Looking for advice 2 - Bulk Trucking Forum & Discussion Board & Bulkloads.com

{ "forumId": 39058, "postTypeId": 1, "postType": "Forum", "forumTitle": "Looking for advice", "forumContent": "What kind of truck and trailer setup is best for a beginning trucker wanting to haul grain n feed", "forumContentHtml": "What kind of truck and trailer setup is best for a beginning trucker wanting to haul grain n feed ", "thumbUrl": "", "dateAdded": "2015-01-08T19:19:31Z", "lastPost": "2015-01-13T15:23:39Z", "views": 6220, "likes": 1, "dislikes": 1, "messageCount": 17, "premiumOnly": 0, "isfeatured": 0, "showInDays": -100, "showDate": "", "forumLink": "", "youtubeVideoId": "", "approved": 1, "active": 1, "alias": "looking-for-advice-2", "forumUrl": "https://www.bulkloads.com/forum/looking-for-advice-2/", "userId": 41834, "firstName": "COREY", "lastName": "BURNELL", "companyName": "MILLIMAN TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Wheeler", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 6, "userLikes": 1, "replies": [ { "replyId": 30266, "content": "\n In response to your guestion about a truck for a begining trucker to haul. Keep it light weight. Keep it simple. Make sure it isn't newer than 2003.\n \n Tom Kranz\n Goodwin SD", "contentHtml": "\r\n\tIn response to your guestion about a truck for a begining trucker to haul. Keep it light weight. Keep it simple. Make sure it isn't newer than 2003. \r\n\t \r\n\tTom Kranz \r\n\tGoodwin SD", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-11-23", "dateAdded": "2015-01-09T01:12:29Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 9222, "firstName": "Thomas", "lastName": "Kranz", "companyName": "THOMAS KRANZ DBA CLX TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Goodwin", "state": "SD", "userCommentCount": 2, "userLikes": 2, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30267, "content": "\n I would recommend something like an international or a freightliner. You can usually get a lot of bang for your buck buying these used. Mid-roof sleeper so you dont get a lot of wind drag and a 336 to 355 gear would most likely be best. I like timpte trailers personally but most on here will give you feedback contrary to that. All to be respected as most have more grain experience then me. Best of luck to you", "contentHtml": "\r\n\tI would recommend something like an international or a freightliner. You can usually get a lot of bang for your buck buying these used. Mid-roof sleeper so you dont get a lot of wind drag and a 336 to 355 gear would most likely be best. I like timpte trailers personally but most on here will give you feedback contrary to that. All to be respected as most have more grain experience then me. Best of luck to you", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-11-06", "dateAdded": "2015-01-09T01:48:08Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 37551, "firstName": "SCOTT", "lastName": "WACHTEL", "companyName": "BSI TRANSPORT", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "New Baltimore", "state": "MI", "userCommentCount": 64, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30270, "content": "\n First off, I'm young and was recently a beginner myself, so I wish you the best of luck and don't hesitate to call if you need advice. I don't know all the answers but I'm more than willing to pass on the knowledge that I've learned so far as a 3rd generation trucking company owner.\n \n I would suggest, like mentioned above, to buy an older truck to avoid emission issues. Don't be afraid to spend a litte money on the older trucks as well, lower mile but older trucks with the e model cat, nz6, or a 12.7 detriot are becoming extinct. I follow the model of an aggressive maintenance schedule for my older trucks and get by just fine. As far as the trailer, I keep relatively new trailers (2012 Wilson Pacesetter is my oldest.) All grain trailers are loaded to max gross at all times (if you're making money,) and they take a beating! I would suggest if you do buy a used trailer to do a thorough inspection before purchase. I see several trailers advertised that look great from pictures but I wouldn't pull them around the block, empty. Everyone has their own opinion, I prefer to run Wilson hoppers. They're durable and not terribly heavy. One thing I avoid is aluminum cradle/frame and kingpin plate (primarily cornhuskers.) These trailers are light, but they're also consumables. They get used and abused, twisted and cracked in about three years from what I've seen.\n \n Also just because you're young or a beginner, don't get sucked into \"low ball\" freight rates by brokers. They will know you're just starting out even if you don't tell them. I've seen in some cases where the broker will use the lack of knowledge or beginner to their leverage. Don't give in, even if you are just taking it to get home. Search around a bit further and you will find something. Just don't do it for \"break even.\" I can't stand guys that do this, all that does is open the gates for brokers to lower rates on all loads. What happens when a broker sees results/success? We see motivation, motivation of the broker to keep on lowering rates. They're not all like this. I've found a great broker and I know a lot of you will say there is no great broker. Well, if my broker will give me \"competitive\" rates consistently, has never left a truck of mine setting waiting for the next load, and pays within seven days of the invoice; I would be glad to call them a great broker. Hold your ground.