Survival

rjleftlane · Feb 8, 2015

How do solos survive in the expedited world after investing in a $150,000 in a D unit when a lot of OTR jobs pay $65,000 a year with health insurance and retirement?

layoutshooter · Feb 8, 2015

Most do it for the freedom that owning a business affords. Many don't survive. It is not an easy way to earn a living.

jjoerger · Feb 8, 2015

rjleftlane said:
How do solos survive in the expedited world after investing in a $150,000 in a D unit when a lot of OTR jobs pay $65,000 a year with health insurance and retirement?

I would say a lot will fail. An investment of that amount needs a team in the truck. Unless the owner has another source of income and is just doing this to be a paid RV'er.

rjleftlane · Feb 8, 2015

Well I'm from the Roberts Express days when we actually made money, I've been looking around and no one company is jumping out to be any better opportunity than the others.

Of course everyone (Recruiters) that is sell their company up to be the best thing since sliced bread.

scottm4211 · Feb 8, 2015

I'd consider why a solo driver would need a $150k D unit.

paulnstef39 · Feb 8, 2015

Bad judgement?

rjleftlane · Feb 8, 2015

Bad judgement? Not quite, just using that figure as an example.

davekc · Feb 8, 2015

There are very few solo drivers running around in a 150k truck.

rjleftlane · Feb 8, 2015

From all the trucks I've been looking at spending $100+ don't take much effort.

rjleftlane · Feb 8, 2015

In 1994 my DR FL70 was only $115 new.

paullud · Feb 9, 2015

rjleftlane said:
From all the trucks I've been looking at spending $100+ don't take much effort.

If you know spending $100k on a truck is bad judgement then the simple answer is not to spend that much. You have to buy a truck that works for your business plan.

skyraider · Feb 9, 2015

paullud said:
If you know spending $100k on a truck is bad judgement then the simple answer is not to spend that much. You have to buy a truck that works for your business plan.

Check the repos at any bank or other establishment in the finance world, there be the dead ponies... but no one likes to see or talk about that world, aww, the joys of reality are painful indeed.

geo · Feb 9, 2015

when i had my 2001 western star that was 107,000 , for down payment i had 5 sponsor for my truck
they put down 26,000 for use of my name for down payment, in there ad's
also sold new and used truck, truck genset a field rep for proheat,
sold mary kay, heated mirrors, heated wipers, heated window washer units, lap tops and mason shoes on the side
for extra money on sides