Trying to decide on buying a truck need help!

I haven't gone out and done it yet, and don't have much opinion on the tractor end of it, but a reefer trailer would be a good option if going van, as you have the option of reefer loads or dry van loads. That's what my hubby would do.

 

You would get a better responce in the O/O forum than here.. Heck this question has been covered a lot there and you just might do some reading and find someone has already asked your exact same question???
I'm a O/O myself & I have a different philosophy than some out here.. There are a lot of guys wanting "more miles..more miles" "run, run, run..." What does it get them.. a worn out truck.

I belive in running as few miles as possible for the max. amount of $$..

About the only thing an O/O has to offer over the big carriers is their hands on special service, attention to detail, on time delivery & pickup appointments, going 1 step further to ensure the load arrives undamaged, the O/O often has a bit more experiance & is always concious of his load & his equipment. He is not out there to tear up either one.
The mega carriers cannot compete in those departments.. so I "specialize".. (my chosen speciality is hauling high, wide & heavy) I have a 35 ton, double drop w/ a flip axle. Other options can be hauling a conestoga flatbed? or a 50' x 102 wide stepdeck with 17.5 tires and a 40' bottom ramps, container locks ect.....Others may differ and opt for a regular flat.. all aluminum for max weigh savings.. tarps galore.. (1 for every type of load.. from steel tarp to nursery tarps..)

Flatbeds not your thing? Then how about getting into the PSS military stuff..van freight for the most part. (must be team w/ security clearances, & Q-comm) this pays good and you run hard..Still not your thing?? how about Haz-Mat (Table 1 stuff not the wimpy stuff on table 2.. haha) Explosives or Nuclear??

Want more excitement.....go Super loads.. You might not drive much or go very far but then again you don't need to when those loads pay mega bucks..

As for buying or leasing.. which one are you talking about a lease purchase or just a lease in which you never own the truck but just sorta rent it? I always prefer to own my truck.. If you are leasing your truck for 3 - 4 years you can deduct 100% of your lease payment on taxes.. if your buying your truck you must depreciate the truck over a # of years. Once fully depreciated you must put some $$ into the truck to reduce your tax liability. (Thats what I am doing now)

Need more info, feel free to IM me. this post is getting long winded.. I'm not sure if I'm heading in the right direction or off into left field. haha