Aight guys.... Been driving for 6 years. Live in central arkansas. Bout ready to try it on my own. Don't own a truck yet. Before I make a leap of any kind need to do my research. I am interested in getting into dry bulk or some kind of hopper bottoms. There is alot of it around here with the ports and looks like them boys stay pretty busy. This will be my first shot at running O/O. So would like to hear peoples opinions on what they think would be best for a new guy at it. I don't have my eyes set on the nice big new pete or nothin. But alot of people do have a truck age minimum. Which I would like to find a solid truck, but sometimes a solid truck is 10 years or older. I am also open to other types of hauling suggestions.... Would like to be home weekly if at all possible. So would prefer to stay regional. I know there is alot of experienced folks on here for the short time i have been surfing around... so I know there will be lots of help Thanks in advance, Chris
Not to be negative but this year is not a great time to start a trucking business. For what its worth I own a small company that runs belts and hoppers in the pacific NW. Quite a few people have been switching over from flats, vans, reefers, log truck ect. Into hoppers and Belts because we are mainly food or feed based which means a good solid frieght base even when the economy shrinks. However when more people come in there is more downward pressure on the rates. So the rates are falling due to increased competition. If you due go out and get a truck however you will probably be able to find a broker that will put you on. Which means that many fewer loads for the rest of the trucks they run. If you still have your mind set on getting a truck of your own and running a hopper. One of the most important things to consider in this business is wieght. Most of our rates are based on a $ amount per ton. Nothing against Petes or KW's but the big long nose truckers truck can cost you big on a daily basis. KW and Pete make a lighter rig but it is the exception rather than the rule. A Frieghtliner Columbia Class with a setback front axle works well in this business. Of course saying that will probably open up a can of worms about resale value yada yada ect. Honestly though whatever you buy make sure you look at it as a business not a truck. Putting an extra 40 or 50 lights on it won't make you any more money at all, but it will give the dot 40 or 50 more lights to target for a reason to pull you over and inspect you. Good Luck
