Okay I have been bouncing around here and there and can't seem to find anything on my question... First off... I have driven before but due to being a moron I am going through Swift to get my CDL back and then will stick around with'em to get some "current" experience. My thing is I like the idea of down the road having my own truck and going with like Landstar instead of own authority just to eliminate a little of the headache. Maybe after a while if all works out will switch to having my own authority. I have been trying to find information on where to come up with the figures and calculations to figure out the $$$ to be able to get started. I know it depends on the year/model/mileage of the truck etc... but just trying to figure out where to get averages to be able to figure everything out and for sample figures to use for a business plan. Another thing I have been trying to find an answer to (with out calling a CPA this early in the game) is would it be better to Lease a truck with a low residual buyout or to just finance one. I know leasing tends to have the maintenance etc covered a little better but then have to get a "new" truck for more $$ and financing one well maint and repairs your on your own unless under warranty. But tax wise which route is a better option isn't it that financing you can only deduct interest while leasing and deduct full payment (with some twisted grey areas) I am 2 weeks away from having an AA in accounting but don't get to get into the fun parts until the BS program Anyways thanks in advance for any input on this... And I don't need the negative don't even consider it nore the "swift comments". I am just trying to get a head start on getting information together to see if it is something I can work out in the next year or two...
Here'sthe first and foremost reading. http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-operator/13608-so-you-want-own-your-own.html This question has been asked hundreds of times on this forum so there plenty of info here. Use the serch tool with keywords started, starting, what ever you have a question about, etc.... It's here already I'm sure. If you have any inclination of being a LO or OO then my suggestion is to get a copy of quicken or build a spreadsheet to track exspenses. Keep records as though you already own the truck. Milage maintenace, repairs, ins, truck/trailer payments, lumpers, tarps, chains, binders, everything. Learn the lanes, use some loadboards to see what is or isn't in the area you go to. This will give you an idea of whether its a good or tough area to get in or out of. Track you loaded and empty miles everything you could possibly need to know if you owned the truck learn while a CD. Best of Luck
Thanks 5mouths.. Links to threads on the forums are some of the best information I can use... I've tried using searches with the downfall being that it seems like I get a list of practically all threads LOL.. I plan on tracking everything that goes on while a CD (once I get in a truck LOL) I have always been one of the strange types of employees that treat the companies money and equipment like it is my own (not personally but my own companies) I have always had the belief that if can help the company save money there is a microscopic chance that the employees may benefit from it as well... Thanks for the ideas and the link....
All jokes aside, I hope you aren't seriously looking for anything more than opinions, here or anywhere else. If a successful strategy exists for buying a truck and hauling general freight, beware, because it is stolen and should be returned immediately to the same secret location that the guide to successful gambling is kept. So another of my opinions... Trucking is alot like going on a vacation in Las Vegas, how do you wanna roll, how much are you willing to lose, only in a casino you can choose your game, see your opponent, know the rules, but in trucking just when you think you're getting ahead, WHAM.... out of nowhere a whole list of shat can happen. O.K. just one more... Trucking is like a box of chocolates......
a sample BP, to use as a guide for your own.... http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...r/23807-wegners-trucking-llc-a-sample-bp.html another good read... http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-operator/23036-what-are-the-first-steps.html as to figures, your gonna have to get ahold of current ones try to find out what a load pays, current FSC rate, truck costs ect best way to figure out if its do-able for you, run your company truck like you own it
Thanks Bronc.. The more current figures is the part that I am trying to figure out where to look for. I think I have figured out where to find the FSC rate, truck cost (have been browsing truck sales sites). The amounts that loads are paying is one I haven't figured out where to find, along with approx required ins.rates (don't wanna do the whole calling around to get rate ideas this early in the game) I'll read over those other threads as well... thanks again !
If your just looking for general info on insurance do an online quote with progressive commercial. It will at least give you some numbers. As for loads you can look at the free loadboards, they sometimes post rates.
