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Being an Owner Operator...???Whay can't I run what I brought?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by thanatos, Apr 17, 2010.

  1. Apr 17, 2010 #1
    thanatos

    thanatos Light Load Member

    66
    16
    Aug 24, 2008
    Richmond, VA
    0
    I guess I do not understand why the companies I spoke with so far demand you have a certain vehicle at a certain age.

    I already own my own excellent str truck. (This truck has 12 foot sleeper and could be out for 5 weeks comfortably, so it could run all 48 easily.):biggrin_25515:

    Does anyone know a company that will allow a guy to "run what you brung" as long as it is not a safety issue or ratty looker?

    I have never gotten into my own authority, but that might be a route for me also...not sure right now.

    I have this truck that could be working right now, instead of being used only once every other month or so.

    Any ideas you may have for a company or...???? would be appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2010
    thanatos, Apr 17, 2010
    thanatos, Apr 17, 2010
    #1
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  3. Apr 18, 2010 #2
    dle

    dle Light Load Member

    65
    23
    Jan 9, 2010
    ennis,tx
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    And how old is it?
     
    dle, Apr 18, 2010
    dle, Apr 18, 2010
    #2
  4. Apr 18, 2010 #3
    thanatos

    thanatos Light Load Member

    66
    16
    Aug 24, 2008
    Richmond, VA
    0
    Not that it should matter, but it is a 1998.
     
    thanatos, Apr 18, 2010
    thanatos, Apr 18, 2010
    #3
  5. Apr 18, 2010 #4
    Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

    2,541
    2,579
    Apr 14, 2009
    aircap, Ks.
    0
    Because they say so, that's why...

    If ya don't like it, you're always free to start your own company...

    You got a 12' sleeper? Be prepared for a few companies to turn you down just because of that. That limits you on both gross and axle.
     
    Kansas, Apr 18, 2010
    Kansas, Apr 18, 2010
    #4
  7. Apr 18, 2010 #5
    Spacer

    Spacer Medium Load Member

    470
    207
    Dec 8, 2008
    Little Rock, AR
    0
    Their name and business are tied up in getting the load delivered on time and safely. Many also are concerned with image, and want their name on newer, cleaner equipment. Yeah, there are plenty of well-maintained older trucks out there, but statistically, they figure they're better off with an age limit. Some such companies use the limit to lease you on, but then you can operate it for as long as it'll pass inspection.

    Now, considering some of the really dumb decisions and standards they use, it probably isn't as simple as that...
     
    Spacer, Apr 18, 2010
    Spacer, Apr 18, 2010
    #5
  8. Apr 18, 2010 #6
    thanatos

    thanatos Light Load Member

    66
    16
    Aug 24, 2008
    Richmond, VA
    0
    I think you are right. I guess what makes me scratch my head is why I cannot meet with the fleet manager and invite him to inspect my truck...or one of his wrenches to inspect my truck. It seems the older I get, the less "personal" business gets...we are all a number...and I dislike it. Yes, the internet and ECM's in the trucks, cell phones and air ride...radials...they all make for better running, but we have lost something as well. I remember when specs were a GUIDE to go by. If you spoke to a manager and made your case, you got personal treatment. I miss not being able to shake the hand of the guy in charge.
     
    thanatos, Apr 18, 2010
    thanatos, Apr 18, 2010
    #6
  9. Apr 18, 2010 #7
    jubajajo1

    jubajajo1 Light Load Member

    256
    106
    Mar 27, 2010
    0
    OK, its older its in great shape its got a huge sleeper/motorhome attached to it. If I where you, I would look into power only. They haul mostly mt trailers all over the 48 and canada, some have year restrictions but some dont, call trailer transit and see what they say, or use the jobs owner ops section of any online job finder, this may be your best route, other than getting you own authourity.
     
    jubajajo1, Apr 18, 2010
    jubajajo1, Apr 18, 2010
    #7
  10. Apr 18, 2010 #8
    stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

    3,640
    4,958
    Oct 10, 2006
    NC
    0
    Some places are concerned with age and looks, others want you in a new truck so you will be saddled with high payments, and therefore, will have to run hard all the time. If you have an older truck that is paid for, you may be inclined to actually go home every now and then and try to have a real life, like the people at the office do.
     
    stranger, Apr 18, 2010
    stranger, Apr 18, 2010
    #8
  11. Apr 18, 2010 #9
    dmag

    dmag Light Load Member

    79
    12
    Jul 6, 2009
    charlotte,nc
    0
    some shippers like GM and Ford have a limit on the age, they will not load a truck that is over 7 years.
     
    dmag, Apr 18, 2010
    dmag, Apr 18, 2010
    #9
  12. Apr 18, 2010 #10
    Swaps

    Swaps Heavy Load Member

    757
    361
    Jan 10, 2010
    Minnesota
    0
    just get a list of companies and check all their websites, if they require trucks to be at a certain age, go to the next one.
     
    Swaps, Apr 18, 2010
    Swaps, Apr 18, 2010
    #10
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