BUYING FIRST TRUCK LOOKING FOR ADVICE - Bulk Trucking Forum & Discussion Board & Bulkloads.com

{ "forumId": 24358, "postTypeId": 1, "postType": "Forum", "forumTitle": "BUYING FIRST TRUCK LOOKING FOR ADVICE", "forumContent": "I'm laid off from my construction job and thinking of buying an end dump. trying to find an older tractor and trailer for under 30k.live in nw pa.i welcome any advice.", "forumContentHtml": "I'm laid off from my construction job and thinking of buying an end dump. trying to find an older tractor and trailer for under 30k.live in nw pa.i welcome any advice.", "thumbUrl": "", "dateAdded": "2013-12-29T17:59:33Z", "lastPost": "2013-12-29T17:59:33Z", "views": 4248, "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "messageCount": 40, "premiumOnly": 0, "isfeatured": 0, "showInDays": -100, "showDate": "", "forumLink": "", "youtubeVideoId": "", "approved": 1, "active": 1, "alias": "buying-first-truck-looking-for-advice", "forumUrl": "https://www.bulkloads.com/forum/buying-first-truck-looking-for-advice/", "userId": 13075, "firstName": "KEVIN", "lastName": "RICHAEL", "companyName": "RICHAEL CUSTOM SERVICES", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Stoneboro", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 1, "userLikes": 0, "replies": [ { "replyId": 24223, "content": "DONT DO IT. You make more in construction,with less headaches.. Stay in construction and travel if you need to. What kind of construction do you do?", "contentHtml": "DONT DO IT. You make more in construction,with less headaches.. Stay in construction and travel if you need to. What kind of construction do you do?", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2013-12-29T19:39:28Z", "likes": 2, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24224, "content": "Ok, I don't want to discourage you, and I don't know your financial situation, but I had a similar situation from a kid who wanted to buy a truck and lease on with me. He wanted to speand $20-30K on an old truck and trailer of which would be financed. He had an 8-5 and was getting by. I advised him not to do it. You won't buy much of a tractor for $30K let alone a decent trailer to put behind it. Then the POS lays down on you. You still have to find a way to support you/your family and pay monthly expenses (which you'll have regardless of what job you have) + you have to pay to get the truck back on the road....all while it's/you're not generating income. I told him, I dodn't want to see him go indebt and try something he \"thinks he'd love\" to do, only to have it eat him out of house and home. I'm young at 37 and was single up until afew years ago...that helped. I started out with nice used equipment and gradually ordered new including trucks at $110K a piece. The last one pays off in 9 months with 400K on the clock. They will last me a very long time, and I have no in tent on trading them anytime soon. I don't want to discourage you, but I don't want to see you go bankrupt.....I'm fortunate as I haven't.....but most that try trucking as some point do. Trucking like all business has ups and downs. We own 3 and have 2 leasors under our authority, there are days I wish I didn't have any, but for the most part, I've enjoyed what we do....but there's a lot of emotional stress, paperwork, financial risk involved, I'd hate to see you make a mistake.", "contentHtml": "Ok, I don't want to discourage you, and I don't know your financial situation, but I had a similar situation from a kid who wanted to buy a truck and lease on with me. He wanted to speand $20-30K on an old truck and trailer of which would be financed. He had an 8-5 and was getting by. I advised him not to do it. You won't buy much of a tractor for $30K let alone a decent trailer to put behind it. Then the POS lays down on you. You still have to find a way to support you/your family and pay monthly expenses (which you'll have regardless of what job you have) + you have to pay to get the truck back on the road....all while it's/you're not generating income. I told him, I dodn't want to see him go indebt and try something he \"thinks he'd love\" to do, only to have it eat him out of house and home. I'm young at 37 and was single up until afew years ago...that helped. I started out with nice used equipment and gradually ordered new including trucks at $110K a piece. The last one pays off in 9 months with 400K on the clock. They will last me a very long time, and I have no in tent on trading them anytime soon. I don't want to discourage you, but I don't want to see you go bankrupt.....I'm fortunate as I haven't.....but most that try trucking as some point do. Trucking like all business has ups and downs. We own 3 and have 2 leasors under our authority, there are days I wish I didn't have any, but for the most part, I've enjoyed what we do....but there's a lot of emotional stress, paperwork, financial risk involved, I'd hate to see you make a mistake.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-29T20:22:17Z", "likes": 2, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24225, "content": "DO NOT DO IT !!!!!!!!! To many headaches", "contentHtml": "DO NOT DO IT !!!!!!!!!\r\nTo many headaches", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-09-25", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T00:24:01Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 8668, "firstName": "MIKE", "lastName": "PARRISH", "companyName": "PARRISH,INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "QUINCY", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 30, "userLikes": 6, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24226, "content": "I think you guys are jumping to conclusions saying \"dont do it\" .I purchased a six thousand dollar truck when I was 19 and rented a hopper for 800 a month and did well enough in 1 year to purchase a twenty thousand dollar truck which has made me 60k after expenses a year and im only 22.If a person sets there mind to it theres alot of potential out here even pulling load board freight. And as far as a \"newer truck\" goes I have always been a reliable compliant carrier using equiptment with almost a million miles. The peaple who struggle in this industry like to blame everything on brokers and fuel prices when they dont ever try and learn how to get better milage or bulid better relationships with good brokers. Im certainly far from being the brightest bulb on the block, but I knew nothing