Last year I spent 10 months driving over the road. I loved the job, but being a new driver I nearly lost my house and new car on the wages I was earning. I returned to Kuwait and am currently working as a security contractor. Not what I love to do but I can pay off bills and more important save money to buy a truck. I talked to a few drivers on the road and they really seemed to like driving expedited freight. I don't know alot and looking for informaion. Two big questions. First, what is a realistic amount I should set aside for a down payment and beganning operating expences. I was looking in the area of $15,000-$20,000. I that about right or are my numbers off. Second, what is a realistic amount I can expect to earn after expences. I am a retired army sergeant with good work habits. When driving otr in a 10 hrs driving day I could get over 600 miles a day. What are some of the other questions I need to ask or problems you faced when starting out driving expedited freight. Any helpful information will be greatly appriciated.
need some information
- Thread starter rcsahjr
- Start date
Ideally you would have enough down payment to cap your monthly payment around $1000. Additionally you'd have enough capital and reserves to operate a month with nothing coming in as well as survive at least 3 months at home with nothing coming in. Those are ideals. That insures that Murphy will find you a useless target and visit someone else.
At the very least you should have enough down payment and a month worth of business and home capital. Depending on what company you go with it could be up to a month from heading to orientation to receipt of first pay so you need enough to cover that as a minimum. Good luck.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
At the very least you should have enough down payment and a month worth of business and home capital. Depending on what company you go with it could be up to a month from heading to orientation to receipt of first pay so you need enough to cover that as a minimum. Good luck.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
While the article is written from a team-driving perspective, "Five Challenges of Expedting" may be helpful to you as well.
http://www.expeditersonline.com/artman/publish/article_001719.html
See also, "Introduction to Expediting"
http://www.expeditersonline.com/downloads/introduction.pdf
http://www.expeditersonline.com/artman/publish/article_001719.html
See also, "Introduction to Expediting"
http://www.expeditersonline.com/downloads/introduction.pdf
Sarge:
Check this link to OOIDA's (Owner Operator, Independent Drivers' Assn) web site Lot's of good stuff here for prospective drivers.
http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_owner_ops.html
Terry
Check this link to OOIDA's (Owner Operator, Independent Drivers' Assn) web site Lot's of good stuff here for prospective drivers.
http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_owner_ops.html
Terry
raceman
Veteran Expediter
All good advice so far. I really agre with the good used truck with records. I would also have that truck checked by a mechanical place you trust. Don't take anyones word even with records. Have do tests on the engine including oil analysis. If you look at a box with a spicer tranny do not take one with over 100,000 on tranny. If you do expect to replace it at 170,000 to 200,000 miles at a cost of $2200 to $2500 plus clutch, pressure plate,etc plus labor. If you do not believe my knowledge on that tranny call Manufacturer they will explain and verify. These are simply problem, cheap trannys and I own one now and have now owned a total of four.
With a used truck you can try it, if you like it and make money then you can go new. I have seen too many people buy a new truck and go broke.Even if you have to put money it the first few months it is cheaper than new if you hate it or fall on your face. I will be glad
to talk with you and tell you of my tales and offer any help I can. Drop me a personal note via this site and I will share my number. My email on here is wrong. Use the site message.
Raceman
OTR O/O
With a used truck you can try it, if you like it and make money then you can go new. I have seen too many people buy a new truck and go broke.Even if you have to put money it the first few months it is cheaper than new if you hate it or fall on your face. I will be glad
to talk with you and tell you of my tales and offer any help I can. Drop me a personal note via this site and I will share my number. My email on here is wrong. Use the site message.
Raceman
OTR O/O
jeffman164
Seasoned Expediter
Hello Raceman,
Would like to talk personally to get info also if possible. Not sure what you meant on how to contact you. Would be much appreciated !!
Would like to talk personally to get info also if possible. Not sure what you meant on how to contact you. Would be much appreciated !!