Wonder how far newbies have made it?

trucking isn't in a sad state, it all depends on your skill set and ability to make things work

I don't do a l/p, I do get paid on 1099 as I am leased to a company, I file taxes each year.

I don't do contract port work.

I am not a cheer leader for ttr, I just think you are just a dissatisfied fellow, you tried being a o/o and couldn't deal with the cost of repairs, so now you driving for someone and unhappy. the ones of us who aren't sad and unhappy seem like cheerleaders to you.

 

Your employer is a tax dodger.Don't concern yourself with me,I raised 4 kids and live comfortably but don't see this generation affording to do the same.(not in trucking)
AS far as maintenance cost,the small fleet I work for now consist of 14 trucks all less than 5 years old with several less than 2 years and believe me.They tear up regular.Save your money,you will surely need it.

 

This has GOT to be one of the most ignorant and condescending posts ever directed at skateboardman..............who incidentally is one of the kindest, helpful, and most knowledgeable posters on here. Just flippin' wow.

 

the new truck might make money but your old one will make profit. I like profit over money

 

I will go along with helpful and knowledgeable, but this guy has used up the kindness quota. lol.

I saw he had made a post that he tried to be an o/o but couldn't take the repair bills, lol. I guess he doesn't understand at all the process of being leased on somewhere, owning your own truck and trailer, and getting a 1099 when you are truly and without a doubt a contractor. so mercer , landstar, etc are tax dodgers.

and 6 speed, I regular save money for repairs, I got the nerve or this, I have learned a thing or two since 1979, and I have owned and paid for repairs for one since 1989 when I bought a 1976 intl cabover for 1250 bucks and ran it for 4 years. and I have had more sex than you also, I got 5 kids, lol.

I don't understand your hate though, I didn't dispel your post at all, I just stated what I don't do, I think paxil could be in your future, you need to calm down and cool your oil

 

smh, lol, and a couple of others. concern for you is last on the list, I am so thankful I am not a bitter disgruntled fellow, it must be a heck of a life, I will try and cheer you up

rah, rah ,rah , sis boom bah, push em back, way back, that cheer ya up. I know I know, I am a funny guy.

I am a bit like wrestling with a pig in mud, after a while you figure out the pig likes it.

 

Back to the topic...I started out in 2004 with my own authority and 1 truck. Ran the single truck till 2009 and have added a truck or so every year. Now up to 7 units. We are lucky to be based in a hotbed of good reefer freight, and have been lucky to build lasting relationships with a few direct shippers. In ten years, we have watched our savings account build up and drain down more times than I can count, but we have always stayed above water, and for the last 3 years or so (once I got past 4 trucks) the finances have been good to us. There is money out here to be made, but you have to have either the cash to start or the wear with all to get through the tough times. I probably take 3-4 calls a year from guys looking to get started looking for advice. My first comment is always "have at least $20K in cash that you wont miss when its gone, just to get the cash flow moving, on top of down payment money, per unit". We've made a go of it, but I can see how so many fail.

 

Lol....That should be in the trucker hall of fame on the wall in brass

 

We have a couple spares,good thing since two of the '12 were down all week with one having a cracked hood and the other having front end issues.Parts ordered.As I have stated before these units run support for a $50 million a year business and all these trucks are nothing more than a tax deduction.