about trucking when I started and 4 yrs later I have a dream job. I would definitely recommend listening to kevin Rutherford on xm radio or lets truck.com He does a good job teaching fuel milage, maintnence, compliance and also has a very good acounting program for about twenty dollars a month. Good luck!", "contentHtml": "I think you guys are jumping to conclusions saying \"dont do it\" .I purchased a six thousand dollar truck when I was 19 and rented a hopper for 800 a month and did well enough in 1 year to purchase a twenty thousand dollar truck which has made me 60k after expenses a year and im only 22.If a person sets there mind to it theres alot of potential out here even pulling load board freight. And as far as a \"newer truck\" goes I have always been a reliable compliant carrier using equiptment with almost a million miles. The peaple who struggle in this industry like to blame everything on brokers and fuel prices when they dont ever try and learn how to get better milage or bulid better relationships with good brokers. Im certainly far from being the brightest bulb on the block, but I knew nothing about trucking when I started and 4 yrs later I have a dream job. I would definitely recommend listening to kevin Rutherford on xm radio or lets truck.com He does a good job teaching fuel milage, maintnence, compliance and also has a very good acounting program for about twenty dollars a month. Good luck!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-11", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T02:45:26Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3069, "firstName": "CARL", "lastName": "JOHNSON", "companyName": "CJ TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATKINS", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 88, "userLikes": 18, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24227, "content": "When one wants to get out of a 40,000 plus construction job.thats working about 1500 hours a year. Most are 50-60 plus.. And wants to get into trucking? That's the job where your wages are from your ammorization. But some either have been lucky not to run into commercial cops with their I' ll give you a warning and your CSA goes up, or the IRS telling you that you can't deduct this. And that.. It's all about money.. And construction pays well better than any trucking job. I know quite a few that are making over 100,000 a year to the check... Not including anything but wages.. And they only work about 3000 hours a year. It's called traveling.. Depending what trade this person is in.. They were looking for people to work in Canada and Alaska. Or it's pretty much winding down is LOGCAP through dyncorp or kbr.", "contentHtml": "When one wants to get out of a 40,000 plus construction job.thats working about 1500 hours a year. Most are 50-60 plus.. And wants to get into trucking? That's the job where your wages are from your ammorization. But some either have been lucky not to run into commercial cops with their I' ll give you a warning and your CSA goes up, or the IRS telling you that you can't deduct this. And that.. It's all about money.. And construction pays well better than any trucking job. I know quite a few that are making over 100,000 a year to the check... Not including anything but wages.. And they only work about 3000 hours a year. It's called traveling.. Depending what trade this person is in.. They were looking for people to work in Canada and Alaska. Or it's pretty much winding down is LOGCAP through dyncorp or kbr.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T04:10:32Z", "likes": 1, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24228, "content": "The above poster netting $60K is fine and good. BUT then take 25% out for taxes and you're down to $45K then take living expenses out and you're left with less. Health insurance for my wife, daughter and myself is $11K per year.....again if you are fortunate to work for someone that helps pay for it....consider it a bonus. Also when working for someonelse, they pay half your income tax. That old $20K truck will only be worth $15-20K when you sell it regardless of how nice and well maintained it is. I've only rebuilt one truck in my career, and vowed never to do it again. It was my first and we'd owned it since it was 2 years old with 300K on it. When it we traded on the new 2008 Kw, I got $17K on paper for it....it was a 1995 KW, million mile truck, but was like new from the radiator cap to the rear ends, with a stack of records. That's why I run newer equipment as I'm no mechanic, and I have equity in equipment. I might consider rebuilding the current KW's as they were custom ordered light weight matching trucks, but hopfully I have 6-7 more years on them before I even have to think about it. Also IF you ourchase a truck, don't get caught up in the \"super trucker\" mentality, that you need a large car KW or Pete. If you don't plan on staying out in the truck, spec a small bunk or none at all...In my case going from my first KW wiith the large bunk, to my current trucks I saved 4,000 lbs off my empty weight ( currently 24,600).....that was an easy $10-12K a year increased revenue for doing nothing. I can tell you that supporting a family on one truck (and having anything left over for play money or replacing a truck) will be difficult when you add all the expenses and risk associated with it. I'm greatful I've done it, but it's been a long hard journey that isn't for everyone. I had help getting started as I was asked to start hauling for my local elevator.....it just kinda expanded from there. Don't think that you have a truck you'll keep busy, have a plan. For every one truck that quits, there are 10 more wanting to take their place, and the brokers know it. We've been pretty fortunate, we have good customers to work with, but we provide them with excellent service, I have a excellent crew and late model matched equipment that conveys a good image to the public and our shippers. I'm not saying it won't work, or you can't make it work, but people think these trucks are a way to get rich, and then are disappointed. Over they years, I've had 3 different contractors \"think\" they could do it better than me....all three went on their own, got their authority and set out to have large fleets and put me out of business.....guess what? 2 formed a company and were broke in less than 6 months....thy still have debts that haven't been paid in 4 