Experienced driver going O/O

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Gumper, Jan 7, 2018.

  1. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    You know that buying blind can burn your idea to the ground.

    We have enough junk out there, the price is just part of equation, the other part is reducing the risk of the truck crapping out on you under a load.
     
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  3. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    I won’t buy it until I thoroughly check it out. If it’s a worn out headache I’ll walk away and keep looking.
     
  4. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    Joined it
     
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  5. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    Out of curiosity, would it be better to spend some extra money and buy a quad axle trailer and truck with a pusher to be able to haul maxi loads? I assume there’s a bit more cost when registering to haul heavier stuff. How much more on average?
     
  6. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    No one is probably paying attention to this thread anymore, but I’m posting anyway. Plan to start with $70K. Used truck I’m looking at is $26K, trailer $12K, assume the start up costs that the state will suck out of me will be $2K, and 20% insurance will be $4K. Miscellaneous other costs like straps, tarps, annual inspections on both truck and trailer will be $2K. Should leave me 4-5 months of operating costs in the bank, and I have 3 weeks paid vacation that the company I’m working for will pay me out. Sound good? Missing anything?
     
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  7. PoleCrusher

    PoleCrusher Road Train Member

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    Not really.

    You're in pretty decent shape to start out. And your smart to go open deck way out where you live.

    I do have to say, I wouldn't be doing it as a part time thing. I'd take that vacation time, and get rolling. To make money in trucking you need flexibility, and trying to hold down another job at the same time will probably not work. JMHO.
     
  8. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    I won’t be part timing it. Made my decision to call it quits when everything is ready to roll, and use the vacation time to finish out my employment with the company. Or have them cut me a check for 3 weeks pay which they’d be required to do per Montana law.
     
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  9. PoleCrusher

    PoleCrusher Road Train Member

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    Good call I think.

    Really you're starting out the right way, just make sure that truck checks out and bank as much cash as you can for the first 6 months or so.

    And right now is a great time to start.

    BTW, a lot of O/Os spend a lot of time on legal positioning of their company, accounting gimmicks, trying to save a penny a mile here and there. All which doesn't do much for a one truck operation.

    Spend your time finding where the money loads are first, get some real revenue coming.

    Have a good lawyer that understands trucking and a real CPA that also has experience in trucking. Try to find a real mechanic to be your go to guy for repairs you can't quickly do yourself.

    Spend your time doing things that make you money.
     
  10. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    I was referred to the CPA my log truck operator friend uses. Figured he will know the business well. Not sure about a lawyer yet.
     
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