\n \n Kelly Wilson\n 785-200-0587", "contentHtml": "\r\n\tFirst off, I'm young and was recently a beginner myself, so I wish you the best of luck and don't hesitate to call if you need advice. I don't know all the answers but I'm more than willing to pass on the knowledge that I've learned so far as a 3rd generation trucking company owner. \r\n\t \r\n\tI would suggest, like mentioned above, to buy an older truck to avoid emission issues. Don't be afraid to spend a litte money on the older trucks as well, lower mile but older trucks with the e model cat, nz6, or a 12.7 detriot are becoming extinct. I follow the model of an aggressive maintenance schedule for my older trucks and get by just fine. As far as the trailer, I keep relatively new trailers (2012 Wilson Pacesetter is my oldest.) All grain trailers are loaded to max gross at all times (if you're making money,) and they take a beating! I would suggest if you do buy a used trailer to do a thorough inspection before purchase. I see several trailers advertised that look great from pictures but I wouldn't pull them around the block, empty. Everyone has their own opinion, I prefer to run Wilson hoppers. They're durable and not terribly heavy. One thing I avoid is aluminum cradle/frame and kingpin plate (primarily cornhuskers.) These trailers are light, but they're also consumables. They get used and abused, twisted and cracked in about three years from what I've seen. \r\n\t \r\n\tAlso just because you're young or a beginner, don't get sucked into "low ball" freight rates by brokers. They will know you're just starting out even if you don't tell them. I've seen in some cases where the broker will use the lack of knowledge or beginner to their leverage. Don't give in, even if you are just taking it to get home. Search around a bit further and you will find something. Just don't do it for "break even." I can't stand guys that do this, all that does is open the gates for brokers to lower rates on all loads. What happens when a broker sees results/success? We see motivation, motivation of the broker to keep on lowering rates. They're not all like this. I've found a great broker and I know a lot of you will say there is no great broker. Well, if my broker will give me "competitive" rates consistently, has never left a truck of mine setting waiting for the next load, and pays within seven days of the invoice; I would be glad to call them a great broker. Hold your ground. \r\n\t \r\n\tKelly Wilson \r\n\t785-200-0587", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/KELLY-WILSON-WILSON BULK TRANSPORT-14846-197443-LOGO BIG.jpg", "signUpDate": "2014-05-13", "dateAdded": "2015-01-09T02:23:48Z", "likes": 3, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 14846, "firstName": "Kelly", "lastName": "Wilson", "companyName": "WILSON BULK TRANSPORT", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Abilene", "state": "KS", "userCommentCount": 75, "userLikes": 21, "userDislikes": 3, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30272, "content": "My dad n uncle both retired from driving they was company drivers I been Union carpenter for 13 years just getting broke down lookn for a change so I understand not undercutting each other gotta stick together thanks for the advice I have lots more questions any advice greatly appreciated or links to read about hoppers dumps good place to get a truck for beginners thanks", "contentHtml": "My dad n uncle both retired from driving they was company drivers I been Union carpenter for 13 years just getting broke down lookn for a change so I understand not undercutting each other gotta stick together thanks for the advice I have lots more questions any advice greatly appreciated or links to read about hoppers dumps good place to get a truck for beginners thanks ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-12-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-09T11:59:57Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 41834, "firstName": "COREY", "lastName": "BURNELL", "companyName": "MILLIMAN TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Wheeler", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 6, "userLikes": 1, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30282, "content": " I agree with what the others say about the older pre emission trucks, just keep on top of maintenance issues before they get out of hand. Get a higher horsepower engine with nothing lower than 355 rears so the engine is not wound tight all the time. Keep your speed down. Get a 78\" side trailer with vibrators on the front and back slopes for the bulkier loads other than grain. Do not haul something just to be hauling something. Know what your costs are and don't be afraid to say no to a load. Most of all, don't be afraid to ask questions, lot of good knoweledge on here. Good Luck!", "contentHtml": "<h3>\r\n\tI agree with what the others say about the older pre emission trucks, just keep on top of maintenance issues before they get out of hand. Get a higher horsepower engine with nothing lower than 355 rears so the engine is not wound tight all the time. Keep your speed down. Get a 78" side trailer with vibrators on the front and back slopes for the bulkier loads other than grain. Do not haul something just to be hauling something. Know what your costs are and don't be afraid to say no to a load. Most of all, don't be afraid to ask questions, lot of good knoweledge on here. Good Luck!