years. The 3rd contractor and I parted on good terms, he wanted to try it on his own....he made it 2 months and quit. So, I caution you...this isn't as easy as it looks. Best of luck in your decision. Part of the reason we stick with it, is because we've been in the game along time, and don't have a lot of other options.", "contentHtml": "The above poster netting $60K is fine and good. BUT then take 25% out for taxes and you're down to $45K then take living expenses out and you're left with less. Health insurance for my wife, daughter and myself is $11K per year.....again if you are fortunate to work for someone that helps pay for it....consider it a bonus. Also when working for someonelse, they pay half your income tax. That old $20K truck will only be worth $15-20K when you sell it regardless of how nice and well maintained it is. I've only rebuilt one truck in my career, and vowed never to do it again. It was my first and we'd owned it since it was 2 years old with 300K on it. When it we traded on the new 2008 Kw, I got $17K on paper for it....it was a 1995 KW, million mile truck, but was like new from the radiator cap to the rear ends, with a stack of records. That's why I run newer equipment as I'm no mechanic, and I have equity in equipment. I might consider rebuilding the current KW's as they were custom ordered light weight matching trucks, but hopfully I have 6-7 more years on them before I even have to think about it. Also IF you ourchase a truck, don't get caught up in the \"super trucker\" mentality, that you need a large car KW or Pete. If you don't plan on staying out in the truck, spec a small bunk or none at all...In my case going from my first KW wiith the large bunk, to my current trucks I saved 4,000 lbs off my empty weight ( currently 24,600).....that was an easy $10-12K a year increased revenue for doing nothing. I can tell you that supporting a family on one truck (and having anything left over for play money or replacing a truck) will be difficult when you add all the expenses and risk associated with it. I'm greatful I've done it, but it's been a long hard journey that isn't for everyone. I had help getting started as I was asked to start hauling for my local elevator.....it just kinda expanded from there. Don't think that you have a truck you'll keep busy, have a plan. For every one truck that quits, there are 10 more wanting to take their place, and the brokers know it. We've been pretty fortunate, we have good customers to work with, but we provide them with excellent service, I have a excellent crew and late model matched equipment that conveys a good image to the public and our shippers. I'm not saying it won't work, or you can't make it work, but people think these trucks are a way to get rich, and then are disappointed. Over they years, I've had 3 different contractors \"think\" they could do it better than me....all three went on their own, got their authority and set out to have large fleets and put me out of business.....guess what? 2 formed a company and were broke in less than 6 months....thy still have debts that haven't been paid in 4 years. The 3rd contractor and I parted on good terms, he wanted to try it on his own....he made it 2 months and quit. So, I caution you...this isn't as easy as it looks. Best of luck in your decision. Part of the reason we stick with it, is because we've been in the game along time, and don't have a lot of other options.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T05:37:50Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24229, "content": "Wow 12 grand a month for insurance? Today I'm retired and pay 470 a month for both health,dental glasses, hearing aids, and Medicare. In the trades.. Most employers pay a pension, health and welfare, 1/2 of the social security, all of the workers comp etc. most self employed truckers don't have medical, dental or any kind of a pension let alone a401k. Now the big question is with all of that social security that you should be paying, and money into a 401k do you know about how much you should have in that401 so you can retire and not run out of money? You could live into your 90s .. Do you want to go back to work at that age because your investments ran out of money? Hint... It needs to be bumping close to a million, to be able to not run out of money and live in your current living conditions. And pray to God that it doesn't turn back into a 104 K like it did a few years ago.", "contentHtml": "Wow 12 grand a month for insurance? Today I'm retired and pay 470 a month for both health,dental glasses, hearing aids, and Medicare. In the trades.. Most employers pay a pension, health and welfare, 1/2 of the social security, all of the workers comp etc. most self employed truckers don't have medical, dental or any kind of a pension let alone a401k. Now the big question is with all of that social security that you should be paying, and money into a 401k do you know about how much you should have in that401 so you can retire and not run out of money? You could live into your 90s .. Do you want to go back to work at that age because your investments ran out of money? Hint... It needs to be bumping close to a million, to be able to not run out of money and live in your current living conditions. And pray to God that it doesn't turn back into a 104 K like it did a few years ago.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T06:26:11Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24230, "content": "I pay approx. $900/month or $11,000 per year for health ins.", "contentHtml": "I pay approx. $900/month or $11,000 per year for health ins.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T14:37:36Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24231, "content": "I pay approx. $900/month or $11,000 per year for health ins.", "contentHtml": "I pay approx. $900/month or $11,000 per year for health ins.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T14:37:41Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24232, "content": "Why does every post get attacked by all the critics!..If he states he pays that for insurance,why question that?..Just another reason I never ever try to comment on here...I choose to do it privately in a diplomatic way..Act your age children.", "contentHtml": "Why does every post get attacked by all the critics!..If he states he pays that for insurance,why question that?..Just another reason I never ever try to comment on here...I choose to do it privately in a diplomatic way..Act your age children.