Taking the leap...

My 14.0 gets 6+ in the winter 7+ mpg in the summer. Average load 25,000 pounds.

 

I would say that there is something wrong with that fuel mileage, as I also have a '96 FLD with a 12.7 Det, 475 strait HP, and it gets 7.5 to 8 mpg pulling heavy rib sided containers.
The 14 ltr is a pain in rear with the EGR (mine is now starting to "stick") I wish I had researched more before I bought it. I would have rebuilt the '96 before buying this truck. Running under your own authority, you can get away with a little older truck......
As far as slowing down to 60, do whatever pleases you, just do it in the right lane and please don't attempt to pass.......

 

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, Save cash, Pay cash for your truck or DON"T DO IT, have cash for truck in your pocket, lease to Landstar, If you can make Good Money that route, go back to CO. driver

 

Well, I got shot down...the bankerman said that he was really impressed with my business plan but that I don't have enough collateral. I'm not giving up...just have to start looking elsewhere, maybe grovel at my family's doorstep or look for venture capitalists.

The thing that really galled me was that he said I should lease on to a company for three years so that I can prove to the bank that I can make it. I told him the same thing I've said on this thread, that there's no way I can justify making a company money while they barely give me a few pennies to cover my costs. From what I've seen and read, that's the sure road to ruin & certain financial doom. It's all or nothing for this driver...I may have to go back to work for a company, but not as a Lease-Op.

 

Hang in there Doc... all's not lost. Keep plugging away... you can do it!
I'm impressed you put together a business plan. That's your roadmap! I wish more took it as seriously as you!

 

welcome to produce. it's heavy and it's HOT. no time to slow down unless you want to drive 16hrs a day to make up the extra miles. I generally average 800 miles a day. that's hard to do at 60mph

it's not bad but it's not great ether. I'd like to see 6mpg for the trade off of driving an ugly vacuum cleaner of a truck.

when I can run 65 on flat ground my fuel mielage is between 6 and 6.5. the hills kill this motor too

 

being leased to a company gives banks a warm fuzzy feeling for some reason. I doubt very highly that in this financial climate you will find anyone to lend you money to start out as an independant. Had some other freinds go through this recently. I sugessted getting a letter of intent to lease from some company so they could get the financing. then one the papers are signed there is nothing stoping you from changing your mind and going independant.
it worked for them

 

hehehe, that's not a terrible idea...I might have to look into that.

Thanks!

 

Thanks for insight,yes i think all O/O would have to have the business mind to survive today.

 

Looking for advice on a used truck,
seeking advice on reliability not pricing.

Seeking advice on Volvo's 780.

I found 1 2007 780,Cummings ISX 400 hp, 13 speed Fuller with a 3:55 axle ratio.
410,000 miles.
A company truck,Comes with all maint. records from day 1.
6 month,50 k mileage warranty.

The other is a 2006 780 ,Cummings ISX 545 HP( If I'm remembering correctly),325,xxx miles, fuller 13 speed,
3:55 axle ratio,
had a complete rebuild BY Cummings, 25,000 miles ago because it had over heated.
I saw the paperwork by Cummings, it stated that all cylinders,pistons,bearings at pistons,entire head and all valves replaced ,coolant replaced,etc.( I sure I'm missing things here, the parts list was long).
6 month engine warranty by Cummings.

Would the larger ISX engine consume more fuel?
(if both were driven in the same manor,same speed,etc.)

Both trucks will be checked out at my local heavy truck place before buying.

Advice would be appreciated.