Leasing at Prime

If you can go company for a year or two first, and still be OK with home time, that'd be what I would recommend.

 

Its not impossible. Its extremely difficult, and most new drivers who try it don't do very well. In addition, the attrition rate for new drivers is extremely high... much of that due to unrealistic expectations, finding out trucking is not what they thought it would be, etc. Its a lot easier to get out if one doesn't have a truck lease to contend with. Jumping to the lease side only takes one message to dispatch; someone with no track record on the company side can't go from leasing into a company truck if it doesn't work out.

BTW... you're comment about "not going to the shop for every little thing," is ill-advised. You are responsible for the condition of your truck, and often things left unrepaired have a way of becoming much more expensive over time, especially when it becomes something involving protracted down time or a tow.

 

What one "nets" is based on what's left over after all of the bills are paid. You're still responsible for Sam's share out of that "net" as well. Flatbed guys are subject to the same revenue split as reefer guys are... if they're doing "so well" I'm sure they'd be happy to let you see a selection of their settlements showing that $1200 "net" week over week, and that truck payment keeps coming every week whether one is running or not. I stand by my assertion that leasing isn't something a driver with a marginal level of experience should attempt.

 

85 down, 19 to go.

The question is, how soon should I pull the trigger, and ask Pam in leasing to get the title ready? KR suggests I should be worried about Rob running out of money, and pulling an Arrow Trucking on us. I don't see that happening. I could do it tomorrow.

I registered a trade name in Colorado the other evening, and will get an EIN started soon. Business bank account will get opened next time I'm home.

I got a quote on insurance from OOIDA before the holidays, but I'll be faxing a sheet from the Advanced Fleet to them to bid on in the next couple of weeks. I have a couple of recommendations for insurance brokers from FB groups too. Ain't gonna be cheap.

Next goal is saving for a trailer... I can get a 2xxxx for around $30k. So... there's an MC number coming at me pretty quick.