How do you evaluate if a lease is a good deal?

fortynorth · Jan 21, 2026

bryan21384 said: ↑

Its a combination of things. First you have to understand the industry. What I mean by that is you need to understand costs. Tolls were just mentioned, but you also gotta understand the various taxes, fuel costs, permits, maintenance, everything that costs to operate a truck. The costs of a truck are there whether you're driving it or parking it. The costs don't stop. All of that will probably be in the lease agreement you sign. Lots of deductions to the point of where you really can't take too many days off. After all of those deductions, your pay most likely won't be any better than a company driver's pay, i'd even daresay it's worse. Some guys do get through the lease, but 98 percent won't. Ik my opinion, lease purchase is a scam. It's similar to buying furniture at Rent A Center, Aaron's and such. Those places overcharge impatient people to have material things, the look of stability. These companies overcharge drivers to have the look of owner operator, but in reality you're a company driver minus the benefits.

Most importantly though, the fact that you're asking this question is telling me that you have doubts and your mind is potentially telling you this isn't a good idea.
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This was extra helpful. I didn't take all this into account. Is there a resource you recommend to get knowledgeable about all the fees to operate?

blairandgretchen · Jan 21, 2026

fortynorth said: ↑

This was extra helpful. I didn't take all this into account. Is there a resource you recommend to get knowledgeable about all the fees to operate?
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There’s many threads on here where folks have posted their actual numbers and costs in different ownership models.

OOIDA probably has a cost analysis resource.

Eddiec · Jan 27, 2026

Like any business - you have to run the numbers to determine if you can turn a profit. Before you sign anything, read the lease agreement or pay someone to do it for you. A lease is a basically a rental agreement and not a path to ownership. Talk to a tax professional familiar with trucking to advise you on the viability of your venture.

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