Planning on driving a truck, thinking about car hauling.

www.OOIDA.com is a business website for the owner-operator.
This website can give you information on insurance, business plan, etc.

 

I'm glad to see I'm not the only young blood that had aspirations to drive. I have experience with multiple facets of transportation. My dad was an Owner OP (O/O) starting when I was 14. We mainly transported using a conventional box trailer. I also have been around car haulers (my dad went to hauling hazmat when I turned 20 which required me getting off his truck) in my time being a repo agent, etc.

From talking to car haulers I got mainly positive things however, most of the small business owners I spoke with their main issue was finding loads. I suggest, if your heart is set on hauling cars, try to reach out to tow and repo companies. They always need transporters, or "car haulers" to take cars to auctions.

Also, a cab-over may not be the most sound business move especially starting out. Here's why; government emissions regulations. Dont get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE cab-overs. But currently in the U.S, with very few exceptions, cab-overs to NOT meet emissions standards. My suggestion is to get a current emissions truck (EPA2017). When you go buy a truck, have it inspected and have an electrical diag performed to give you the most info on any issues present. Buying brand new is the best way, but very difficult for young guys due to many reasons.

Be prepared for things like DEF, DPF, ATS, etc.

Also, as previously mentioned, the ooida is a great resource as well as other members on this forum.

Do your research. You seem intelligent and have great aspirations. If you have any questions, feel free to ask myself, or any other of the great members here.

 

First I would like to say that I respect your drive. I personally believe that any one of us can do anything we set our mind to. We may not always be successful, but I have learned much from my mistakes. These mistakes have allowed me to be happy with where I am today.

I really wouldn’t recommend buying anything just yet. Since your family is farming they probably can find someone to put you to work driving part time. I learned to drive old cars, tractors and then trucks on the farm and then the road before I was anywhere near legal. The National Gaurd probably can get you all the training and experience you will need to get your foot in the door of a great driving job and maybe carhaul company in a few years. Two of the best carhaulers I know never drove a semi for hire before starting at Allied Systems. One just retired after 40 years. The other is in his 20’s and is one of Jack Coopers top producers currently.
Having a strong drive is important for future success, but patience and proper training is also if you really want to succeed. Good luck!

 

Several months ago a guy in Nebraska had a similar question & we found a couple of jobs available that hire 18 yrs. old cdl school grads. They are companies such as Co-op and others that haul fertilizer and chemicals to farms and ranches, then spray the fields in some cases.
Go ahead and get your cdl and also become a member of www.ooida.com to start the learning process early. You will then be able to have an informed, intelligent conversation about trucking during interviews, when the job hunt begins.

 

Short answer, don't do it ! I would tell you the same thing I tell my own kids, nothing trumps a good education. I like hauling cars just fine, but if I had a redo I would've stayed in school. I am sure the National Guard has programs to help you pay for collage.
Now, if you really want to be an O/O a few things to consider :
Can you even get insurance at your age and how much will it cost ? You don't want to end up in a situation where you work just to cover expenses.
What are you going to haul ? Without steady work you are doomed and unless you know somebody people are not going to just offer you work.
Can you do your own repairs ? An old truck like that is going to need constant attention and a good way to go broke.
As others have said before, if you really want to be in this business get some experience working for a company. Maybe you can start in the wrecker business , learn the ropes and develop relationships with dealers, auction people and any potential future customer. My buddy did just that, moved up to a wedge, then a stinger and now he owns 8 trucks. It took him close to 10 years and he started for Trans Am pulling reefers after getting his CDL.
Good luck.

 

Whatever you do don't sign up for OOIDA. They aren't as resourceful as China says which pains me to say becuase China is right about 99% of the time.