Need advice

What makes you think you'll do better than a company driver just because you bought a truck?

 

Yes, both are high indeed but they're in control of your revenue just as if you're still an employee. Have you considered the added repair expenses and all the extra time you'll have to put in to make repairs and handle maintenance?

 

Fail to plan, plan to fail. What’s your plan to make money with the truck? You don’t just buy a truck, you spec the truck according to what it is you plan to haul. When looking at trucks, you will notice that they basically all look the same but will have different power levels, drive trains, gear ratios and fuel capacity. So, if you want help and advice, you should tell us the plans. For example, if you want to continue what you’re doing, I would look for a heavier duty truck with 48k rears and a thicker frame and lockers. Thing is, this will make this particular truck weigh more than average. If you took this type truck to a doorslammer outfit that normally pulls 48-49k in a lightweight box, you will be too heavy and constantly overweight.

So tell us the plan, Man.

 

You don't really know how much they're getting to accurately calculate your percentage. They can also starve you out as punishment whenever they feel like it. You're better off as a company driver. You can walk away any time you want with zero strings attached and go anywhere you want. Not so when you have a 20k pound albatross hanging from your neck.

 

The short answer: you don't have nearly enough experience in the industry yet to buy your own truck.

But Texas is in fact a GREAT PLACE to be a truck driver.

If you don't already have them -- go back, & get those relevant CDL endorsements: tanker, hazmat & doubles-triples.

Cheap freight = cheap loads = cheap paychecks.

You need to go where the better-paying loads are.

Note also: as a truck driver, your pay is based (in part) on your level of experience; thus, a new(er) driver will generally have more modest paychecks.

Your pay is also based on:

• the type(s) of freight you are pulling
• your geographic location/area
• what endorsements you have (if any)
• your safety record (no accidents/citations)
• what time of the day/week you drive (some carriers pay more for nite/weekend/holiday/overtime work)
• which carrier you are with (some of course will pay better than others)

After you get those endorsements, since you are in TX.....look for company driver opportunities with:

• Halliburton
• Energy Transfer Partners

-- L

 

STOP RIGHT THERE,,1st, welcome aboard and you came to the right place, provided you can sort out the sense of it all. There's almost nothing we haven't heard, many times, situations just like yours. If I may speak for most, DON'T BUY A TRUCK! Not now, anyway. Please, heed our advice, if you think working for a shady company is tough, wait until you buy a truck. We've all been there. Now, we have a member here that specializes in job placement, and dabbles in healthcare, and the jobs he lists are all credible places, you will make money. I don't know much about frac, not much good ever is said, but this Chinatown character will be along, remember to say where you are located, relocation possible? married?, kids? all have an impact on what kind of trucking you want, and above all, any infractions on your record. With your experience, some of Chinatowns places, $75-$85K/year is totally possible. Many with new KWs or Petes. That $25 grand would go faster than a day at the dentist. Keep the money, or buy a GTO, but don't buy a truck. Keep us posted , eh?