Total NOOB question

To answer your question there probably are situations that work but they can't be between two people that don't understand the business.

This business is like learning how to walk.

You yourself need to run a truck know how long it takes know what's involved know what the laws are know what the rules are and what the expenses are know what to expect know what not to expect. And if you plan on sending your truck to the dealer for everything it needs light your money on fire today and forget it.

Are you a mechanic? Is your buddy mechanic? Do you have a garage do you have a place that you can do repairs?

Are you going to buy an older truck this more reliable but then again may need real work, or you going to buy a new piece of junk because they're in the garage all the time? Either way somebody better know what they write their way around a wrench. And that's just one aspect of things.

You asked why are people in this business?

The answer is because their father was in it or someone they knew was in it or they were born into it or maybe they just like trucks and they got all the experience that they could get and they went into the business.

But very very very few people almost none start this business with no experience and succeed.

But more of them make it than guys that are in Partnerships because at least the guy that has no experience can run the truck himself and work and work and work without blowing all that money on a driver while he gets his experience. And believe me that is the most expensive experience you'll ever pay for in your life.

If that guy has enough money to survive all the blunders that he will make learning, if he works hard he can survive. Maybe. But if he was paying a driver... I can hear the flush of the toilet as the money goes down. Having a driver exponentially multiplies your risk in starting this.

 

Never ever depend on FSC, it fluctuates and can even completely disappear. Line Haul rate is what matters.

 

These threads seem to pop up daily on here. Don't know why everyone thinks you go buy a truck, get a driver, and Success.? No CDL, no knowledge of operating a truck... What could go wrong?

 

Uh..you need not reply. I’m looking for actual responses. This thread is not for Debbie Downers..

 

I have never been so insulted...

 

I run a business with Family and we could not be more happy! Not sure what type of relationship any of you have with your family members but I would rather 100% go into business with family.

 

That's the problem with you newbies you want advice then when you get good solid advice from a veteran that knows this industry you tune him out because you want people to tell you what you wanna hear instead of the truth.Many newbies are just like you.Don't you get it he's trying to save you from desaster.

 

See, I’m messed up now. I read truck 62%, driver 38%. 20 year driver that’s a friend. My first thought was “Are you insane?”

Then Mr @PoleCrusher tells you not to go in business with a friend. Good post, IMO. I was going to question whether or not 20 year driver was a friend. He’s bringing NOTHING to the table and wanting 38%? Yes, I realize that the 38% isn’t what I was thinking originally.

You’re talking about going in to business together, throw the FRIENDS stuff out the window...show me how WE, you and me, are going to make money. If you want me to put my money in, and you’re bringing the experience, I have more skin in the game than you do, so you’re going to have to compromise on your end. 25% to the driver to start. Show me that you can make this grow and we will go from there. If he won’t agree to 25 for a start, I’d walk. 25% and he has can run the truck the way he wants.

“But Six, he’s a 25 yr driver...”

Who has nothing to bring to the picnic. If I’m putting MY money into get things started I need to make sure that I get paid too.