OK, Not OK because … , You are the dumbest member on TTR for even thinking it

Well maybe Im reading this wrong, but does it say "been in the trucking industry for 32 years, and your 37?, and had two buisnesses,one a restaurant?, Hold on a minute?, Im about to sneeze, AH-CHEW!, Excuse me, but Im allergic to BS

 

Mustanglover two things, being a company driver is the smart thing to do first. There is so much to learn by being one, if you have an open mind and pay attention. That is why I said in the beginning to find a small company that pays on percentage. This way you can get a good idea of what freight is paying, you can see some of the expenses of running a truck, ask about the rest and keep track of all the numbers. Basically run it like you own it. Second, the rest of us are giving him good advice, not to keep competion away. Because if he go's thru with this hairbrained idea he will not even be in the same ball park as we are. Most of us here are in the major league and he would just be starting out in t-ball.

 

One person on here says you might have a chance to make it. The rest of the people here are telling you to get your feet wet first before you invest in your own equipment. Do it for a year and make sure you actually enjoy the industry. Having no experience, if you do manage to find decent drivers, they will be royally angry with you because you don't know what it is like on the road. You will also be pulling your hair out with the driver because he is telling you he will arrive at time X when you already promised customer delivery at time Y. If you drive the truck yourself (don't take this the wrong way) but grinding gears, rubbing against curbs, etc. adds up and in 2-3 years or whenever you decide to sell, it WILL need work. There is a reason the large companies turn in their trucks in 3-4 years. (This is why new drivers don't generally get directly into a pete 379 or kw w900L.) Keep in mind by having a driver he will want miles and money. Are you also going to hire a dispatcher when you want to take a week off? This is a 7 day, 24 hours a day business.

Now if you have money to burn, more power to you.

 

What you dont understand smart ### was mybfather was in the industry for 32 years i have been around trucking since i was 5 years old.

 

Im not saying get out of school and buy a truck all im saying is you dont have to be at a company for years to get this industry.Everyone is not a slow learner.Some people take the CDL test 2-3 times.Some people such as myself passed all endoresments after studying one day.Everyone is not always on the same level in business and in life just because you or someone you know took years to learn something doesnt mean someone else has to do what you did.It has nothing really to do with trucking and more to do with business.There are hundreds of o/o's that can drive but cant count for sheet.If that wasnt true all that cheap ### freight wouldnt move.So my question to you experienced truckers whos moving the cheap freight.Is it All the new o/o's or is it you the experienced 20 year super trucker.You have people out here who cant drive but can run a trucking company with their eyes closed.

 

The mileage mentality will be the biggest handicap to overcome. Even guys that should know better fall into that trap. Starting to think this is all a big joke but if not I guess somebody's got an inheritance to burn. And really, why ask if you're not even going to listen to good advice given by about 10 veteran drivers who have been there and done that?

 

That line always kills me when I hear it... just as bad as "I can write that extra expense off for taxes". Why would anyone want to take a straight dollar loss just to be able to take the 30% reduction on taxes. Hmmmm, let me see, if I pi$$ away $50,000, you mean I can have $15,000 less taxes? I'd rather keep the $50K, pay the $15K in taxes and still be $35K ahead.

Simpleton business finance thinking is worse than thinking you can go to school, buy a new (read high depreciating) truck and trailer and survive on the load boards. And you live in Orlando?!?! Get ready to eat dookie on rates every time you leave home.

 

On a more constructive note... what you're asking can be done but with odds like winning the lottery. You will get taken to the cleaners by drivers that see your nativity. You will be burdened with excessive debt for a new truck. Just because it has a warranty doesn't mean it won't cost you. You won't pay for the repair perhaps but you will have lost revenue while its in the shop. You can make it on the load boards when the economy is strong and capacity is under demand. That's when the spot market shines. Conversely, when it sucks, it really sucks because brokers know it and take advantage of it.

I agree with the comments about looking for a percentage job but it will be tough with no experience. 6 months is all you absolutely have to get at a big company to be hire-able somewhere else. And until you know this is what you want to do, don't invest in a truck or trailer. Ya ya, the freedom of the road and all that sounds great but sit in that chair for 11+ hours a day and see if you still love it. If you do, then buy something used, keep expenses down and build a big reserve.

