Starting trucking business.

Check the OOIDA website; it's a business organization for the owner-operator and small fleet owner. They can answer all your questions.

 

i would seriously i mean seriously get some time as a company driver before you jumped in balls first. learn how to drive (not just operate the truck) on some one else's dime first. this industry will eat you alive.

 

It will take some time to adjust to market rates. Its not hard to keep the trucks loaded. The question is can you keep them loaded at a profitable rate ( less diesel, driver pay, maintenance). I would start by calling around lanes in you prefer to do run to get a feel for the market. You need to know what states and parts of the country to send the truck to and for what rate. Also, have a mechanic check out the trucks.

 

First thing to ask yourself is Why is your neighbor selling them ? As others posted get some time in the business first as trucking is not a game to get into with no experience , lot more failures than success stories.

 

Good way to get rid of disposable capital!

 

You need an experienced mentor or drive for at least 2 years to learn basics, otherwise you'll fail

 

You need both.

BUT to the OP, it all sounds great to own your own business but reality is it is hard work. This is a serious business, it is not like getting a food truck or some kiosk at the mall.

The first thing is you need to get the right tools to use, that is a lawyer and an accountant - they don't have to be trucking people but those who you can trust. This is for your protection and limit your liabilities. Let them help you decide key things, like how to structure your business, how to look at risk and how to buy equipment.

The second thing is this takes time, if you are clueless to what it is all about, go to school, get your CDL and get into the driver's seat - there is nothing worst than dumping all of this money into something and not know much about it.

The third thing is to understand that this is an easy industry to get into and very competitive. As an owner of a few trucks, I decided not to chase the big bucks by having my own authority but lease onto a diverse group of companies, this gives me wiggle room for a lot of things, I don't have to chase people to get paid or compete with a lot of other companies for loads. The other thing that is good for this is getting better drivers and keeping them. Something you will learn quickly that driving a truck may look easy but if you want to keep that truck for its estimated lifetime, you better have someone other than a gear jamming idiot driving it.

 

First, why is your neighbor is selling equipment? Their may be a reason. Second, Listen to the posts above. You have no clue what you're getting into.

Either get a CDL, Drive, Experience, Plan, Execute biz plan. Your lack of experience will undercut rates for the rest of us for a few months and still fail. You will be amazed how little or nothing will be left after you pay expenses and a driver. Major companies don't just profit from delivering loads from A to B.

 

You can buy some trucks but without knowledge of this industry; you will soon be in bankruptcy court. If you can find a reputable management service to manage your trucks and drivers, you might come out ok, but one bad driver and you will be toast.