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-03-01", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T18:05:52Z", "likes": 3, "dislikes": 2, "approved": 1, "userId": 6782, "firstName": "JOE", "lastName": "MATA", "companyName": "JPM GRAIN TRANSPORT", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Hamilton", "state": "OH", "userCommentCount": 83, "userLikes": 116, "userDislikes": 35, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28686, "content": "Well said to much negative stuff any more. Power of Positive Thinking !!!!", "contentHtml": "Well said to much negative stuff any more. Power of Positive Thinking !!!!", "parentReplyId": 24232, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-09-23", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T18:09:47Z", "likes": 1, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 8643, "firstName": "KEVIN", "lastName": "KISHBAUGH", "companyName": "KDK", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "DOVER PLAINS", "state": "NY", "userCommentCount": 7, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28684, "content": "Excuse me 11000 a year. Wait until you get the privilege of the affordable care act. You pay about the same per year.. With about 5000 deductible.", "contentHtml": "Excuse me 11000 a year. Wait until you get the privilege of the affordable care act. You pay about the same per year.. With about 5000 deductible.", "parentReplyId": 24229, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T20:25:15Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28687, "content": "Only you are questioning anything. I sure wasn't questioning anything.. And then there is the attempt at belittling. One needs to read the postings first.", "contentHtml": "Only you are questioning anything. I sure wasn't questioning anything.. And then there is the attempt at belittling. One needs to read the postings first.", "parentReplyId": 24232, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-12", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T20:28:22Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 2, "approved": 1, "userId": 3078, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "PEARSON", "companyName": "C & R TRUCKING INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "PAYSON", "state": "UT", "userCommentCount": 927, "userLikes": 225, "userDislikes": 94, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24233, "content": "I'm trying to find where anyone stated they paid $12k a month for ins.....if I did it was in error, and has been corrected. Let's try and be realistic and give the original poster good advice based on our experiences.", "contentHtml": "I'm trying to find where anyone stated they paid $12k a month for ins.....if I did it was in error, and has been corrected. Let's try and be realistic and give the original poster good advice based on our experiences.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T20:38:08Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24234, "content": "My advise. Don't do it!", "contentHtml": "My advise. Don't do it!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-04-24", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T22:54:46Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 10899, "firstName": "Daniel H", "lastName": "Guerrero", "companyName": "DANIEL TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Madera", "state": "CA", "userCommentCount": 2, "userLikes": 4, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28682, "content": "GOOD JOB YOU ARE A BRIGHT BULB!!!!!!!!!", "contentHtml": "GOOD JOB YOU ARE A BRIGHT BULB!!!!!!!!!", "parentReplyId": 24226, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-04", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T23:51:06Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1047, "firstName": "CHRISTOPHER", "lastName": "STIER", "companyName": "STIER FARMS INCORPORATED", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "GRAND MEADOW", "state": "MN", "userCommentCount": 236, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28683, "content": "GOOD JOB YOU ARE A BRIGHT BULB!!!!!!!!!", "contentHtml": "GOOD JOB YOU ARE A BRIGHT BULB!!!!!!!!!", "parentReplyId": 24226, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-04", "dateAdded": "2013-12-30T23:51:20Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 1047, "firstName": "CHRISTOPHER", "lastName": "STIER", "companyName": "STIER FARMS INCORPORATED", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "GRAND MEADOW", "state": "MN", "userCommentCount": 236, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28685, "content": "amen! I also pay 988. a month. Which equals 11856. Thanks Obama!!", "contentHtml": "amen! I also pay 988. a month. Which equals 11856. Thanks Obama!!", "parentReplyId": 24231, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-09-25", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T00:03:07Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 8668, "firstName": "MIKE", "lastName": "PARRISH", "companyName": "PARRISH,INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "QUINCY", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 30, "userLikes": 6, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24235, "content": "If you go forward with your new plan, be sure to have a solid business plan, contracts and contacts, etc. Most important, I think, spec your truck and buy what you spec. This truck will help make you or break you. Br sure your know what you expect of your vehicle and then buy a vehicle that will do it. Learn the basic maintenance requirements whether you do the work or not. It is an intensely regulated business, as well. lots of studying there. It takes a real professional to be a good truck driver. and a good truck driver, a true professional is worth their weight in gold.", "contentHtml": "If you go forward with your new plan, be sure to have a solid business plan, contracts and contacts, etc. Most important, I think, spec your truck and buy what you spec. This truck will help make you or break you. Br sure your know what you expect of your vehicle and then buy a vehicle that will do it. Learn the basic maintenance requirements whether you do the work or not. It is an intensely regulated business, as well. lots of studying there. It takes a real professional to be a good truck driver. and a good truck driver, a true professional is worth their weight in gold.