So you want to "own " your own company

I was thinking about starting a small fleet of about 3 trucks and hiring 2 drivers because one truck I would run myself. What companies accept fleets that I can get my loads from? I'm looking for good pay and consistent good miles so I can keep afloat and turn a profit from all my trucks.

 

A person would think three trucks would give you 3X more more chances to go broke, but in reality it's more like 10X since you have drivers who think you are getting rich off of them, will tear up things, won't repair small things you would, and will run hard, burning up fuel, and you can't track what routes they run unless you install a gps system. You won't know what's happening with them because you will be too busy trying to drive your own truck, or you will be fielding 15 phone calls a day from your drivers, unless you really need them, them you can't find them.

As a new O/O, one truck is hard enough to keep rolling at a profit, three is like driving down the road and throwing a grocery bag of money out the window. At least with the grocery bag you get to see the happy faces of the people that stop to pick up your money.

 

I have a dream of owning my own business. Whats the best way to go about this? I know the business because my grandfather owned a fleet but i was too young to take it over when he passed. I know how to operate it because I worked with him for years but don't know how to start and acquire business because he handled all that. I agree i would definitely have a manager keeping track of my drivers and me...

 

you'd be better off to run 1 truck or 8 trucks. Between that, lot of headache with little to no return.

read this manual too.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/eta/index.htm

 

My LLC Is coming gonna be ready in couple days
whats is my next step to get my authority?

 

RTM.......

 

I would suggest that anyone who is thinking about building a fleet to start with one truck that they drive themselves and after getting some experience to then consider whether you want to buy additional trucks. It is very difficult to run multiple trucks when you also drive. I have met very few who have made this work. Most have a spouse at home dispatching and finding loads while they drive.

Most carriers are willing to lease on fleets. Landstar, CRST Malone, Besl, Crete, US Xpress, Swift, Schneider are a few that still lease on fleets. I don't know their current criteria. Once you add trucks and drivers you will be on call 24/7. And there are a lot of drivers who seem to try to tear up your equipment. Others will sell your fuel and sell what they can off your truck. You can still earn money as a fleet owner, but it seems that the best way is to add more trucks and stay home and run your business. If you want to own a fleet, you may be better off getting your own authority.

 

G/MAN, you post that from time to time about drivers, and I can't help but shake my head and half way grin. It's the truth. And you've got the t-shirt too, right? I don't know how anybody can deal with having to keep drivers in a fleet of trucks - good ones that don't cost money. Anyone with drivers like that, they know they've got something sure enough. Some of the fleet owners on here have stated it's just a matter of paying them very well.. ..but I've heard the horror stories of good equipment and top notch pay still not being enough to keep drivers happy. Of course screening them out in the interview process is the key to everything. One really has do their homework on prospects I would imagine. Drive by posters come in here all the time asking this very same question. Not to knock their dream or anything, cause there are several successful fleet owners here on TTR everyone starts somewhere, but I don't believe many of these posters have put much thought into it beyond delusions of easy, big $$$$$$$$

 

Could anyone give me any info on how to become an approved carrier for major trucking companies, or is it even worth it. Verses trying to find that right load from loadboards. Thanks

 

You definitely want to get set up as an approved carrier with other carriers. Sometimes they have email lists they'll blast out of available loads. Sometimes when capacity is tight a simple email periodically, every other day or so, to the right person(s) posting your availability on their lanes (having established a working relationship on some fair rates will make this net the best results) will have your phone ringing with a very good load offer. I've gotten some excellent rates from other carriers on their contract loads or even 3PL stuff they were brokering out. Sometimes the small 150-300 trucks carriers can be good to work with, sometimes not. Sometimes even Schneider or JB Hunt will pay solid rates. We get some decent load offers from JB daily, I've even seen some offers where they were telling the office the checkbook was out and it was blank.. You just never know. Of course these carriers will also try to shovel stuff off on outside trucks for cheap too. They are after all, brokers, and that's what brokers try to make you do, go broke lol. It's really no different than loadboards. You still have to network, shop, and play it smart. If you're working spot you want every possible source for freight there is out there.