How did ya all get started?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by hannafarms, Feb 6, 2017.

  1. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    That was 15 years ago. I'm not single anymore. But it sounds like you have excuses for every reason why you can't make any sacrifices. One of the most important skills you'll need is money management. You can't get rid of a measly $16,000 in debt or downsize a $15,000 truck payment but you need a loan for a truck and trailer? Good luck.
     
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  3. noluck

    noluck Road Train Member

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    I did everything wrong. Started in 08 about the time everything took a dump. No money, and no contacts. It has been extremely hard at times. I also bought about about 8 trucks and probably 10 trailers. I did everything wrong! Now I have one truck and one trailer. (Much happier). I paid of crap loads of credit card and other debt. (Well north of six figures). I wouldn't suggest doing it my way. But I am still here. You really only need about 15k start up money once you have the truck. So 20 or 25 will get you going. Just be real choosy about trucks and loads. And work your ### off!
     
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  4. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    I'm the silver spoon of trucking
     
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  5. noluck

    noluck Road Train Member

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    Must be nice;)
     
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  6. hannafarms

    hannafarms Light Load Member

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    1. I'm not making excuses, I'm simply explaining the situation. 2. When a guy only makes 50k gross a year and has kids with no second income in the household you can't just up and pay stuff off I don't have cash flow like an owner operator. 3. Exactly 15 years ago when you had nothing no responsibilities. If I had no kids it be easy because I'd just sell my house and truck and go do it. 4. As far as money management I'm conservative as hell I budget never miss a payment on anything. When I got married at 24 I had a credit score of 785, 4 years later when divorced 530 because my x had taken out credit cards in my name which I had no idea. I rented a crap house, had a crap car I paid cash for and bought nothing because was paying that debt. Now 7 years later Iv gone from 530 to 720 and paid off 25k of that debit and bought a house and decent vehicle. Gotta love tho how credit works took 4 years to ruine it and 7 years later with no missed payments of any kind still not back to what it was.
     
  7. hannafarms

    hannafarms Light Load Member

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    Thank you for your reply so far one of the best!
     
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  8. Eska

    Eska Light Load Member

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    I was sick of working for somebody else. No matter how hard i worked i couldnt catch a break. I changed my life style, paid off the car and the minute it was paid off, i sold it. I decided that if i get a truck i will be working harder than i have ever did before, so i wouldnt need a car. Used 1/3 for the downpayment, rest for the start up.
     
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  9. Tug Toy

    Tug Toy Road Train Member

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    I waited till after my kid went on his own and made sure the rest of my finances were all in order. Took me till I was 45 working my ### off for other people (not driving). Finally decided I had had enough, went trucking for myself. Don't think I could drive a truck for someone else now though. I enjoy it for the challenge, I love working on mechanics and have always loved driving anything with a motor. Other than being away from home about 4 nights a week it's the best thing I have ever done. One place I worked I was gone more than I am now and was not even in the transportation industry. So not a big change there.

    Good luck.
     
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  10. Dwardell662

    Dwardell662 Light Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2017
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    All the money u saving will go on truck payment? Just curious
     
  11. noluck

    noluck Road Train Member

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    Once you work for yourself, you'll never be able to work for someone else.
     
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