WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK!!! NEED ADVICE

Others have spoken about all Caps. In this age of the internet, all caps is yelling and screaming. However... I know that people sometimes indulge in it here and I don't take it as such. It's not about being bad or offensive etc. It's just difficult for me to read yelling and screaming... heh. Im pretty hep on this net stuff.

Anyhow.

A old OO told me this tidbit. Be loaded both ways and mind your fuel and tire costs. You get paid last. If at all. Horse, Saddle, Soldier in the Calvary is where the money goes in that order. Truck, equiptment and then you and your family dead last. if things are well, you ate well. If things are tight due to a 3000 dollar engine ECM replacement that month, you two might endure some rice and chili. But you will do it with a glad heart for it's a good purpose.

Whatever you do. Do not take loads at a loss. If someone is offering you a run that pays a proviertable 75 dollars don't do it. Make them pay the 800 to thousand dollar overnight. And do it again and again and again as a team set. That's 5 grand a week minus fuel, tires insurance etc.

I bought a truck tractor in the mid 90's a midroof FLD with a 400 kitty and a rockwell 9 for 41K and 200K miles on it as a structured program that is supposed to last 4 years to pay it off and make me free and clear with 12% going into the engine fund. It's not if you blow it, but when. What sorts out the boys from men who run business are those who put away something against that rainy bad day. The rest go out of business. Ive always had a bent to go into business on the trucking carrier side. But it simply does not work out for me.

I hope this helps. It's America and I encourage you to go into business for yourself. It's a form of freedom. But that 1099 and so forth will consume you. You have to take the good with the bad.

It's not so much throwing away a good job. You are daring to break loose and be free. You obviously hae a engine and systems background for big trucks that should be kept up to date and will be a nice fall back for as long you can stand to turn a wrench.

Good luck.

 

Canada is a whole different ball game. And before you say "not really"...I'm gonna go ahead and say "yes it is".

 

I would perhaps look into buying a service truck and doing road service with your background, it's a service that is always needed.

 

now, THERE'S an idea. Make extra cash on the side and establish relationships with local customers. And best of all, the only person you have to depend on is YOU!

 

If you don't mind being on call 24/7, working on the side of the road, in the wind rain snow oh and let's not forget the piss bombs and mud.

 

Doesn't sound all too different from owning a truck.

 

Es lasst sich nicht lesen. German for 'it does not permit itself to be read'. But seriously, my advice would be to continue to learn how to work on equipment until you're old enough to get insured. By then you'll also know your trade, which will be invaluable if you choose to be trucker.

 

Here's a better idea. You'll make more money
And it won't cost you a penny.
Forget the headache of owning a truck.

Since your already a diesel mechanic, do side
Work for owner/ops and maybe some small fleets.
Cash only.

 

No money in grain, and yes have to take other loads that do require washouts.
Then every flipping boddy has a hopper, don't care how much they get per miles because trucks are falling apart, bid it cheap, ha.
But you still want in, look at my post on trader page, go hopper truck.

 

Your plan derailed at 'hire my friend to drive'