The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Well have I got a deal for you... it just so happens I have a van trailer for sale that would make a nice yard ornament.

 

Congrats nice looking truck. Did you buy it at a dealership or private party.

 

Best of luck to you. 20yrs in the biz myself 95% as an o/o with own authority. Long hard road but it has been worth it. On my 3rd truck now and have owned it for a little over 9 yrs. Couple things that have kept my business alive ; #1. Maintenance, can't stress this enough. For me I do a lot of seasonal work and can't afford shutdowns. If it looks even a little iffy before the season starts it gets replaced with new. Do not stretch out your oil changes, that oil is the life blood of that engine. I change mine every 12,000 without fail, I know overkill but the proof is in longevity 750,000 on the inframe and it is just starting to really run good. Research your engine as time goes on and find out where the weak links are and tend to them. Brakes, tires and lights always perfect don't run junk or try to get by. #2 Start a maintenance file in your computer, dates of any services and mileage is absolutely a must. Last but not least; stay loyal to your people but not foolish, don't jump around companies all the time. Keep a "little black book" of shippers names, contacts and phone numbers mainly the busy and efficient ones , later on you may want to try your hand at your own authority and this will come into play. Do this and keep your paperwork straight with some luck you will be fine, sounds to me you are quite methodical in your planning and have the best possible chance of making it. This is a thinking mans game now, the cowboy days are over, they were interesting for sure but long gone. See ya out there.
J-J

 

Sounds like you are on top of it Blair, nice truck keep it shined up it always makes a guy feel better about the hard work when the truck is clean. I know they get dirty we got to work but every few weeks sure does make them last, I always sit a little taller in a shiny truck. As time goes on feel free to PM me if you wish with any questions I will do my best to answer them or if I don't know the answer point you in the right direction. Sometimes it may take me awhile to answer as things can get a bit crazy. Happy Holidays
J-J

 

I see it there in your sig. Purdy truck. Good luck!

 

I dont think you can go wrong there.

Thats similar mileage that mine had when I first bought it. I'm over 1.2 million now. Mechanically flawless. Only problems I've had were leaks, hoses, wires and an ecm. Rest has been maintenance and tires.

I think you will be fine. I ran an old Pete years ago with N13 13 spd combo and other then injectors leaking every now and then it was a fantastic motor.

Good luck to you!

Hurst