A need to be Owner Operator

I forgot to mention, trucks are easy to buy and hard to sell.

 

My biggest suggestion is this...

People are going to tell you all sorts of things about what sort of truck you should buy...

"You should buy something ergonomic, something fuel efficient, something practical" blah blah blah

You should always consider those sorts of things when buying a truck

But, I'm greatly of the opinion that you have to buy a truck you like. Whether that's a VN630 Volvo or a 379 Peterbilt. Why?

Sure, a Freightliner Columbia is a fuel efficient, practical, workable truck. It'll get the job done pulling a flatbed or towing pups.

But, if you don't like the truck you get into every day, you're going to hate it, and if you hate it, you aren't going to be motivated to take care of it, plain and simple.

My old Kenworth is a monster. Twin stick transmission set-up, mechanical engine, the cab gets hotter than an oven when you're in a long, hard pull, she's loud, and you've got to run her just right. Most guys would find Suzie a headache to wheel down the road.

I wouldn't trade Suzie for anything. I love getting in my Kenworth every day. I love the truck, with all it's quirks, and it's something that makes me want to work.

My first truck (which will be rebuilt as time and money allows) is the same. A 270-inch wheelbase cabover, has more open rail than even the "big ride" 300-in WB 379s do. Climbing in and out of the cab multiple times a day, harder to find parts for, etc. etc.

But, I enjoyed and will enjoy when I get the cabover up and running again, driving it.

Buy something you enjoy, buy something you want.

Fuel efficiency doesn't replace a desire, a drive to go to work.

 

There are good companies out there.

I have the financial ability, skills, and contacts to be an o/o if I wanted to be. I drive an awesome truck, dispatch myself for the most part and make great money. Could I maybe make more if I was an o/o? Yes I probably could but I'd also have more headaches and bs to deal with.

This site gets over run with talk of all the bad companies out there. The good ones exist you just have to find them.

 

Good advice! Very good advice!! Thanks