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-01-18", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T02:04:28Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9837, "firstName": "BRUCE ", "lastName": "WOLVERTON", "companyName": "PERFORMIX NUTRITION SYSTEMS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "NAMPA", "state": "ID", "userCommentCount": 4, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24236, "content": "You also might consider leasing to a company in your area. Let them worry about compliance, finding, dispatching and collecting for loads. They have the liability if something happens. That's the way I started, and honestly, if I hadn't been ask to start my own company, I'd probably still be leased to my original carrier. I was happy there, but better opportunities came up. One other nice thing about leasing to an established carrier, is you hand your paper work in on Friday, and you have your weekends free to enjoy. Having my own authority, there are many nights I'm up late doing billing or other paperwork....it's somethingelse to consider. How much headache do you want. If you really want to do this, another option would be drive for someone...then you have no risk or financial exposure. I've asked my drivers before, \"if there's soooo much money in this game, why don't you buy a truck and lease on?\" They come back with \"why would we want to do that? You provide us with the nicest most comfortable trucks money can buy.....why would we even think about getting our own.\" If you drive for someone, and in 6 months you hate it, you find another job.", "contentHtml": "You also might consider leasing to a company in your area. Let them worry about compliance, finding, dispatching and collecting for loads. They have the liability if something happens. That's the way I started, and honestly, if I hadn't been ask to start my own company, I'd probably still be leased to my original carrier. I was happy there, but better opportunities came up. One other nice thing about leasing to an established carrier, is you hand your paper work in on Friday, and you have your weekends free to enjoy. Having my own authority, there are many nights I'm up late doing billing or other paperwork....it's somethingelse to consider. How much headache do you want. If you really want to do this, another option would be drive for someone...then you have no risk or financial exposure. I've asked my drivers before, \"if there's soooo much money in this game, why don't you buy a truck and lease on?\" They come back with \"why would we want to do that? You provide us with the nicest most comfortable trucks money can buy.....why would we even think about getting our own.\" If you drive for someone, and in 6 months you hate it, you find another job.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T03:41:20Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24237, "content": "Its a hard business no body wants to pay enough especially hauling sand and gravel most your money goes up the stacks get a truck with a smaller engine 350 or 400 HP I think you'll save on fuel good luck", "contentHtml": "Its a hard business no body wants to pay enough especially hauling sand and gravel most your money goes up the stacks get a truck with a smaller engine 350 or 400 HP I think you'll save on fuel good luck", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-05-08", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T05:53:58Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 7483, "firstName": "JEFF", "lastName": "NICHOLS", "companyName": "NICHOLS HOME IMPROVEMENTS", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "ATGLEN", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 13, "userLikes": 6, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24238, "content": "You don't want to try to drag 80000 pounds up and down mountains with 350 or 400 HP that's not good advise weren't you on here a couple of weeks ago asking for motor advice depending on where your running atleast a good 475 or 500", "contentHtml": "You don't want to try to drag 80000 pounds up and down mountains with 350 or 400 HP that's not good advise weren't you on here a couple of weeks ago asking for motor advice depending on where your running atleast a good 475 or 500", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-03-26", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T17:45:10Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 1, "approved": 1, "userId": 10653, "firstName": "Shane", "lastName": "Rose", "companyName": "ROSE TRANSPORT", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Andersonville", "state": "TN", "userCommentCount": 39, "userLikes": 9, "userDislikes": 16, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24239, "content": "I gross 80k and manage just fine with 425 small block Cummins, 10sp auto shifts and 3:90 gears.....and average better than 6 mpg. But, I'm in rural KS, not mountain country. Don't be set only on big block power. Sure there are times I miss it, but the increased revenue because of the lighter weight and increased fuel efficiency allows me to live with it.", "contentHtml": "I gross 80k and manage just fine with 425 small block Cummins, 10sp auto shifts and 3:90 gears.....and average better than 6 mpg. But, I'm in rural KS, not mountain country. Don't be set only on big block power. Sure there are times I miss it, but the increased revenue because of the lighter weight and increased fuel efficiency allows me to live with it.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2013-12-31T19:41:32Z", "likes": 1, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24240, "content": "Lets not forget that, just because you have good enough credit to buy a truck that means your a good business person, LOL, run away and keep your job and save up some cash for a hobby truck..... LOL!", "contentHtml": "Lets not forget that, just because you have good enough credit to buy a truck that means your a good business person, LOL, run away and keep your job and save up some cash for a hobby truck..... LOL!