Need input on an unconventional start into the business.aaRa

Thanks for all your continued responses.

I will wait at least six months to a year and drive for someone else. That seems to be obvious to everyone - including myself (finally). It seems this is necessary so I can make decisions on what I want to specialize in, where I'll be driving - and therefore the truck and trailer I'll purchase.

Triple, you make a lot of sense, and I take your comments as they were intended. I actually feel a little funny talking about new trucks / trailers / my own authority etc. Others have paid their dues for many many years to get that point, and here I am wanting to know how fast I can get there and when I should buy my truck. I can assure you all, it isn't arrogance; rather its the age I'm starting at (50) - I don't have a lot of time to waste.

I am not a rich guy at all,but I have some cash so I won't be struggling. I can buy whatever rig I want and have reserves to not worry the first few years. I've always been an equipment lover, and having nice stuff is something I enjoy - it isn't to show off. I would prefer nobody even notice me. I'm the guy the parks his nice car down the street to not advertise. This won't be a hobby for me, but at the same time I don't need to work myself into the grave to get that last mile either. If I can take a day off once a week and make a little less than the young guys who never stop humping - well, that's fine. I think that I will do well in planning and obtaining good loads. That is the type of thing I am good at, so I'll use that to my advantage hopefully. I'm assuming it is a lot of research, schmoozing, timing, knowing your market and emerging markets, customer service etc

 

Well, I'll drive for someone else and go out of my way to make as many dumb mistakes as I can that first year, so i don't gain that reputation in my own truck. You have a good point. I would notice a non standard or oversize truck - so I suppose others would take note as well. Like you said, I will be "that guy" - I want to make that a good thing - not bad.

Since this will be full time for me, the motorcycle is a must have. I'm currently thinking that I will get a "garage" built behind the sleeper. That will look like an oversize sleeper, but not draw attention to the bike. There are mixed reports on strapping to the catwalk anyway. Even if it is ok, I don't want to be flagged for inspections because they are curious. It sounds like it would be a god awful mess out in the open.

As far as not being a prick - no worries there as this is a major pet peeve of mine. I would never want to intentionally be the jerk on the road (i may be by accident or by making a mistake). I like myself better when I let people in, show respect, and help out when I can. I'm out there to make cash, but I think the roads would be a lot more efficient without all the selfish driving habits. Again, I may not have a grasp of the life yet, but seriously, what is the difference if i pull in 10 minutes later to the TS because I didn't drive selfishly all day.

 

Flatbed - point taken. But... I won't be a jerk on the road; to either a family in a minivan or to another trucker just to get a parking spot. Life is too short.

Not to go all Hallmark Cards on you, but if you help someone out, are courteous - well, you can't buy that feeling in a store. I don't want to go to bed knowing I've been a prick.