Canada Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one help

dad3333

Seasoned Expediter
I am from the London area and am wondering if the pay off might be worth the risk.I am a layed off aitomotive worker thinking about a change.I have never driven for a living but think this might be better then working in a factery..Has anyone I my area ever spoke with Kennedy Transport in Missasaga Ontario?.They told me that a 3 or 5 ton striaght truck should earn about $3000 per week with half going out to run it.That being earned with two runs to Chicago..Does that sound right???They told me that a 3 ton striaght truck would cost $60000 new..They told me that they set up the contracts for me to drive for one year then what happens???They also said that if I wanted to stay at home that could be done to and I would earn about $900 per week after expenses ..I also spoke with Alumi Bunk in Missasaga and they told me pretty much the same thing except for the 5 ton truck gets paid $1 per mile and the smaller trucks get paid less..So if there is any one in my area please let me know..Thanks( x(
 

dieseldiva

Veteran Expediter
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

I can't answer any of your questions but I can tell you that we have some expediters from Canada and hopefully one of them will be along soon to help you. I would like to warn you about taking to heart anything that a truck dealer tells you pertaining to potential pay.

Also, check this site, I sometimes ask my Canada questions here:
http://www.truckstopcanada.ca/forum/index.php
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

Dad:

Mississauga to Chicago is about 500 miles. If you will be loaded both ways, you'll travel 2000 miles each week for $3000 or $1.50 per loaded mile. factor in any deadhead and if it's not excessive, you should do well...IF the promised freight is available EVERY week that you can work. If you are loaded to chicago but empty back to Canada, not counting other deadhead, you will be in the very small minority earning $3.00 a loaded mile. Not a chance unless you are hauling specialty cargo.

Before you enter into an agreement with Kennedy Transport, or any other carrier, do yourself a favor and read the information in the following link:

http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_owner_ops.html

Come back and visit us if you have any questions with which many of us can help with answers or references to answers.
 

kickrz

Seasoned Expediter
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

I live near London and drive a class 8 .
There is lots of USA Canada work.
buy a truck then find a company.
Keep the two seperate.
Good Luck
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

Kennedy Transportation is a RIP....avoid at all costs!
 

FIS53

Veteran Expediter
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

I work out of mississauga, and the word about kennedy is not good. Basically they tell you what is possible but not necessarily realistic unless you're really driven and the dispatch loves you.

You're better off looking at companies like roaring express out of windsor, k-dac express out of baden (near kitchener), thompson emergency, dec express out of burlington, dynamex in cambridge. There are others but at least these are the bigger companies and they are known to many of us.

Try finding a good used truck to start and that way you have a lower initial investment. But talk to the companies first to get a feel for the dollars and the truck that has the best allround appeal.

Rob Fis
 

roadkill

Expert Expediter
RE: Thinking about purchasing a truck can any one

If you have no experience in this industry you might want to drive for someone first before sinking your money into it. Some people like the road some don't......

You will be crossing an international border, can you enter the US legally....deal with US custom officers, keep a log book....know what and how much you can legally haul.Can you drive for long stretches at a time without falling asleep.

Can you put enough away for when it gets slow and pay the bills. Can you afford to miss some of your childrens birthdays or graduations cause your out a week or two and can't find a back haul.

If you do buy don't buy from those guys.......they will rake you.If its a van your in you won't need one that cost 60 grand.

Do some research.......go to the FJ in London and ask the expiditors themselves......check out what their driving.

Anyways ,some things to think about........good luck.
 
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