What are some options to purchasing a Semi

Hey now you are harshing my mellow fer sure

 

About 90% of first year CDL holders get out of trucking before the end of year number one. Like Noob said, let someone else pay for your experiment, take the money they pay you and buy your truck if you like the business.

 

These people are all sounding VERY FAMILIAR??? Fastest way to make a million dollars in trucking is to start with two million

 

Everyone has their own feelings on the industry, but as other have said spend at least a year working for somebody else. I've had my CDL since was 18 worked agriculture, dry van, reefer, and some heavy haul in the oilfields, I finally decided to dip my toe in the water this year as safely as possible by renting equipment. This cost more than purchasing; but it's safer in some regards due to maintenance not being as big a monkey on your back, and you can bail out if you realize it isn't for you. After a year doing this, running the numbers, and seeing how things work I know O/O isn't for me. Actually I know at my age (closer to 40 than 30) OTR days are numbered as I want to be home with my wife and start a family.

Now as for clarification on why to drive for somebody else it does a couple of things. The first is that when you screw up, as 99% of drivers will, it's their equipment, their repair costs, and your education. Alot of guys complain about the pay from mega outfits for rookies, but if you look at it realistically as a paid internship it's not a bad gimmick. The other benefit of driving for big boys is your experience with what you like/dislike about the industry. If you're young and fit I would say go flatbed rather than being a door swinger. Learn how to do it right, and later you can work ###### near any segment of the industry you want. Starting out as a door swinger can potentially limit some of your options later, or you'll start with another outfit as a rookie rather than being seen as experience ( if you choose to try flatbed later).

 

Get rich quick generation smh

 

I strongly concur with those who advise to get your CDL and be a company driver for your first couple of years. When I started, alittle over 2 years ago, I had strong tendencies to want to get my own truck. But, too many on here said wait off until you've been driving awhile before you make that decision. I'm glad I took their advice. While I was fortunate that I found the OTR life really does suit me, I also realized being an Owner Operator isn't what something I think I should do. The numbers just don't crunch out right, for me, in my specific situation. Others have different situations and being an Owner Operator works better for them. But, for me, I'll just tool on down the road for another 5 & 1/2 years (when I fully retire) in someone else's truck. I'm a Swiftie and chances are I'll be with them the whole time. My situation, priorities and goals are a bit different than many and for me, staying with Swift seems my best option at this time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. When I started, I figured I'd just drive for them for a year or so and then move on elsewhere.
Best of luck to you. I recommend you get your CDL, drive forsomeone else for a couple of years and then you'll probably have good intuition on where to go from there.

 

Very good advice. I had the same ideas when I started a little over 5 years ago. I changed my mind for many of the same reasons. The risk/ reward just doesn't seem to be there for me. I'll Make close to 70k this year as a company driver. I have good benefits, time off, and no headaches or worries. My paycheck direct deposits like clockwork at 0001 each and every Friday.

 

If it’s just about money, in my opinion it’s really not worth getting your own truck. All the benefits and no headache is worth a lot.

 

I also started this game at 56 years old. Self employed most of my adult life. If I would have started at 40 my mindset may have been completely different. I will be cutting my schedule back next year and going forward. I will be out for 35 days..... 7 1/2 days off. Lather rinse repeat. I am retiring at 65. I am not looking at killing myself over the next 3 1/2 years. I have been working since I was 15 years old. I think 50 years of work is enough!! Lol