Warm Up Those Flame Throwers!

I know the seasoned posters on this site have read threads like this countless times.

However, I differ from other wannabes in one important trait:

I WANT TO KNOW WHY AND HOW MY PLAN STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN.

Yes, you read that right.

So many aspiring OOs post here and want to hear what makes them happy. In other words, they only want to hear how successful they'll be. These people will argue to the bitter end with anyone who offers criticism.

Well, that's not me.

I've read the great advice from the heavy hitters on this sub-forum so I'm aware this venture will have an 85% - or higher - failure rate.

However, I have a passion for trucking and seek the freedom that successful OOs enjoy.

So what I'd like to hear - the good, bad, ugly, and hideous - are what others think of my plan. Now mind you, I'm still in the research phase so I haven't done anything crazy like put a down payment on a truck.

Some background info on me would be helpful...

I have a little over 5 years experience as a commercial driver. I started out OTR dry van (48 states), went to 11 western dry and reefer, and currently work line haul.

I have all my certs. I have real-world experience pulling 53s, 48s, doubles, and triples (in the winter, no less).

I do not have experience pulling flatbed and tankers (although you need the endorsement in line haul because of the totes).

I worked briefly for a freight broker so I have some idea how that works. For the broker, I did such things as cold call potential customers, negotiate rates with drivers or dispatchers. I also did some planning for the ugly multi-pick to multi-drop runs. Conflict resolution was another task I had.

Prior to all this, I worked in customer service. Therefore, I have some experience helping people who are unhappy for various reasons. Soft skills such as never raising my voice or trying to match wits with the other person goes a long way.

I currently have $80k in cash saved up. I've managed to save this and still max out on my Roth and make modest contributions to an index fund.

I am debt free. Yes, I know that will soon change if I take the plunge as a new OO.

I will most likely purchase a used truck. Ideally, it will still have the factory warranty. I've read nothing but bad things about 3rd-party warranties (which makes perfect sense since they are in the business of selling warranties while minimizing pay-outs).

I'll have it inspected by an independent mechanic. This inspection will include blow by test, ECM, and oil analysis.

I'm not necessarily against purchasing a new truck. However, I know they can still have electrical or other issues that will sideline me. This would be especially bad if I'm under a load. Also, it'll be me who'll eat the depreciation cost.

But if anyone has good reasons to go new, I'm all ears.

Whether new or used, I'm leaning towards Cascadia. From my OTR experience, I know Volvo dealers are fewer and farther in between than Freightliner. I've also had more electrical problems with Volvos. Right about now, I'm certain Volvo owners are doing finger exercises to type a response about how they never have such problems!

I've also looked into T680 but I don't have first hand knowledge like I do with Cascadias and Volvos. If I do go the T680 route, I haven't heard too many negative things about it with a Paccar engine. If you know different, please let me know.

If I go used, it will most likely be 2016 or later as there should ("should" being the operative word) be less likely to have regen issues as opposed to the earlier models.

My first 6 to 12 months, I plan on leasing onto a carrier. Candidates include Landstar. I've read they take a big cut; however, this doesn't have to be a long-term deal. If there are other reputable outfits people have first-hand experience with, feel free to let me know.

After the 6-12 month period, I may strike it out on my own. However, I know this can be feast or famine as I've worked as a broker's assistant.

My accountant deals primarily with OOs and company drivers. He's slammed right now with the tax season. When it's over, I plan on going over a detailed analysis with him.

For now, I want to hear from those who are actually in the thick of things. And like I stated earlier, I actually WANT to hear why this is a lousy idea. I'm old enough to know it's human nature to avoid unpleasant news. However, if the unpleasant news can save my hide, I want to be very much aware of it.

Thanks

 

Fixed and Variable Expenses. I plan on doing a detailed analysis with my accountant (he specializes in OOs and company drivers).

I don't necessarily have to make more more money than as a company driver (although that is the ultimate plan...). I'll be perfectly happy making about the same BUT with the satisfaction of knowing I'm forging my own path.

I don't plan on chasing the best paying freight. I DO plan on specializing. I'm good at line haul. And the LTL business model won't go away any time soon.

I can pull 53s, doubles, and triples (I actually have over a year exp there). The way I see it, there are too many players out there. I plan on finding my own niche and building a reputation for integrity and getting it done on time.

One thing I've learned as a broker's assistant. There are predatory OOs and fleet owners that will tell you they'll cover your freight. And - lo and behold - 30 minutes later they have some mysterious break down. Some times this may be legit. However, I know they've often found better paying loads and left me empty handed. We had notes on such drivers and fleets. I know brokers play similar games. And this is where reputation means everything.

Used truck is more within my budget. As stated, I want to find one with reasonable miles and a decent amount left on factory warranty. Still leaning towards Cascadia with DD13 or 15.

But not ruling out T680 with Paccar. If anyone has first-hand knowledge on the T680s, feel free to share.

Whatever I go with, I WILL absolutely get the blow-by, OA, ECM, and all other inspections done. I can offset the cost by leveraging a lower price with seller. That's the plan, anyways...

Thanks very much.

 

I'll be sure to read the thread you mentioned.

You know, one of the reasons I fell in love in with trucking is that I'm something of a drifter.

I actually enjoy visiting different places and seeing the sights. I can take advantage of Lyft. I've also done enough OTR to know some decent places where I can park a bobtail, get a workout/shower, buy supplies, and catch a movie.

I also know there'll be miserable days when I'm stuck in my truck at some ****hole. And that's trucking, I know. I can use that time to catch up on book-keeping, researching market conditions, and other necessary things.