Considering pulling the trigger on new profession.

Hey everyone,
Need an advice …
My first post here , so be gentle with me

I’m currently employed by Comcast as department manager, 20 direct reports, making 80,000$ a year (2000$ every 2 weeks after all deductions). I’m 38 years old.

Amount of BS I have to deal with for salary working 50-70 hours a week is insane, haven’t been happy in last 2 years or so, therefore started looking in possibilities of making my own business. After extensive research freight really stood out with highest potential.

I already got class A CDL, created my LLC, and considering my options at this point. I don’t want to quit and be company driver, have enough money to buy a truck, but unfortunately there is semi and trailer shortages. I can go used route, but that wouldn’t be smart business inheriting used vehicle issues.

I can get new 26ft box trucks though and it looks like it can be pretty profitable for local or OTR. Or perhaps fedex CC.

I just want opinion from people already I’m business, is it right direction to go ?

I love driving, have no issues with dimensions of truck and trying to build my business , have about 100k to start with.

 

www.OOIDA.com is a business website for the owner-operator.

 

Wrong time to get in. Wait for the crash and then see if you can still make profit.

trucking as an owner op isn’t all what’s cracked up to be. You’ll get the same treatment from brokers, shippers, receivers and just about anyone having anything to do with the trucking industry.

Use to be different. Now not so much now.

also having enough cash to buy a truck doesn’t mean your gonna make it. You also need to have enough cash to weather the storm when crap hits the fan. Repairing these things isn’t cheap.

overhaul - 35k
Transmission - 12-15k
Clutch - 4-5k
Emissions 2-20k
Set of drive tires - 3-5k

hourly rate $110-$185 and no guarantee of it getting fixed.


And almost everyone’s out to shaft you. So be prepared as an owner op to pay your dues on your first year.

 

Go for it. Better than working at a job that you hate. The worse that can happen is that you may fail. Thomas Edison didn't get the light bulb right on the first try either.

 

Drive someone else’s truck for a little bit to see if you like it, this industry probably isn’t much better this day and age, that way after 3
Months when you hate it you still have that money to do something else with

 

Normal job. Home everyday. Benefits and nice salary at 38. Something to put on a resume too, if you further better yourself.
You think BS does not exist here?!
Honestly, I think you'd be downgrading, falling into a trap.
No. Don't.

 

I know a man that retired from the USMC as a Colonel, then was the CFO of a coast to coast retail chain.
He hated office politics, so he became a long haul trucker. Said it's the best job he's ever had for personal satisfaction.

 

Go for it but think wisely on the timing. Can you get a truck? What about a trailer? If so do it.

 

Box truck competition is unreal. That is at the bottom of the rate ladder.

 

Yeah, forget the box truck. Panther Premium is a box truck outfit.
Be a company driver for 12 months, then consider buying a truck.
USA Truck has a program; after driving for the company 6 months, can choose your loads and run where you want to.
Give this a try, then you'll have some experience and insurance will be cheaper.