Need Advice on buying trucks

BTW, we've been told not to lease the floats...is that a good idea?

 

If your just starting out FORGET about hiring NEWBIES , you will have enough headaches without adding to the PROBLEMS that come with inexperienced drivers. Once you up and running then bring 1 on board and see how it goes.

 

Take the top 10 fleets in the country and look at the specs of their trucks. These guys have done the research and done the math to figure out how to make as much profit as possible in this biz. Decide what you will be hauling and copy the leaders. The truck you have always wanted probably isn't the one that will make you the most money.

 

BrianALG what state do you run your business out of? Also if you are going to have company equipment and hire on drivers, would you or do you provide benefits? Also as far as equipment, Peterbilt and Kenworth are very good trucks. Cummins engines are excellent. 13 speeds should do well as long as the rear of the truck is geared proper. I am keeping my eyes open for new prospects for a company with very personable employer, that pays acceptionally well, has great benefits and good home time. If and when you start to put this all together, PM me. It sounds like it could be a good opportunity with good freight lanes.

 

PETERBILT and KENWORTH produce JUNK just like the other truck makers, lot of new PETEs and KWS sitting at the dealers waiting for parts or new ideas on how to fix them.

 

Wait one min you have over 200+ loads a day and dont know about trucking. Thats more than some of the mega brokers. Somebody pull out the boat we going fishing. Now if you are talking about Loadboard freight you wont get to many O/O

 

Amen brother! I was driving a 2010 Pete 386 daycab with an ISX and a 10 speed for a minute. Broke down 4 times in 2 months and all related to the emissions equipment. When the DPF clogged up I lost a week behind that. Oh and it only got 4.8 to 5.5 miles to the gallon. Had to get a 14 year old truck to make some headway and I don't regret it.

 

Personally, I think the best bang for your buck is Freightliner / DD15. Comfortable for your driver, fuel efficient, tons of dealers and TA/Petro can do warranty work. You want to think about saving money and fuel is going to be your largest expense so save there. Also, keep in mind, a truck that can do the job is a truck that can do the job. You don't need a $150,000 Pete with all the bells and whistles when a $115,000 Freightliner is going to do the same job. I'm an owner op now but I worked in management and sales for a large van/reefer carrier for over 16 years. Keep your cost low, low, low and then you'll have the margins to expand, pay your drivers well, so on and so forth. Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

Another bankruptcy in the making. Why do people think starting a trucking company is easy with no experience? You are setting yourself up for failure. Buy a truck and run a couple years, see if you still think its a good idea then apply what you have learned.