O/O workin northeast region

You're in a better position than 95% of ppl looking to go out on your own. Any cat Cummins mack or Detroit 1999 or older will do. Anything with a cat guys are probably gonna be asking way more than its worth just because it's yellow.

Mack would be my choice but im partial to them, the older Ch's & R models anyways. Same power and reliability as 60 series. More low end grunt than the detroit. They start good in cold weather. 1991-97 E-7 is vintage im talking. When they went fully electronic and unit injectors (EPA breathing down their back) they weren't as bullet proof as the older ones

 

A year ago I was in your shoes and decided to buy an older paid for truck and get it "load ready" while working my company gig. I decided on a truck that was pre emission and pre eld that could be worked on in my driveway with my own tools. I spent the better parts of a year and $8k working on my truck during my home-time from the regional flatbed gig.

I cant speak on the amount of work there is in the NE but a quick way to answer your question would be to sign up for DAT or any of there common load boards and do your own research. You will be surprised at just how low the rates are right now.

I would caution against buying a day cab and opt for a small sleeper truck if you are concerned about wheel base.

Lastly after truck purchase, load ready repairs, and trailer purchase and insurance payment how much do you expect to have left over for savings and maintenance fund? Say your debt free, well you wont be after you start this venture thats for sure. If you are making $350 daily as a company driver with benefits and 401k those numbers arent bad imo. Good luck!

 

If your making 90k with benefits now, most likely you want make any more with your own truck after all the expenses are figured in being on your own. So you can control where\when you work and what truck you drive, be on your own and have the stress that comes with it. I'd stay with a company If they have a good pension, but to each there own. I run dry van mainly in NY and rates aren't good right now.

I see ShopRite owner ops pulling there trailers alot on the 90 in upstate NY and some are day cabs so they prolly get home every night. I'd buy a frieghtliner with a series 60 if your dead set on getting your own truck. Definitely a sleeper will be handy when you have a 3am appointment and you decide to crash at the reciever that night.