The journey begins - purchased a truck.

I'm thinking its the 'ad valorem' tax in KS.

Was initially going for MO plates, for control - and that I'd rather fund MO than IL, but after learning of the IRP reporting (thanks 40 cal), I'll just defer to LS's IL plates.

After all - that's what I'm giving up 27% of revenue for . . . they may as well earn their share. Ditto on the IFTA filing.

 

I was thinking of going that route.
The bit that got me was , well, the online site being unavailable, then going the paper trail - only to find the IRS makes everything reaaaaaly complex. Couldn't find the 'category' (A-W), to save myself.

Always like to fill and file forms myself, so I understand them, but will defer on this one!

 

Well, as always, I've learned some more . . .

I downloaded the 2290 form to find that the weights were listed next to the categories, making the decision of the category 'V' fairly obvious. I located the Joplin branch of the IRS and went and paid the 2290 in person, $275.

Faxed that back to LS.

Also learned that LS has, at least for now, suspended the trailer rental program, or more correctly - has altered it. Instead of being able to rent a flatbed for $170/week, they are now reducing the revenue percentage to 65%, from 73%. Problem. I'm not willing to give up potentially $24k - $30k in revenue per year . . . not even for a short time.

As advised earlier, I was going to rent a trailer in the short term, to find out what trailer type was possibly lucrative in my area. Have been in touch with Ozark Utility and confirmed that the used market is wayyyyy up there, based on supply and demand. The closest unit they have is Feb 26th - a 53' flat spread. New price $28,200 - tool boxes $963.20 (60"), including FET.

Filled out credit apps, from starting up the business accounts, zi learned my credit score was 802, which should put me in a range of 7-8% on the trailer financing, out to 60 months. Waiting on word back.

Applied online and went to Joplin for pre-employment drug screen. Faxed control form back to LS.

Paid $200 for new muffler, clamps, and flex pipe to convert the truck to a weedburner, to allow room for headache rack and trailer clearance. Attempted to start truck . . . . not happy in 10 degree weather. Got her going eventually and delivered to local shop, where I assisted in removing existing brackets and plates, until 4pm.

Need to remount fire extinguisher internally, as it was on the back previously.
Need to order additional securements.
Need to look into Maxwell start module - I can see the benefits!
Fuel is now 4 months old, probably summer blend and possibly gelling today. Ran pretty rough. Half tank.

All information now in LS's hands - assuming next step is orientation scheduling date. This will be in Ft Worth, may look at flying in there for the week.

ODFL's truck threw up a check engine light, last seen dropped off at Cummins in Joplin, may be ready for another run this weekend.

For now, keep the fire burning, have a shower, and call it a day. And eat something.

 

The other way round, though I need clarification:

Own trailer - 73% of revenue
USE their trailer - 65% of revenue, but they're not charging $170/week on the flatbed.

 

And, as a sidenote - I wonder on days like today . . .

Did I get much accomplished today?
If we were on the road, we'd be earning $800 gross/day.
Do I need to set money aside to be off the road during these bitterly cold months?
Will it all work out?

On the positive side, I haven't been perusing the usual swathe of threads on the 'new driver' section, and getting myself into trouble with my usual brand of humor . . .

And, I spend more time learning from other threads, like Double Yellow's thread of "Company driver to O/O transition" - my brain grows a little more each day.