Should I buy my own truck?

I believe you will find that EVERYBODY here feels that this would be a mistake.

I have been researching the same thing as you, for a few weeks now. I'm spending a lot of time on it. It's hard to ignore the advice of so many experienced people, and when so many, say the same thing, well, there must be something to it.

I have pretty much decided to take the advice. My plan now , is to go to a driving school...........spend the $5 - $6 grand and then be very selective as to the companies to apply to. I'm leaning towards reefer, and basing myself in the South West.

Keep my nose clean, mouth shut, and do what I am told for at least one year. Then, if it is still for me, buy a truck and go earn the millions.

This forum is a wealth of information. I spend at least 6 hours each day reading all the various old and new posts. Thanks everybody.


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I would look at Wil-Trans, Prime etc. and go there. They have a great school and you will have to sign a contract for 15 months but no money out of your pocket other than food while you are training for your CDL. When you are done, you can then venture out. 15 months experience will get you a lot further than just a CDL from a trucking school. If you like the company and only if you still want to be an O/O do a lease with either of them. It is not the greatest simply because you are leasing a truck from the same company that is responsible for your loads and you can not get loads elsewhere but the training and hands on will be worth it. If the market has not picked up a lot between now and then then I would say stay for your 2 years experience, then Insurance will be easier to get and afford. Just remember to keep it real if you decide to lease, for some people they are OK but when you talk to a lot of O/O's on here that did a lease they will tell you to stay away but I think they will all say it is a means to learn some good values without the personal financial risk.

 

Manhattan "Beach", California 94,90 this past Sun, Mon

 

Laredo TX last monday... 110

 

Very wise. Everybody starting out wants to own a truck one day and make more money. But it's not a matter of how much you have right now to invest, is just that you have a lot to learn. I'm feeling it as a trainee, I'm learning so much, and it's the hardest part, to hear what the experienced people have to teach you, but it's good stuff and it's for your good, and it's going to be all worth.

 

IC40oz First thanks for your service..

And I already see your going to do what I would suggested anyway. Just like the Military Training you only get the basics in school. By going out a year with a company you can learn the rest of the Story..

 

Your telling me, I just bought my truck to go back on the road (been doing it off and on for the last 10 years) and my little brother is going with me, his only experience is driving school (now his training was much more indepth than the training I recieved 10 years ago) and believe me when we say the schools teach you just enough to be dangerous, that is it. You are prepared with the basics, now you have to go out and hone your skills. I have a lot to learn going at it as an O/O with authority for the first time but this isn't my first business and I have the means to survive if the freight isn't moving as well as the means to say no till I get the loads that pay well.....

Hang in there, go with a good company and try it out. The life you are imagining is way different once you are out living it as a trucker. You ill see what I and others have said, but if it fits then roll on.
Good luck.