need advice-should I stay or should I go?

flush and move on.

 

I don't wanna be a negative Nancy.... but 30k ain't but spit in the bucket. Down on your truck, taxes, tags, IFTA, HUT, permits, insurance, ELD, tires, brakes, unforeseen repairs plus 2 weeks- 6 weeks of operating capital plus home expenses.... it gets to be a full bucket of cash in a hurry.

You need as much cash as you can get your paws on.

 

I was a company driver for years. Bought a '99 W9 two years ago for $18,500 and leased it on. Had money in the bank but kept most of it in there. Put $4,500 down and borrowed $14,000 on a 3 year note. Truck was in decent shape, motor (N14) ran good but had quite a bit of blowby. Expected on a 1.2 million mile motor. So I talked real sweet to her and told her if she'd give me 6 months I'd have enough money to inframe her and make both of us happy.

I drove it a year and a half and she never did lay down on me. Finally did a planned inframe back in June. Paid her off in July, a year and a half early. New tires, new rear suspension, new brakes, all new AC stuff, etc. Finally, the past few months, I'm gettin to the point where I can feel good about spending money on her looks. Chicken lights, visor, 20" drop bumper, new stacks.

Point is, if you're gonna lease on, the amount of cushion shouldn't be near as much as if you're gonna run your own numbers. But you definitely still need some cushion. If you are like me and do your own wrenching, it'll help a lot. I made a deal with the owner of the company that if I had a major breakdown the first few months and couldn't afford to fix it, I'd jump back in a company truck. My truck payments weren't so high that I couldn't have made them on company pay.

 

I think you should try to move on another company. It sounds like you have a good record, so finding a new company to drive for won't be a problem. And in terms of the years in your current company, I think if you go back wanting to be a O/O they'll take you in no time. They probably preferred a well-known driver with a good record than any other O/O.

 

No guts, no glory.

Find a good truck and pull the trigger. You'll never go back to being a company driver.

I'd stay in business with the current employer for a little bit and get your truck paid off asap.

have enough in savings for PMs and getting bugs worked out. My first month, I put in about $2500 in repairs.

After you hold the title, stay or go out on your own.

 

This would not be America if you did not actually do something for yourself.

Just be very careful what you are buying into.

 

Why not jump ship for a better paying company position. Leave on good terms, with notice, etc...
Once you get that money saved up that you want call your current company up and see what they have available.

 

Talk to current employer. You might be surprised what they offer to keep you either as a driver or o/o.
If their offer isn't good. Leave with the door open and don't burn any Bridges.
Good luck.