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Need Input or Advice Please 2003 Freightliner Columbia w/ C-15

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BFL123, Jul 4, 2017.

  1. Jul 4, 2017 #1
    BFL123

    BFL123 Light Load Member

    219
    81
    May 27, 2012
    gaffney, sc
    0
    Hi Everyone, I'm needing some input on a truck and what my plan is. I have an opportunity to buy a 2003 Freightliner Columbia with a C-15 Cat engine and single turbo. It has around 1.2 million miles and had the head replaced, and the rod and main bearings replace at 800k miles. Seems like a strong runner. Also, the rears were replaced and a rebuilt done on the tranny in the last year. It will need tires at some point shortly and some TLC on the inside. Its going for $8500, which I have. I also have the cash available to insure, register and title truck. I am gonna run for a friend and he basiclly runs the Dat load board, stying mostly in the area between Atlanta and Charlotte. I'm not looking to make a killing just a good living. I should make around $3000 to $3500 week, which is what he does. Does anyone think this is a good idea? Any input on the truck or business model would be much appreciated, Thank You
     
    BFL123, Jul 4, 2017
    BFL123, Jul 4, 2017
    #1
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  3. Jul 4, 2017 #2
    Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Phoenix, AZ
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    Who's to say, you'll know 50-90 days down the road if you made a good choice or not.

    If your friend can help with the load board for tips & tricks, and you have the money on hand for the truck, you don't have the stress of truck payment or insurance.

    Have someone dbl-check the truck to make sure there is not a major problem he is hiding.
     
    Bakerman, Jul 4, 2017
    Bakerman, Jul 4, 2017
    #2
    BFL123 Thanks this.
  4. Jul 4, 2017 #3
    tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2014
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    Get an oil sample and Dyno if you can and have the ECM downloaded and a good overall Inspection from a good mechanic.
     
    tnevin225, Jul 4, 2017
    tnevin225, Jul 4, 2017
    #3
    BFL123 Thanks this.
  5. Jul 4, 2017 #4
    bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

    2,846
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    Jun 13, 2013
    Omega,GA
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    Have your friend show you his income on paper. Then decide what you want to do.
     
    bigguns, Jul 4, 2017
    bigguns, Jul 4, 2017
    #4
    BFL123 Thanks this.
  7. Jul 4, 2017 #5
    aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2009
    Airlie Beach QLd
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    Remember the old rule "you always get what you pay for" you the buyer run all the risks you could buy it and it'll run for another 500,000 miles with out a problem or you could just drive up the road and something will go wrong that's just the way things go with mechanical machinery. If its via a dealer what warranty do they offer? Check the wording on any contract of purchase to see what is written, if its purchase "as is" then the moment you drive it away any breakdowns will be on you. On the positive side if its your friend that'll be offering you loads that could work either that or you won't be friends for to long hey?
     
    aussiejosh, Jul 4, 2017
    aussiejosh, Jul 4, 2017
    #5
    BFL123 Thanks this.
  8. Jul 4, 2017 #6
    BFL123

    BFL123 Light Load Member

    219
    81
    May 27, 2012
    gaffney, sc
    0
    Thanks everyone who replied so far, now that we have some discussion going I'll input more here.Here is how it would work. My friends dad has his own DOT number and authority, which I would run under. I would rent the trailer off him for $100 a week. He carries the cargo and trailer insurance. I find my own loads off the load board, send the rate con sheet to him. He sends all info to the broker and signs the rate sheet. I run the load and send the signed bill to him. He figures out the weekly pay, takes out whatever fuel I bought and trailer fee and I believe 10 percent fee. Doesn't sound too difficult, the truck would be paid for and I think it would work out. The biggest challenge is rolling the dice on the truck. I figure after about 2 or 3 months, all up front money is recouped. Bad thing is, I have the worst luck in the world LOL. What could possibly go wrong LOL, right? Do it or not? That is the question, my friends
     
    BFL123, Jul 4, 2017
    BFL123, Jul 4, 2017
    #6
  9. Jul 4, 2017 #7
    peterbilt_2005

    peterbilt_2005 Medium Rare

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    Commie-fornia come visit we have C. A. R. B
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    My suggestion.

    Stay with in 1000 miles of home 20.
    Run alot of short 600 or 1000 mile runs. Keep it up for 3 months. Replace your tires, clutch and do an overhead.

    Then change brake drums if they haven't been done. Do all your brake hoses. They are cheap when you have them made .
    After your 3 months is up see how your income stream is. This will tell you if it's worth it.
     
    peterbilt_2005, Jul 4, 2017
    peterbilt_2005, Jul 4, 2017
    #7
    BFL123 Thanks this.
  10. Jul 4, 2017 #8
    peterbilt_2005

    peterbilt_2005 Medium Rare

    3,906
    29,189
    May 4, 2013
    Commie-fornia come visit we have C. A. R. B
    0
    Also.

    Don't hotrod or speed. Your spending your money. Do ave. Of 60 or 65mph.
    Get a guy to tune your cat. I don't mean some jackwad at the truck stop for $100 bucks. Talk to a long nose Pete who runs a cat or a Cat truck who has his tuned correctly.
     
    peterbilt_2005, Jul 4, 2017
    peterbilt_2005, Jul 4, 2017
    #8
  11. Jul 4, 2017 #9
    xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
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    Starting a business is a gamble.
    Many entrepreneurs roll the dice everyday.
    Worst could happen? Lose your investment.
    Truck craps out under a load. Tow bill plus the cost of repowering or transmission the freight.
    Good luck with the hand your dealt.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2017
    xsetra, Jul 4, 2017
    xsetra, Jul 4, 2017
    #9
    BFL123 Thanks this.
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