Brand new O/O needs some advice.

Well I understand your point and yes there are several ways of looking at things, but still more than us two. smope people are lucky other are looking to get into this who won't be and then they will blame others for it. However, I think the OP has already learned what is going on and why. I bet he already has learned from the failures of some and the success of others, which is a good object lesson and some others can learn from it to avoid pitfalls.

 

If you are planning on being lucky as your business plan, then you have already failed. And it’s just a matter of time.

 

I bought an ex-Maverick 2020 Cascadia 126 midroof dd13 400hp DT12 from Doggett Freightliner back in Sep '23. Running chemical tankers with it. I paid $63K and put $20K down. Tax title and getting it set up for what I haul ran another $10K. Payment is $349/week for 4 years at 14.49% with a pre-payment penalty through crossroads financial.

365K miles and ew-4 warranty till 550K miles. Engine hours showed about 7% idle time over the life of the truck. Factory EPU and Parksmart. Has had some minor issues (NOx sensor, wheel seal, belts, hoses, batteries, etc), but nothing major, knock on wood. I've been happy with the purchase. Maverick takes good care of their equipment, uses synthetic lubes, washes truck periodically, etc.

Personally I would pick Detroit over Volvo for powertrain. Volvo parts are priced like they are made out of solid gold, and Freightliner has a better dealer network. I run 79K gross in the hills of WV and PA all the time, and the DD13 has a better jake than the d13.

Is it a good time to become an O/OP either independent or leased on? Independent I'd vote no, leased on with acceptable rates, yes. A lot of drivers on this site scream if you ain't making $5 a mile with fuel s/c and home for 4 days every week, you'll fail. It's not the truth. A man can make a solid living running for $2.25 a mile

 

$2.25/mi and 14.5% interest. Hell yea.

 

$2.25 a mile is simply buying a job,