Serious Questions

[Anareo]

So my pops and I are going to hit the road as a team. He received his CDL and is waiting on me to receive mine. Due to English being his third language, its very much broken. So it's up to me to get the grisp of things and put my dad and I on the road, or we will lose this beautiful house that my dad has built for our family. I feel like I am under a lot of pressure, but the positive beneficial kind. So If you could be so kind, there are some serious questions that I need answered by Owner Operators, and team drivers such as you guys, and gals.


1. Would you perfer buying your own truck or driving for a company as a team for the first year of operation. If so what kind of trailer would you suggest to pull, in other words what makes most money these days (my dad is really serious about being an owner operator)

2. What kinda of truck would you perfer for the maximum amount of interior space that is also reliable and just solid.

3. What company would you suggest to take a good look at within the country.

4. I live in PNW (Portland) anyone you know in this area with great Deticated runs and good miles?

5. What is your favorite type of trailer to pull and why?




- Thanks guys.

 

[Biker]

With the way the economy is right now, purchasing a truck may be one of the worst things you could do. On top of the truck payment, you also have insurance payments. Not exactly a cheap undertaking, and what do you do for making the payment if you don't get a load?

Now, if that doesn't persuade you to hold off, you should look at reefers for your trailer. The nice thing about hauling a reefer is you have the best of both worlds. Not only are you able to haul refrigerated loads, but you can haul dry loads as well.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Anareo...The first question which needs to be addressed regarding whether to start out as an O/O is...how much knowledge do y'all have regarding operating a truck business? If you're not properly informed and prepared, the odds will be stacked against y'all towards success.

Here's a site link to aid ya in making many decisions... www.truthabouttrucking.com . Allen has 30 years of experience and provides a lot of information to aid individuals looking to get into the business regarding the pitfalls to watch out for.

Freight is picking up, but it is still very tough out there. Knowing what you're doing and the business is very important to success. My brother's doing quite well right now and has informed me he's seeing good signs...but we are very experienced in the Owner-Operator/Independent area and understand the business. And the best advice I can give y'all is to get informed about the pitfalls to watch out for. Knowing what to avoid will make a huge difference in y'all's success.

Since y'all will be teaming, look at trucks with what we call "condo sleepers." As to any specific type of truck...a truck's a truck. Look carefully at the maintenance records, and don't just settle for a truck...but scrutinize it and treat this purchase with the importance it deserves. This will be the biggest investment as an O/O and you must treat it accordingly. As to trailers...Biker points out the benefit in pulling reefer.

I'll wish y'all nothing but success in your endeavor.

Safe Trails and God Bless,
~ss~

 

[2xR]

1. Would you perfer buying your own truck or driving for a company as a team for the first year of operation. If so what kind of trailer would you suggest to pull, in other words what makes most money these days (my dad is really serious about being an owner operator)

In the early stages of your endeavour, a company truck might be your best option. Let someone else assume the risk, you two just show up, drive, and learn the business.

2. What kinda of truck would you perfer for the maximum amount of interior space that is also reliable and just solid.

They're all about the same, and, everybody has their favorites. Running team you'll want a double bunk condo because there will be times when you both will want to take a nap, and, the storage areas are more ample.

3. What company would you suggest to take a good look at within the country.

Start close to home, then expand your search to companies that consider your location part of their service area.

4. I live in PNW (Portland) anyone you know in this area with great Deticated runs and good miles?

See question #3

5. What is your favorite type of trailer to pull and why?

Ditto what Biker said. Reefers are very versatile and sometimes reefer freight pays a bit more. I personally like tanks, but, you're just getting started, so I won't recommend them to you.

- Thanks guys.

You are welcome. Remember, if you take our advice, you do so at your own risk. No warranties expressed nor implied. Do not attempt this at home. The participants are trained professionals.

 

[firecracker24]

Another thing is if neither of you have experience already check into the training programs for the companies you choose.

Covenant is the only company that I know of that will train you guys together for 3 months then let you use one of there trucks right away since your already a team. But if you go with them you both will need hazmat endorsement.

Most of the other companies will put you two with separate trainers to get the one on one attention that is really needed to learn the industry.
Just something for your thoughts.

 

[rustygate]

Im the kinda guy that likes to go busting in with my own equipment.

What I would do in your situation regarding a truck and trailer VS a company (provided you guys arent flat broke yet) is buy a good used truck, and a reefer like suggested.

If you know what to look for on a truck, and depending where you live, you can make a few bucks with an older truck.
Check to see if anyone else is running older iron around you, and be prepared to fix stuff. Start with more local hauls, that way IF you do have breakdowns, its easier to deal with.

Id also start with a 2004ish volvo truck. Im not a fan of volvos, but up here they can be bought for a reasonable price, usually have large sleepers on them, and are known to be a little better on fuel. After you get established, then you can go get the Pete 379 with the 600 cummins in it, and ride in style!

Now this way wont work for everyone, but it is just a few thoughts to ponder

If you know nothing about the trucking business, and have pretty much zero knowledge, and not much driving seat time, this way wouldnt be the best option.

 

[truered1]

Anareo, although it is a bad time to get into the industry, I may be able to get you a previously used rig. But, if I were you, I would think real hard about the industry. Just to show you how hard it is to get in, my dad has been a trucker since 1971 and has been with numberous companies throughout the years. The most recent laid him off just over a year ago, (when they went out of business) after many years of service. As experienced as he is with all types of over the road trucks and loads it took 14 months to find another job. Please think real hard before jumping into this one.

 

[lunachic]

They are making pulling a reefer sound like a walk in the park...It's not.
You better know how to control and understand that unit.
Dummy lights are just that....you have to listen and check the product temp. front and back.
sometimes you have a mixed load, that makes the best of them gringe.
alot of loads are being turned down. Because they over order and lack of sellers. So they are looking for reasons to turn down the load, then writing on the bills. Accepected under protess.....which means You might be charged.
Flatbed know what your doing.....There are threads on here read them.
If you really want to start out cold go with dry van....But the best thing is like 2XR said...start with a company.....learn the game.........