22 w/ 40k saved... what do I do with my life?

I would go back to school. The industry is changing, and not the good way. I'm not going to be otr trucking for the rest of my life. Office job or a diesel mechanic later on

 

You've accomplished something that almost all other truck drivers can't/won't/didn't.

I think you should listen to your own advice...............

You'll make the right choice.

 

@Dedrick I'm betting that you will be successful no matter which path you choose.

Personally, I'd go back to school. This industry has been darn good to me, but it's changing. And not for the better. If you're indeed passionate about building a business, I'd suggest you start a "full disclosure" trucking company. Show your employees what it costs to move freight. I think a lot of folks would be shocked at what goes in to this business. They'd probably be equally shocked to see the profits of some of the Megas...

Good luck to you.

 

Have you considered the overhead cost to run 5-10 trucks? It is a heck of a lot of money and your return on investment doesn't look so hot when you have millions on the line and if things go well you *could* make a few hundred grand a year. The game changes significantly in all factors from taking care of the truck and your customers when you are driving the desk instead of the truck.

Do the school. If you don't do it now you likely never will. You've experienced trucking and have done better than most to save 40k. You would likely be better off with your own business in the computer science field, with far less risk (not getting sued for millions because your driver texted while driving and smashed into a family) instead you have paper cuts. You will also generally be dealing with more intelligent people than truck drivers. Aside from the members of this forum, the reality is that most truck drivers are remarkably stupid. You know what I'm talking about. The ones that make you wonder how they manage to put their pants on every morning. Perhaps continue for another year with the goal of having enough cash in the bank to see you through school. You sound smart and capable of drawing up a cashflow plan for the next 3-4 years if you are in school and living off your savings. Add in what you will earn if you do summer work as a student.

Worst case scenario, you go back to trucking. It isn't going anywhere. Your mind and your social life will thank you.

 

Normally, I would say keep trucking and build the business to a point where you can live very comfortably. However, as @w.h.o says, the industry is indeed changing, and not necessarily for the better. E-logs and speed limiters immediately come to mind for me. I can do the E-log thing, but speed limiters will be a deal breaker after doing this 15 years.

That said, if you can stomach the proposed new laws, you may find yourself in a good position in a few years, as I believe many old timers are aging out, and the youngsters don't seem to have what it takes, generally speaking. Then there's people like me, who figured on making a career of this, that are now having second thoughts, with all the BS being proposed. So if you could find a few good drivers, figure out how to make the laws work in your favor, you could do very well, I think.

College, well, I didn't go to college, and I've done well enough to live a comfortable life. I know some of my classmates from high school who went on to college have done very well. Others used the four years as a party, and are now back at home in Mom and Dad's basement, unable to find work. I guess college is what you make of it.

Good luck!

 

I am currently in college for Mechanical Engineering, but I haul grain local part time for a family friend, one of the best people I've ever met. In my life, the most important thing is for me to be happy, and trucking is what makes me happy. when I graduate next spring I will be working full time for him, as I don't really want to sit at a desk all day. I love engineering, but trucking is in my blood. I wouldn't do it if I had to go OTR like most other young drivers. So you need to think about what you love in life. I wouldn't recommend staying in this business if your goal is money, which it seems to be. If you love what you do and it makes you happy, work towards those goals and everything will fall into place.

 

You seem to be a RATIONAL individual that takes time to try your best to ponder all foreseeable paths & outcomes. The fact that you took the time to sign up for this forum to ask this question hints at that. A rational intelligent young man like yourself will have plenty of opportunity in the US my man. Don't beat yourself doing something you don't enjoy to chase after money. Do something you will ENJOY. You're young enough. If you were just a few years older, my age (I'm 25) I would likely have a different train of thought to relay to you. A lot of guys come into the trucking industry with a goal to accomplish exactly what you have.. Save up 40K the 1st year and use it toward debtless education. The fact you've ACCOMPLISHED saving that 40K up means you've beat out thousands of statistics casualties whom broke their will, quit trucking, or decided to squander the majority of their money on entertainment & pleasures. NOT to mention, you're at a unique advantage point, not having a family to support or a home life full of bills & financial responsibilities. I wanna congratulate you for where you've been, & for keeping the mental fortitude to accomplish your goals.

I don't think you need to set your goals so high at this time in your life. You've got longterm goals but you still need to fill in the gaps with more short term goals. Even owning 1 truck is a good goal for now, right? You have to walk before you run & if you want to be a fleet owner 1 day you have to be an O/O first!

I can really relate to what your short term goals were & I can really respect you for attaining them.
Can I ask you if you've considered a trade? Have you considered utilizing your trucking experience to apply for a union membership? Teamsters or a local company union membership? You can drive regional/be home every night/weekends for a future family & the union will protect your wage against cost of living into the foreseeable future. A trade school would be a smart investment considering time it takes to graduate & begin training (with pay) in your trade of choice. Think smart investments my man. The world aint all about $. You want to think about job security & HAPPINESS!

 

either go back to school or buy a vocational truck like dump, garbage, rapid delivery van, bread delivery van, and get into a niche market, and make a killing and be home daily (or nightly)

 

going to college should be something you want to do to get into a certain career path, not make money. I have a college degree, an using at my current job, along with being the back-up truck driver. college does not guarantee you a better paying job. I have an engineering degree, and know guys in the trades that make more than i do. Keep in mid, with all the open jobs out there the majority do not require a college education.