I am taking refreshe and I am about to buy a truck

[henboy1]

I tried posting earlier but I guess it never made it through.
I finished truck driving school 2 yrs ago and started working locally for $10/hr through an agency.I drove mostly straight trucks and some 35foot trailers.I only worked there for 4 months and quit because of the manual labor class B requires.I have been out of the game since.
I am currenlty taking a refresher course for CDL drivers.I currently drive a FORD E350 cargo van and I do courier work and expedited work (south east).
I plan on buying a tractor since the cargo van business is not in demand like the need for O/O with a truck.
What should be looking at when buying a tractor?
I know the basics.
1.Stick with CAT engine.
2.Stay away from the ag200 suspension
3.10 speed and not the super 10
4.double axle
5.Biggest sleeper/condo.
6.At least 370HP
7.Ask for all service receipts.
The few things I am not sure about is the rears and their sizes and what to look for.
Am I missing anything else?
This truck will be between 1996-1999 and below $10.
BTW my uncle is a mechanic at PETRO.
Thank you

 

[Bushwa69]

RE: I am taking refreshe and I am about to buy a t

I would look into a straight truck. I think you find more companies looking for straight trucks than semis. You may want to call around and ask some companies you are interested in what they are looking for before you buy.

 

[LDB]

RE: I am taking refreshe and I am about to buy a t

To be brutally honest you can't afford to get in as you described. Most companies require a truck no more than 5 years old to sign on. Many will not let a truck stay on after 5 years although several will keep an older truck on if it passes inspection. To get a truck in good condition and ready to make cross country runs is probably going to cost more than $10k even with someone who can do a lot of the work for you. I'd suggest driving a D unit truck for someone for several months and putting away as much additional money as you can so that you'll have a larger working capital fund when you get started. Good luck to you.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 4958, 5447
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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