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-01-29", "dateAdded": "2014-01-02T03:23:43Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9967, "firstName": "T", "lastName": "J", "companyName": "BONJO ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "North Platte", "state": "NE", "userCommentCount": 261, "userLikes": 32, "userDislikes": 13, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24241, "content": "This is for the people that say don't do it 3 weeks of home every Fri sat sun 109.000 taxable income for the year 2013 would advice to lease onto somebody make sure you do your research also would advice you to go to let's truck by Kevin's package to become an owner operator it will be money well spent an follow instructions would also say if you never drove an stayed away from home to drive as a company driver for A while an use that to teach you wish you the best of luck", "contentHtml": "This is for the people that say don't do it 3 weeks of home every Fri sat sun 109.000 taxable income for the year 2013 would advice to lease onto somebody make sure you do your research also would advice you to go to let's truck by Kevin's package to become an owner operator it will be money well spent an follow instructions would also say if you never drove an stayed away from home to drive as a company driver for A while an use that to teach you wish you the best of luck", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-27", "dateAdded": "2014-01-02T05:47:38Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 882, "firstName": "ELI", "lastName": "HOSTETLER", "companyName": "ELI B HOSTETLER", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATSONTOWN", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 28, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24242, "content": "kevin. email me directly if you can. [email protected]", "contentHtml": "kevin. email me directly if you can. [email protected]", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-01-12", "dateAdded": "2014-01-02T22:05:03Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 6277, "firstName": "MATT", "lastName": "HOLLAND", "companyName": "AMH BULK", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Seaford", "state": "DE", "userCommentCount": 15, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24243, "content": "Before buying a truck read your states bridge laws so you can maximize your payload. Also buy the lightest truck with a hard steel box you can. this will not limit your freight capabilities like an aluminum box will. 400HP 373 rears with a 13 speed will suit well. I also recommend full locking rear ends.", "contentHtml": "Before buying a truck read your states bridge laws so you can maximize your payload. Also buy the lightest truck with a hard steel box you can. this will not limit your freight capabilities like an aluminum box will. 400HP 373 rears with a 13 speed will suit well. I also recommend full locking rear ends.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-12-11", "dateAdded": "2014-01-03T03:27:06Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9421, "firstName": "RANDALL ", "lastName": "DAVIS", "companyName": "RCD INC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COUNCIL BLUFFS", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 2, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28688, "content": "Listen to Kevin!! What a freaking JOKE!! Buy the turbo 3000, it will give you better fuel mileage, little magnets that pull air bubbles out of your sealed fuel lines, and drive 57mph, lets not forget to take that 88 cent a mile freight so we can get in a good freight lane and pull that 1.30 a mile freight, jokester........", "contentHtml": "Listen to Kevin!! What a freaking JOKE!! Buy the turbo 3000, it will give you better fuel mileage, little magnets that pull air bubbles out of your sealed fuel lines, and drive 57mph, lets not forget to take that 88 cent a mile freight so we can get in a good freight lane and pull that 1.30 a mile freight, jokester........", "parentReplyId": 24241, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-01-29", "dateAdded": "2014-01-04T04:25:26Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9967, "firstName": "T", "lastName": "J", "companyName": "BONJO ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "North Platte", "state": "NE", "userCommentCount": 261, "userLikes": 32, "userDislikes": 13, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24244, "content": "I started listening to kevin a little over a year ago and took a 5 mpg truck to 7.4average. Much of that from slowing to 62 but there are many ways to keep getting better milage. But im not an ego maniac like many drivers so it doesnt bother me to slow it down and actually run things like a business. 2.4 mpg thats only another twenty five thousand dollars at the end of the year. Just chunk change for those supertruckers I suppose!", "contentHtml": "I started listening to kevin a little over a year ago and took a 5 mpg truck to 7.4average. Much of that from slowing to 62 but there are many ways to keep getting better milage. But im not an ego maniac like many drivers so it doesnt bother me to slow it down and actually run things like a business. 2.4 mpg thats only another twenty five thousand dollars at the end of the year. Just chunk change for those supertruckers I suppose!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-11", "dateAdded": "2014-01-04T07:08:17Z", "likes": 2, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3069, "firstName": "CARL", "lastName": "JOHNSON", "companyName": "CJ TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATKINS", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 88, "userLikes": 18, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24245, "content": "If you want to sit and do # you are the one pulling cheap freight and you know that I can haul for 30 cents a mile cheaper then you an still make more money so who is hauling cheap freigh.", "contentHtml": "If you want to sit and do # you are the one pulling cheap freight and you know that I can haul for 30 cents a mile cheaper then you an still make more money so who is hauling cheap freigh.