me a new truck but i no longer needed the lease my dad passed away and i inherited a lot of money. so now knowing my money wont last forever have decided to start my own company. no loans no debt all bills paid for a year i might actually stand a chance ive already bought a used truck got a good deal on it bought a 2006 KW T2000 13 speed in perfect working order truck looks brand new it was well kept only spent $22,500 i am also buying used reefer trailer. gonna spend about 10k on one then im putting 10k up for maintenance and .20 cents a mile after that. $8200 a year on insurance. i wont have any bills due for a year the only thing ill have is fuel costs. there isn't a lot of money in trucking with rising fuel costs and low freight rates i want to grow the company possibly buy more trucks down the road so i have to cut myself a salary .30 cents a mile rest goes to company.

if you take a loan you will not be able to pay it back you will lose big after doing the math having everything paid for doesn't leave much left for paying back loans

 

CRST malone is a good place to start. You choose your own loads. You choose when you go home. Hey don't ever force anything upon you. Pm me in you want more info. Include phone number. I would rather call than type on phone