Double Yellow's Company Driver to Independent Thread

That is true about buying a new truck. It always boils down to the math, but we also know things that look great on paper might not work in the real world. I guess it is always a gamble on anything you buy. You wont know how it really will work until you are running it and are tracking the numbers.

 

Life is a lot simpler when all I need is lunch, a small hardshell case for electronics and other gear, pin puller, body shop hammer, air gauge, insulated monkey suit and gloves...

(Company driver.)

 

There we go another trained monkey.

 

First, do you mean $860 / yr ? Second, I will take a closer look at these numbers later, but I see some glaring omissions and bad guestimating already.

 

Is the 9200i all that aerodynamic or could you do better and get better millage?

The new vs used. To me is you leveraged a lot on a new truck, I get worried about being over exposed.

 

in just the small sample size of my experience
2012 and newer trucks dont seem to have as many
emmisions problems as 2010-2012
but of course that is only anecdotal not backed by any million dollar goverment survey

 

great thread double yellow and also enjoyed all the input from everyone thxs all

 

Okay, here's my thoughts after taking a closer look. First, good work coming up with some numbers here and some of what I thought was omitted was there. Now, I am certainly not an anti-old truck guy, I did it myself, got my authority and an 05 Intl 3 years ago. And it has worked out okay for me, but I may have a little different perspective on it now.

I think the used truck numbers are pretty optimistic. $15k trucks will generally require some right now money and I don't think the $15k first year maint. accounts for that.

Buying a new new truck, yes, the FET will get you. But a glider or 1 to 2 year old truck you can knock @ $15k right off the new truck numbers.

Check with your state and tax professional, but I believe purchase of rolling stock is exempt from sales tax with your MC #. So that reduces new truck by another $10k

Not sure about market price after 5 years, lots of if's there.

Now when we talk about the maintenance numbers, the new truck comes with new tires, brakes, air filter.... etc... so a clear advantage on your basic stuff. But otherwise both trucks need oil changes, tires brakes, the new one will save you some money in the beginning and expecially on things like switches, latches, seats, valves, etc... I just spoke with a guy who has had a glider for 3 years now and only a few minor issues covered under warranty. Basically a 0 here, not sure why it is $2k, $3k, $4k, for the first three years. On a glider anyways, you can purchace a 5 yr warranty for $8500. probably doesn't cover everything, but I think your numbers are a bit high here for the new truck. The used truck, I think your numbers may be close to average, but here is what I really wanted to talk about with old trucks.

This - It's risky, you aren't buying 100 trucks that will average out to $10k repairs/year. You are buying one truck, and you may have $30k repairs the first year, or the third year. Your transmission may go out one week after you put $5k in tires on. You know the repairs are coming, just not sure when. And you may only get 6.5 mpg to boot. Are you gonna start throwing money at it to try to get 7+ ? not gonna get a return unless you keep it 5 years.

So if we think about say, a new glider, we remove FET, sales tax, assume an extra $10k resale, or consider keeping glider 10 years, reduce maint on new by $10k and add $25k to old truck. Well, it could be a lot closer than you think, and may even nudge the new one ahead.

But what I really want you to understand is the new truck numbers are very predictable, especially on a glider with warranty. The old truck numbers are very unpredictable, you could spend much more and very lucky if you spend much less.

Now what paying cash for a used truck does do for you is buys you time. If you need to take a week off to regroup or a couple days to drum up business, etc... easier to do without a payment coming. When rates are in the toilet, you can be a bit more patient, etc...

The other thing it does for you is allows you to test the waters without sticking your pecker out too far, but keep in mind that with the new truck, although you have a lot of debt, you can probably sell that truck easier than the old one and pay off the loan if you change your mind too.

 

Double Yellow,,
I've been away from TTR awhile, but allow me to briefly take up just a "small piece of real estate" on your thread to say... Wow, outstanding & informative thread!
I usually don't trust anyone from Cali,, but I'll gladly make a big exception here! Don't go full blown Cali on me later and make me regret it!
Very informative to see the whole (very) detailed experiences of your path from company driver to O/O, and great to see you share it with all here.
Wish you continued success & many safe miles ahead.