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-27", "dateAdded": "2014-01-05T06:12:00Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 882, "firstName": "ELI", "lastName": "HOSTETLER", "companyName": "ELI B HOSTETLER", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATSONTOWN", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 28, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24246, "content": "Some people don't realizes 20000 more a year means 10000 miles less I can drive an not near as hard on equipment an mine an body be safe be profitable be responsible an master the journey maybe see you on the road some day", "contentHtml": "Some people don't realizes 20000 more a year means 10000 miles less I can drive an not near as hard on equipment an mine an body be safe be profitable be responsible an master the journey maybe see you on the road some day", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-27", "dateAdded": "2014-01-05T06:16:42Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 882, "firstName": "ELI", "lastName": "HOSTETLER", "companyName": "ELI B HOSTETLER", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATSONTOWN", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 28, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28690, "content": "Now if you're as smart as you think you are, you'll bull the higher paying freight AND drive conservative......then you'll really be in the chips. We will never see 7 mpg with our trucks, and I doubt many will hauling 80K. We haul local, and have a town about every 30 miles to slow down/stop in.....all of that make a huge difference in mileage, compared to getting on the interstate, setting the cruise at 62 and getting off in 500 miles. Every operation is different. We can get 6+ with our trucks, which I feel is good considering the application. I can say even raising the fuel mileage from 5.7 to 6, in my operation will net $2-3K by years end. Not to mention component wear goes down as well.", "contentHtml": "Now if you're as smart as you think you are, you'll bull the higher paying freight AND drive conservative......then you'll really be in the chips. We will never see 7 mpg with our trucks, and I doubt many will hauling 80K. We haul local, and have a town about every 30 miles to slow down/stop in.....all of that make a huge difference in mileage, compared to getting on the interstate, setting the cruise at 62 and getting off in 500 miles. Every operation is different. We can get 6+ with our trucks, which I feel is good considering the application. I can say even raising the fuel mileage from 5.7 to 6, in my operation will net $2-3K by years end. Not to mention component wear goes down as well.", "parentReplyId": 24246, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2014-01-05T16:21:03Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28689, "content": "52mph and that turbo 3000!!! I can slow down in my car or pickup and get good mileage too, did you now that!! or did someone tell you.....? I run 60 to 70, just depends on how hard the wind is blowing", "contentHtml": "52mph and that turbo 3000!!! I can slow down in my car or pickup and get good mileage too, did you now that!! or did someone tell you.....? I run 60 to 70, just depends on how hard the wind is blowing", "parentReplyId": 24245, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-01-29", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T06:36:58Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9967, "firstName": "T", "lastName": "J", "companyName": "BONJO ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "North Platte", "state": "NE", "userCommentCount": 261, "userLikes": 32, "userDislikes": 13, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24247, "content": "So I guess if a guy gets good milage that means \"im the one pulling cheap?\" I dont haul much high dollar freight, but I beleive in competition and if I can haul cheaper than anybody else because I keep per mile operating expense low, than yes that does mean somebody could go under because, many operations need good paying loads just to keep fuel in the tank. Competion is what makes us all better at what we do, and makes America a great place to do business.Maybe im just an evil capitalist ?", "contentHtml": "So I guess if a guy gets good milage that means \"im the one pulling cheap?\" I dont haul much high dollar freight, but I beleive in competition and if I can haul cheaper than anybody else because I keep per mile operating expense low, than yes that does mean somebody could go under because, many operations need good paying loads just to keep fuel in the tank. Competion is what makes us all better at what we do, and makes America a great place to do business.Maybe im just an evil capitalist ?", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-11", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T13:39:07Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3069, "firstName": "CARL", "lastName": "JOHNSON", "companyName": "CJ TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATKINS", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 88, "userLikes": 18, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28691, "content": "Competition is fine, but why give your services away? I always figure fuel 2 5.5mpg. Why? because although my trucks are capable of 6+, I've had contractors that were in the 5.75 range. Also, there are days because of wind, idle time, cold weather, etc, that the trucks will not get maximum fuel economy. You aren't going to see 7 everyday. So I always figure fuel mileage low. I also figure on a payload of 950 corn, just like the brokers do, enenthough I can legally scale 1000 on a tandem. Use your head alittle. Why do you want to haul for the same rate per mile as the guy with the heavy super trucker Pete/KW that's making 5mpg? Let them set an acceptable rate, and you collect the \"bonus\" because of your careful driving (better mileage) and proper speccing of equipment (lighter weight)? I paid a hell of a lot of money, and a lot of time went into carefully speccing the lightest weight most comfortable trucks and trailers I could order....the last thing I want to do is haul for the same rate as the guy that bought the heavy, unefficient equipment. If that's the case, I might as well bought some old junk myself. Also the difference in CPM at $3.8 fuel is $0.15. 