The end of this year marks nearly 17 years I’ve been a heavy equipment technician. In 2014 I obtained my CDL A, and leased with success on a dedicated account for a carrier for 3 years. I naturally did not get rich, but learned a ton about what it takes to make it on the road along with money management.
After the account was lost by the carrier, I sold my truck which was pretty much worn out, and returned to the shop spinning wrenches which is my current situation.
My heart has been out of being a tech for a number of years now, but with experience and licensing that I have, it pays well. Recently, I was given an opportunity to buy another truck (outright, on my own with my own money, no lease) and lease onto another carrier (flatbed) It’s self dispatch, and I’m given complete control.
This year I will make about 65k gross. My job is a 6-3, Mon-Fri, no weekends, great insurance and retirement. However it’s an extremely poor environment (steel mill loaders) and large amounts of big brother corporate politics.
I’m looking for opinions. What would other guys do? I’m very much an entrepreneur and driven to do things on my own, yet I watch everything trucking and in today’s world it seems risky at best. Do I sit on the security of what I have now or do I set out on what I really feel I want to do? FYI, I do have a wife and she has been very supportive of either decision I make. She can carry insurance through her employment should I go on the road.
Technician vs. Trucking
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by chameleon34, Dec 30, 2018.
Page 1 of 2
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
Nothing wrong with that money. And home every night and weekends?
I read a red flag though about your last episode. Why would your truck be wore out if your a mechanic? Something doesn’t ring right about that?
If you can’t afford to keep a truck up last time what will be different about it this time?
I think the rates are going to take a hit this year and we will be back to 2014 rates by early fall. I think it will be a tough time to get started with loadboard freight if that’s what you are looking at?
Good luck either way.jamespmack, cke, whoopNride and 2 others Thank this. -
maybe see if you can lease a building and open up your own shop?
maybe see if another shop owner is in need of a partner?
no one says you have to stay at the same shop.
one other thought, suck it up like many working people and stay there and retire?jamespmack Thanks this. -
Sure I could have done the work for half the cost, but trying to be a full time driver and do major engine work is challenging to say the least.
I’ve heard about a slowdown potential in the future from multiple people. It is loadboard freight along with a handful of agents. They claim I’m in a good area for steel (Michigan) but hard telling till I’m out there.jamespmack, cke and snowman_w900 Thank this. -
jamespmack, cke, whoopNride and 2 others Thank this.
-
jamespmack, cke, snowman_w900 and 2 others Thank this.
-
jamespmack, cke and snowman_w900 Thank this.
-
jamespmack, cke, snowman_w900 and 1 other person Thank this.
-
Here’s my take. Happiness and being your own boss is always #1. Buying my own truck and going out on my own was the absolute best deicision I’ve ever done. Yes freight is slow in the winter since I do flatbed but who cares it’s time to relax with the family. I make an obscene amount of money working hard in the summer. Seriously there’s no way to fail at this unless your work ethic is horrible. I had to file an irs form 2553 to tax my LLC as an s-Corp because of the ridiculous profits.
However if I was in your shoes I may consider being my own boss and start a wrenching company. Buy a van make a mobile mechanic business. If driving a flatbed interests you more than I would do it. I wouldn’t listen to people who says the economy will go down and trucking will become hard and all this nonsense. It’s lazy people living paycheck to paycheck with no business since saying this. I even made it through 2008 just fine.larry2903, Just passing by, jamespmack and 3 others Thank this. -
Open yr shop ....I have never seen shop lacking work , but I have seen drivers lacking work ...no matter of economy - people will be fixing trucks , with the right business plan I don't see other options for you
jamespmack Thanks this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 2