What to buy?

Brownsfan16 · Oct 1, 2012

Taildragon said: ↑

I wish I could count all the guys that I have known who came in to the industry and tried to make it like you are describing. You say that you admit that you "new" nothing about the trucking industry before going through training and getting your license, I can honestly say that I don't know of one person who entered the business like this and did not walk away from it discouraged, embarrassed, broken and at or nearbankruptcy. It is evident that you have not spent any time on research on even this website alone, not to mention your choice of companies. Do yourself a favor, spend a couple of years behind the wheel and research the industry before you throw your money away. Do you have any idea what life is like on the road? Do you have any idea what you would do if the truck breaks down under load at 5:30 p.m. and the load has got to go? Do you know who is going to be responsible for payment to get that load delivered on time? Have you picked up one contract from one of the carriers that you have mentioned and read it through? If there were money in it like you think there is, you would not be able to fit one more truck on the roads and streets of America. You have been warned on this thread that you will not make it as mentioned in your post. You think that you will not need a commercial lender because you are able to pay cash for a truck, do yourself a favor, find someone in the commercial lending business and buy them lunch, don't mention your business plan right away, just ask them if they lend money to any part of the trucking industry, and let the conversation go where it will. If what you think is possible, there is no company that would be able to ever hire a driver, everyone would go straight to the "big money" and buy their own truck so that it would be easier to break in to the business. I hate to break down your dream, but it just will not work out the way that you think that it will.
Click to expand...

I'm not thinking I am going to make mountains and mountains of money. I don't want to be a O/O. That is why the idea of a lease operator was intriguing to me with my own truck. I can afford the expenses of the truck and from what I have been told you can make better money maybe not a ton more in your own truck over the long run than a company driver.

Brownsfan16 · Oct 1, 2012

Chinatown said: ↑

Check everything on this website. Also, make sure your truck is spec'd correctly for what you decide, flatbed, reefer,van,tanker. If it's not spec'd right, you can run into problems with weight, height, fuel milage, power, etc. When you decide on a company, talk to the company's owner-operator division about what you will need,before purchasing a tractor. For example, if you purchase a tractor before talking to them, the tractor may be too heavy for reefer work. If you go with flatbed or tanker, you may not need a condo or all the fairing on top. I hope you're very successful and you probably will be if you ask the right questions first.
Click to expand...

Don't the new trucks usually have the best fuel mileage and power? Also are there new trucks that are to heavy for hauling stuff such as dry van or reefer? Yes those questions will all be asked before starting for a company but I figured a new truck would conform with most industry standards and a company would welcome a new truck into the mix.

al_huryn · Oct 1, 2012

You don't want to be an O/O but you want to buy a new truck???? You make no sense.

Brownsfan16 · Oct 1, 2012

al_huryn said: ↑

You don't want to be an O/O but you want to buy a new truck???? You make no sense.
Click to expand...

I mean down the road yea that's a possibility but I just think it would be more fun to drive a new truck from the beginning in this business.

jgremlin · Oct 1, 2012

Brownsfan16 said: ↑

I mean down the road yea that's a possibility but I just think it would be more fun to drive a new truck from the beginning in this business.
Click to expand...

So you want to start with a brand new truck because you think driving a new truck will be more fun. Well that's a sound business model if ever there was one. You are certainly going into this with the right attitude and perspective to insure your long term profitability and success.

If you're still looking for specific truck ideas allow me to suggest a Volvo VLN640 with at least 450hp and an ultrashift trans. Not because it will be well suited for your mission but because I'd like to buy it from you for a song after you lose your shirt.

White Dog · Oct 1, 2012

Brownsfan16 said:

the people giving me advice on this have been in the industry for 30+ years so I am obviously trusting what they are telling me
Click to expand...

Right after he told us he has been looking at four stinking starter companies:

Schneider, US express, Trans Am, or Swift are the ones I have spent the most time researching.
Click to expand...

I'm confused?!?

IceCreator · Oct 1, 2012

What was your previous employment that allowed to to save up over 150,000$ that you can just spend in one transaction?

Brownsfan16 · Oct 1, 2012

White Dog said: ↑

Brownsfan16 said: Right after he told us he has been looking at four stinking starter companies:I'm confused?!?
Click to expand...

My only choice is a starter company as I have no experience yet. Those were the ones I had looked at. Like I said if there are more I would certainly look at more but those were just the ones I had been suggested to look at first.

chompi · Oct 2, 2012

I would absolutely not lease until you have put in a good year or so with what ever company it is you decide on. You have no clue what you will be making for miles or who your dispatcher will be. You are putting the cart way ahead of horse!

Once again, sounds as if you just have shiny truck syndrome!

Larryparker · Oct 2, 2012

I am sorry to say my friend, but I think your idea is an accident waiting to happen. I think you you need to rethink your bussiness plan, and do a lot more research.

I wish you luck and safe miles.

Larry

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

What to buy?

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

al_huryn Medium Load Member

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

jgremlin Heavy Load Member

White Dog Road Train Member

IceCreator Medium Load Member

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

chompi Road Train Member

Larryparker Medium Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

What to buy?

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

al_huryn Medium Load Member

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

jgremlin Heavy Load Member

White Dog Road Train Member

IceCreator Medium Load Member

Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

chompi Road Train Member

Larryparker Medium Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!