3.80/5.5=.69 - 3.8/7=.54. So IF you are hauling for .30CPM less than the competition....you're giving up atleast another .15 somewhere. Not trying to getting into a pissing match, but use your skills and equipment to your advantage....sell your service.", "contentHtml": "Competition is fine, but why give your services away? I always figure fuel 2 5.5mpg. Why? because although my trucks are capable of 6+, I've had contractors that were in the 5.75 range. Also, there are days because of wind, idle time, cold weather, etc, that the trucks will not get maximum fuel economy. You aren't going to see 7 everyday. So I always figure fuel mileage low. I also figure on a payload of 950 corn, just like the brokers do, enenthough I can legally scale 1000 on a tandem. Use your head alittle. Why do you want to haul for the same rate per mile as the guy with the heavy super trucker Pete/KW that's making 5mpg? Let them set an acceptable rate, and you collect the \"bonus\" because of your careful driving (better mileage) and proper speccing of equipment (lighter weight)? I paid a hell of a lot of money, and a lot of time went into carefully speccing the lightest weight most comfortable trucks and trailers I could order....the last thing I want to do is haul for the same rate as the guy that bought the heavy, unefficient equipment. If that's the case, I might as well bought some old junk myself. Also the difference in CPM at $3.8 fuel is $0.15. 3.80/5.5=.69 - 3.8/7=.54. So IF you are hauling for .30CPM less than the competition....you're giving up atleast another .15 somewhere. Not trying to getting into a pissing match, but use your skills and equipment to your advantage....sell your service.", "parentReplyId": 24247, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T14:17:33Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 2180, "firstName": "TRENT", "lastName": "MCCAIN", "companyName": "MCCAIN ENTERPRISES LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "COLBY", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 62, "userLikes": 8, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24248, "content": "I did not say I pull cheap freight when I say I drive slow everybody thinks I pull cheap I can count on one hand how many loads I hauled under 2 A mile I'm not saying I'm smart but I know I'm a lot smarter then I was 6years ago when I started", "contentHtml": "I did not say I pull cheap freight when I say I drive slow everybody thinks I pull cheap I can count on one hand how many loads I hauled under 2 A mile I'm not saying I'm smart but I know I'm a lot smarter then I was 6years ago when I started", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-03-27", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T16:27:05Z", "likes": 1, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 882, "firstName": "ELI", "lastName": "HOSTETLER", "companyName": "ELI B HOSTETLER", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATSONTOWN", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 28, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24249, "content": "My experience says that the biggest factor in success or failure is whether or not you have a steady job for the truck. If you know you will have that you can make out alright. That is why so many guys lease on with big outfits who pay them low rates but keep them busy, even paying deadhead. Most O/Os in that situation would do better as an employee driver. If being your own boss is that important, consider that everyone has to please someone. I don't call the people I haul for \"boss\" but you know, when they crack the whip I better be able to make the trip. And be ready for big headaches if you employ someone. You cannot imagine the frustration government agencies can cause you.", "contentHtml": "My experience says that the biggest factor in success or failure is whether or not you have a steady job for the truck. If you know you will have that you can make out alright. That is why so many guys lease on with big outfits who pay them low rates but keep them busy, even paying deadhead. Most O/Os in that situation would do better as an employee driver. If being your own boss is that important, consider that everyone has to please someone. I don't call the people I haul for \"boss\" but you know, when they crack the whip I better be able to make the trip. And be ready for big headaches if you employ someone. You cannot imagine the frustration government agencies can cause you.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-01-09", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T19:29:42Z", "likes": 1, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9697, "firstName": "HOWARD", "lastName": "GLASS", "companyName": "EXPRESS IMAGE TRANSPORT, INC.", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "GROVE CITY", "state": "PA", "userCommentCount": 24, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 28692, "content": "EVIL CAPITALIST !!! Nothing wrong with competition except when the welfare farmers take loads to keep their hired hand busy while driving farm plated equipment. When is this great American capitalism coming back? This joke for a government has almost driven all the manufactures to COMMUNIST CHINA.Now they want to destroy the trucking industry. Trucking is a very interesting industry. Keep your head up !!", "contentHtml": "EVIL CAPITALIST !!! Nothing wrong with competition except when the welfare farmers take loads to keep their hired hand busy while driving farm plated equipment. When is this great American capitalism coming back? This joke for a government has almost driven all the manufactures to COMMUNIST CHINA.Now they want to destroy the trucking industry. Trucking is a very interesting industry. Keep your head up !!", "parentReplyId": 24247, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-28", "dateAdded": "2014-01-06T21:24:10Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 1, "approved": 1, "userId": 1669, "firstName": " BOB ", "lastName": "RIHA", "companyName": "BOB RIHA TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "SPENCER", "state": "NE", "userCommentCount": 4, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 24250, "content": "Well said Bob!", "contentHtml": "Well said Bob!", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-11-11", "dateAdded": "2014-01-07T05:57:56Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 3069, "firstName": "CARL", "lastName": "JOHNSON", "companyName": "CJ TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "WATKINS", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 88, "userLikes": 18, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 } ], "userDislikes": 0, "signUpDate": "2013-12-23", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0, "iSubscribe": 0 }

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BUYING FIRST TRUCK LOOKING FOR ADVICE

Posted on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 12:59 PM CST in Stoneboro, PA