is it still worth getting your own authority these days in the dying industry ?

Actually diesel prices in 2015 were about the same and 2016 probably a little cheaper. 2013 and 2014 was a dollar more but rates were higher then too. Besides, basically every single cost to run a truck has increased as well as new costs we didn’t have before due to regulation. Not to mention insurance.

2015 and 2016 sucked, sure people made it, many lost their ### too just like right now.

I’m not sure what your point is? That he should start now?

 

My point is if he waits for the perfect time there will never be a perfect time. The industry isn’t dying, like I’ve stated before the higher rates meant people bought trucks that have no business owning trucks. He’s been an owner for 7 years, that leads me to think he probably has some money in the bank and knows what it takes to run a truck. He can look at the numbers he has now as well as what he could be doing on his own from the research he’s done since he’s thinking about his own authority.

 

Last year, I was MAKING IT. This year, It’s back to normal, just making it. Lol

 

Nothing about the trucking industry is dying. Every wave will eventually crash and a new one will come along. Stashing money and having the means to ride this out helps and can be used to ones advantage if you play it right. Dont buy into the self driving trucks propaganda, long ways out if it does happen. When I see freight trains rolling through my town with no crew on the head end, than I'll start to worry. Having said that, operating authority isnt for many and $5500 a week isn't to shabby if your not killing yourself for it and its steady. If you have steady direct customers ready to work with you in mind than maybe consider it otherwise I'd stay put for now.

 

You mean you’re barely breaking even? How? You’ve been trucking for too long. Your pillow is probably filled with $100 bills. Hahaha.

 

Sometimes I feel like I am just too darn good for this business with all the comments I’m reading. Or, maybe people just don’t want anymore people to join the competition. The only serious fear I have is a financial recession that will have me making minimum wage for 6 months straight.

 

I don’t think your too darn good for it. What other industry can you have the potential to start at next to nothing and work up to being a self made millionaire? Sure, there is an abundance of ignorant people doing stupid things that hurt rates but thankfully it’s a massive industry that can still be navigated through and if your smart and strategic, you’ll still win.

I know there are other industries but I’d say not that many unless it’s internet or tech related where the barrier of entry is this low but the potential is this high. Just do your thing and if you want more, get bored, or think you have it all figured out then just grow more and do more. There is always the next thing you can expand into.

As far as wanting more competition. No, I don’t want more competition. There is plenty. lol

 

I am slowly starting to discover that certain business ideas are best left to oneself or within a small circle or networking group. It’s life, I guess.

 

Yeah, for sure. I’d say ones self. I’ve found over time that people are not only selfish but also very jealous. As I’ve become slowly more successful over the last decade, the circle of people I can talk to gets smaller and smaller. Basically it’s down to my wife and my Mom and Dad. Not to mention people will absolutely steal your ideas for themselves, because they can’t think of it for themselves.

I’m on TTR to learn and to share. But yeah, I don’t put my business plans or more detailed methods out there for sure. I do like to help people though and not just put them down. I also am genuinely happy for people when they find success.

 

That attitude will bring you success. The bitter jealous ones never go any where, and are very easy to see through. They love to hear when people have tragedy in their lives and thrive on other people’s misery. When you tell them good things that are going on in your life , they can’t change the subject fast enough . I’m like you , I like to see people who work hard and do the right thing become successful, and help people when I can. The jealous bitter ones I avoid like the plague , or if I can’t I tell them so much good things going on in my life , they can’t get away fast enough! Lol!