I need some serious advice on what steps after I buy my truck

Buy a good used truck to start. Preferably one with a non-egr engine.

 

Well allow me to ask....

What equipment do you have experience with? Vans? Reefers? Flats? Dumps? Tankers? Pneumatics?

where will you & where will you not run?



This will help us point you in directions.


Don't be expecting to get rich... After all my deductions, I'm only making 0.33 per mile. And I still have to pay taxes on that.

 

I'm gonna have to respond to you here in a little bit. I have to get to the GA DMV office before they close.

 

ask around at the T/S for referrals on who may hire you with your limited exp.

as for pay, keep your expenses low as possible,

base pay for van operator leased to a company, imo would be in the .95cpm or less area plus a FSC.

I strongly suggest you figure out your BEP=break even point. / so you know what its costs you to turn the key.

 

There are plenty of threads on here where drivers have given their step by step experiences on starting as an owner or lease operator. (jdrentzjr as an example). I do not think 6 months is enough experience, have you been over the big mountains and passes, any winter driving and I don't mean winter driving in Geogia or on I10. Take the next 6 months to gain driving experience tearing up someone elses equipment and to RESEARCH your next step. I also would encourage you to have a sizeable amount of money set aside for the first few months for those "OMG" and "WTF" moments that WILL happen.

 

hootiehoo, One thing you need is more exp. because most companys won't lease you on without a years exp. I will tell you what others may not: If you can pay for or almost pay for a new truck then buy it. You will have less worrys/problems. Non forced dispatch is the only way to run~you choose not somebody else.

 

Truck payments aint jack! Its the rest that will kick your ###. Insurance, tags, taxes, maintenance, FUEL! I would buy used, and keep the rest of that money in the bank to operate from. You will need it.

 

Saying 6 months otr with a bottom feeder isn't enough,..

That would be like my say "I can make a paper airplane, So I must be qualified the space shuttle",...

I know much of it comes off as harsh,..But many of us have seen friends, family or even ourselves lose everything chasing a crazy dream,....

Personally I would hate to see that happen to you,...