From the Office to Trucking

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by zmster2033, Jul 16, 2018.

  1. 1nicevette

    1nicevette Medium Load Member

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    Dec 22, 2016
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    I really in joy reading your thread as I can’t wait to get out on my own.
     
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  3. LTSJeff

    LTSJeff Bobtail Member

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    Jun 5, 2017
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    Thanks for posting. Its encouraging to see someone take the dive after going through and doing the research. Ive been thinking about doing something similar for ~ 2 years and I feel a little crazy sometimes based on my background. I look forward to following your journey.
     
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  4. zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

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    Pulled my first significant grade yesterday (Fancy Gap / NC/VA border). Had a load of soup/juices and was grossed out around 77,000#. Made it half way up the mountain when my check engine light came on. My first thought was "Oh ****". Continued driving for a little bit as the truck felt normal and all gauges were at normal operating range. The engine cutoff light then started flashing. When I saw that, I immediately made my way to the shoulder. Got out and didn't see any apparent issues under the hood. A couple of wise folks mentioned to check the coolant levels based on the water pump incident that took place a couple of weeks ago. Long story short, we are hoping there was just some air in the coolant system which triggered the light. I topped off the overflow tank, let the engine cool, and went about my day. Check engine light never came back on after that.

    Currently at $3,550 for the week on ~1,155 miles after I get empty tonight. I believe I have a load lined up for pickup tomorrow that would deliver Monday, which should help next weeks numbers a little bit. I do plan on taking off Thursday and Friday of next week, but will still be shooting for ~$3,500 or so. I am hoping my Prepass finally showed up this week, so I can start venturing out a little further.
     
  5. zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
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    I by no means know a lot at this point, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions about anything. Happy to help where I can!
     
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  6. Gdog66223

    Gdog66223 Road Train Member

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    Have you pulled lolo pass or cabbage yet? I'm happy to see your doing well though. Keep up the good work!!
     
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  7. zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
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    I have not. Probably won't be getting that far west.
     
  8. Tug Toy

    Tug Toy Road Train Member

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    I’m following along. I had similar background and story as yours. I’m on my 3rd year with my own truck ( not my own authority) and doing better than I had ever hoped so far. I felt much better after I had some nice padding in the truck account.
     
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  9. nax

    nax Road Train Member

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    If you continue on that path, all you'll be doing is help the mechanic fund his kids college.

    My belief is that I'm in this to make money, not spend money. Heavy loads will make you SPEND money.

    I pulled 3 loads this week: 30K, 20K, 2K and grossed $5,350 on 2000 loaded miles + 400 deadhead. Dash reads 8MPG for entire run.

    Turned down a 46K lbs load ($600), and snagged the 2K lbs load ($1350, but had to deadhead 300 miles tho)
     
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  10. zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
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    That is where I am trying to get to!
     
  11. zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

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    Charlotte, NC
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    I am not going out of my way to find the heaviest thing I can. With that being said, I'm not going to sit at this point if there are only heavy loads around, if I can get a rate I feel is acceptable. In your example above, based on revenue alone, I would have turned down the heavier load for the lighter one too due to the revenue. If the revenue was reversed on those loads, I tend to believe I would be hauling the 46K assuming it was a comparable lane to the opposing load.
     
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