WHY, did you fail?... WHY, are you succeeding?

Why did I fail? Yes I failed as an O/O and there is a number of reasons.

First mistake was I bought a Truck that looked good but was bad on fuel. 1st Truck I had leased and did good on fuel, avg 7.5 mpg, second truck one I bought best ever average was 5.5 MPG. It adds up.

Second mistake and the biggest error I left the company I was doing good in hopes of finding greener grass.

Third I made not 1 but 3 bad choices in a row of companies to lease onto.

If I could go back and redo some things I would back time up till I was back on with USA Truck and not leave till I had enough money saved to gone full independent.

 

1st was a Frieghtliner Century and the second was a Peterbilt. Should have known better on the Pete, I never made money driving one. I am jinxed with Petes.

 

Right now nothing. Due to health issues I am out of trucking. It hard enough to get up in the morning with the pain I am in. Do I want to get another truck? If I was able to drive again maybe, but first I need to get rid of may medical issues.

 

Coastie, I'm retiring in July and have plans to buy a truck and lease on to WVT of Texas. Do you have advise? I've saved about 10k and have excellent credit. I'm looking for a Freightliner with a Detroit. I'm a MK and can handle all the maintenance and repairs myself.

 

I have been an O/O since 1980, age 23. My own authority, since 1994, mc 262265. Have operated as many as 15 units 80% long distance, remainder local 200 mile radius. Presently 1 leased truck and and Im driving an 84 Pete. My operating expenses are .80 per mile at 120K miles per year. My taxable net is .80 per mile. My route is primarily Va to Tx and return.2 years dedicated outbound for both trucks. Open market on return loads. 2500 miles round trip. 3 nights in the bunk, 5 days working, flatbed. Some say Im successfull, some say Im not. Im a stickler on understanding my numbers, true preventive maintence, improving the vehicle as we maintain it and tracking fuel
mileage, no exceptions. Im pleased with the way things are going. But one thing I can be sure of, it will change and so will I.