Most importantly, learn the freight lanes. Nothing will kill you quicker and its a painful death, especially on your own dime.

 

There is a reason the large companies turn in their trucks in 3-4 years. (This is why new drivers don't generally get directly into a pete 379 or kw w900L.) Not the case at all , fleets turn their trucks in for 2 reasons (1) They are FLEET leased and not owned (2) the 4th year is the most exspensive for repairs and not just from abuse.

 

OK, I'll weigh in on this one.
My opinion is just that...an opinion. Worth what you pay for it.
But it's based in 40+ years of trucking. I've been a company driver, a lease driver, an O/O and I've owned a small fleet (16 trucks).
That said...
Nothing is as easy as it seems. Often you've heard the expression, 'The devil is in the details'. Well nothing is so true as that, especially in trucking these last few years.
Regulations will keep your head spinning.
I bought my first truck in 1984. Deregulation was coming on strong and the economy was gaining strength like a speeding locomotive. It was great for trucking.
And I struggled.
But I got that all under control, took my bruises and beatings, and in 1988 bought my second truck and hired my first employee.
You think learning to be an O/O is hard? Once you become an employer, there will be times you look back at the simplicity of being a single operator as a joy lost!
The accounting, the regulations to keep up on, the stupid mistakes of employees (and I'm speaking of HONEST mistakes, where they didn't know any better!) My business was based in San Diego. Imagine my gut when I received a call from a bar in Enumclaw WA (look that place up!) asking what I planned to do with my truck sitting in his parking lot for the last three days. I had been expecting that driver to pull up any time and had another load waiting for it.
Drivers that abandon loads, trucks....drivers that take the money you gave them to have the oil changed and pocket it. Drivers that have a sudden burst of road rage and force someone off the road.
The list goes on and on.
Everytime you think you are ahead of the game, another expense comes along.
Do you have the money set aside?
Didn't expect to replace a clutch? The A/C goes out and your driver won't move (don't blame him either) until you get it fixed.
Or how about a sudden spike in fuel costs? 2007 was a great year from that. Fuel went from 1.60 to 5.00 in Cali!
How about customers that don't pay?
Now keep in mind, I did this as the economy was improving...not dumping or wallowing as it is now.
I complained if I got less than $2.50 per mile...today, freight regularly goes for$1.50-$1.90 and it takes three times as long to collect your money. Fuel runs $3.50 to $4.00 and I did it starting at less...WAY less than $1!
It's hard work that takes 26 hours per day and 9 days per week.
Now if you're a trust fund baby that can burn thru a quick $250,000 and not miss it...you want to experience a different phase of life...go for it!
I mean that sincerely.
But if you're the average person...take some time to learn the industry. Get your license, work as a company driver for a year and see if you still like it.
If so, spend at least another year as a company driver and learn about freight, business, regulations what paperwork you have to file on a regular basis. Talk with an insurance adjuster that works the freight world and learn what kinds of claims pop up regularly. It will curl your hair!
Speak with an attorney that defends trucking lawsuits. Find a good one, because you'll need one. The day will come when you'll be blindsided by a suit you knew nothing about (mine was the driver that forced the car off the road). They'll be asking for numbers you thought only represented the national debt and your attorney will start talking about what you might consider doing if you lose!
If you're married, consider what your wife will do since you'll never be home. You'll be driving to Enumclaw because the money you set aside for 'emergencies' will be a down payment to a lawyer.
Have underage children? Maybe they'll consider working at the shop so they get to see their old man.
I sold out. Spent two years wandering around the country in a motorhome with my wife. I am lucky. My wife of more than 40 years put up with all this. My kids grew up with me largely gone, but somehow became good adults. Credit my wife for that.
Diesel gets in your blood. I came back. But I came back as a driver for someone else. And I keep looking back at what I left and don't miss it a bit!
You may be young and full of gumption. You'll need that.
so if you're willing to risk it all...and I mean MORE than all... go for it.
But get some experience first.
You'll make more money working for someone for free for a year so you can learn the business than you'll make in the first three years if you just jump in.
Just my opinion.