Buying a 2nd truck with no driver

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by dztruck, Mar 1, 2021.

  1. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Not a bad idea. But my current truck’s interior is kinda rough. I dont think its nice or comfortable enough for a driver to want to live in. Its got tons of new mechanical parts. Plus trusting a stranger with my one and only truck is scary too.
     
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  3. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    If you have decent local work then interior isn’t a huge deal. You must see trucks as a tool and a means to get jobs done. Your truck is no longer your baby.

    I’m just saying... find a driver, buy a second truck while your looking for a 2nd driver. This is much better then buying a truck and then looking for a driver. This process could take a long time so it’s important to have it in place out of the gate.

    Ive done this before, trust me. Owning trucks is something different then driving trucks. You can do it man. Think about your family. I tell my son every other day when he wants my attention. Son, give me a minute. We have to be thankful I’m home with you and have to be on my phone or laptop, vs not home and us have no contact at all hardly.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2021
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  4. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    If it’s scary to trust a guy with your one and only truck then why would you trust him with a 2nd?

    I get your thought process but the reply alone should answer your own question

    I look at it like this
    Unless you have something really good to offer. High pay. New truck or whatever then why would any one good drive a $50,000 truck when they can go to any decent carrier looking for good drivers and most likely have a new or very near new truck

    Anyone good will be your competitor and could easily do what you’re doing
    And as mentioned. Anyone bad is a financial nightmare

    It’s the same with companies that pay more, you won’t see them advertising as word of mouth will get them the pool of drivers they’re after. Not an ad
     
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  5. DieselDrivinDaddy

    DieselDrivinDaddy Light Load Member

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    I just made a similar move. Bought a 2021 truck to replace my 20 year old Mack. Hired a driver to run the new truck while I kept running the old Mack. Worst case scenario, it didn’t work out with the new driver and I had a brand new truck to run on my own.

    Now that I’m confident in the driver sticking around, I bought him a newer truck that’s ready to roll.

    Now I have three trucks that are road worthy and ready to make money any day of the week.

    If you have steady work for multiple trucks, get out there and make it happen.
     
  6. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    The local work is good for me, but if i have to pay a driver it wont be very profitable. The plan was to have the driver do the regional stuff while i do maybe 3-4 loads a week and home every night. I COULD have him do local, but it wont make either of us much money.

    And thanks for the encouragement, a few guys in this thread kinda made me feel like its not a good idea, but if u did it, so can i.

    I really dont like driving so much anymore, its not a healthy lifestyle and if i have a means to make money without driving otr, i want to do it.
     
  7. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    My general observation at the truckstops has been no flirting with the drivers, especially around the shower areas.
     
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  8. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    I get what ur saying, but not all good drivers/truckers want to be an O/O. I know plenty who didnt want the headache and sold their truck to drive for a company. And theres a difference between a good driver and a good business minded O/O. Ive always said the driving is the easy part.

    I may not have the newer equipment, but there are positives to working for a small company too. I know good drivers who are working pretty bad companies that run them like dogs, i could offer better pay AND better work. Just not a new fancy truck.
     
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  9. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Have one truck, or have 5 trucks is my opinion. It takes 3-4 to replace your salary.
     
  10. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Thanks man. I went thru the same negativity (which was good) when i made the leap from company man to O/O. Tons of people telling me i would go broke and its not even worth it, but looking back, i am sooooo glad i did it, from the freedom to the money, i am much happier than when i was before. I remember schneider recruiter and his promises lol. But yeah my phone rings all the time with brokers asking if i have trucks available to run. But im only 1 guy. If i had 2, maybe 3, (with good drivers) i think i could do it
     
  11. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Trucks make money, drivers cost money.
     
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