Thinking about owning own truck--questions

In the beginning I used several different brokers and used many load boards on line. After some time I narrowed down to 80% of my runs through one broker who uses my power unit only and I use their trailer for back hauls. A good deal for me and I don't wear out my trailer.

Sometimes I get loads direct from shippers but not often, I run a lot of Christmas trees during the season direct. Trees require a lot of driver work though. Direct with shippers is an area I am studying more though.

I also have narrowed to using only one load board. In my experience if a load is posted on one site 90% of the time its on all the other popular load boards too. Brokers searching for you also scan all the popular sights. Many load boards offer 30 day trials, if not ask if they will give you that. You can try a couple or more and keep the ones you like.

It took some time but I learned who I liked running for and who I didn't. Some brokers are very good honest people and others less than so. Always run their credit through the factoring company before pulling the load.

This is my personal opinion next. The best thing of all that will help you is learn how to talk to a broker. I never let them talk to me like they are in charge of everything. Never sound overly interested in what they have even if it sounds good right up.
Ask for more money every time, be nice but be prepared to hang up if they can't meet your need. I have been amazed how many have called me back and offered what I wanted after telling me I was nuts for wanting a certain rate. Next to that keep expenses low. Smaller engines and good gear combination are so important with fuel high as it is. Shop around for insurance. Your phone will ring off the hook if you get an MC number from insurance companies.

So for typing long, I just want to help. Take care and good luck.e

 

Find something else man you gotta be smart I got back into the classroom as a teacher try a different company.

 

Where's that repo lot? Does it have a name? Thanks

 

The guy who owns the business is on another site I visit. I'll have to go back now and look I just don't remember off hand. he posted pics of it all

 

Hang around for a while and if this fuel doesn't go down you can buy any truck you want for pennies on the dollar.

 

I bought my 1989 pete 379 chromed out with 200k on a major overhaul, new clutch, good tires, etc. etc. for $12K. There are great deals out there right now! But when you are buying old and cheap expect to put a few thousand dollars into it to make sure everything is working correctly. Check out your public auctions on trucks/trailers in your area and you can usually get good deals out there. Around here you can get a great truck for $20k and a great van trailer for $4-5k. The only problem with auctions is that you can't test drive them (at least the one around here you can't). I know I got a great deal on my truck, but part of it is its age and the fact the the o/o who drove it got killed and I bought it off his wife.

 

Cash is king right now on trucks.If you got the money they'll play Monte Hall with you and make a deal.

 

There is no doubt that the economy sucks and that the situation will probably get worse. However, one thing is for sure. It's not a good time to be selling, but it's a great time to buy. Than, all ya gotta do, is pay for it.

 

Hey MM... put the link for mee too willya?

 

I can't link to a compeating site. I'll try to find the picture again though