</h3>", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2012-08-06", "dateAdded": "2015-01-10T02:11:46Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 8215, "firstName": "Glen", "lastName": "Nauman", "companyName": "GLEN NAUMAN TRANSPORTATION LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Mound City", "state": "MO", "userCommentCount": 2, "userLikes": 16, "userDislikes": 3, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30283, "content": "Where is a good place to buy a truck n trailer what's good options on financing without a lot of driving years", "contentHtml": "Where is a good place to buy a truck n trailer what's good options on financing without a lot of driving years", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-12-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-10T02:42:43Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 41834, "firstName": "COREY", "lastName": "BURNELL", "companyName": "MILLIMAN TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Wheeler", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 6, "userLikes": 1, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30284, "content": "Ur going in the right directions asking ?'s is what I did I started in the hopper business 3 years ago and I added my 5th wagon in Dec. I started with a $15,000 truck and a $10,000 timpte trailer an built from there. I would recommend a 12.7 liter Detroit there cheap to fix and 7mpg easy... If u need advice feel free to call we were all there at one time. Just remember looking cool don't always make u $$$'s", "contentHtml": "Ur going in the right directions asking ?'s is what I did I started in the hopper business 3 years ago and I added my 5th wagon in Dec. I started with a $15,000 truck and a $10,000 timpte trailer an built from there. I would recommend a 12.7 liter Detroit there cheap to fix and 7mpg easy... If u need advice feel free to call we were all there at one time. Just remember looking cool don't always make u $$$'s ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2013-10-07", "dateAdded": "2015-01-10T15:20:04Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 12331, "firstName": "Jerod", "lastName": "Jakel", "companyName": "JAKEL TRUCKING LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Sacred Heart", "state": "MN", "userCommentCount": 7, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30289, "content": "Look and see if there are any people that might be getting to retire in your area that would have a 2003 or truck or glider that might be willing to sell to you. you may even be able to buy into a job this way if you could buy and get into their previous customer base. you might even find somebody willing to sell out on a contract somewhat like a contract for deed to help you get going. you might even want to consider a convertible hopper so you have the option of hauling van freight also.", "contentHtml": "Look and see if there are any people that might be getting to retire in your area that would have a 2003 or truck or glider that might be willing to sell to you. you may even be able to buy into a job this way if you could buy and get into their previous customer base. you might even find somebody willing to sell out on a contract somewhat like a contract for deed to help you get going. you might even want to consider a convertible hopper so you have the option of hauling van freight also.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-05-04", "dateAdded": "2015-01-10T20:09:14Z", "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": 30295, "content": "I'm running a 2003 KW T600 ,cat c-12 ,meritor 12 speed auto shift,3:55 rears. Pulling a 43 ft 78 in high Timpte. Vibrators all around (you need them for ddg) if get a trailer with widebase tires,remember,air pressure air pressure air pressure, a psi system on trailer keeps tires inflated possibly illuminating blowouts. BTW I'm getting 8 mpg with this truck running 60 mph. Speed is one of the biggest factors for good fuel mileage. Good luck \n \n", "contentHtml": "I'm running a 2003 KW T600 ,cat c-12 ,meritor 12 speed auto shift,3:55 rears. Pulling a 43 ft 78 in high Timpte. Vibrators all around (you need them for ddg) if get a trailer with widebase tires,remember,air pressure air pressure air pressure, a psi system on trailer keeps tires inflated possibly illuminating blowouts. BTW I'm getting 8 mpg with this truck running 60 mph. Speed is one of the biggest factors for good fuel mileage. Good luck \r\n ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-11-16", "dateAdded": "2015-01-11T15:57:46Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 38306, "firstName": "ERNIE", "lastName": "LITWILLER ", "companyName": "PEDL LTD", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "East Peoria", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 4, "userLikes": 0, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30298, "content": "The simple answer to the best truck and trailer is one that's paid for....as long as you're making payments to a bank, you aren't making to you. Some of the best advice i can give is to start with something you can afford. Keep it light and keep it well maintained. You don't need a \"hood\" to be cool. I was in my mid 20's when i started 10 years ago. I had a beautiful 1995 T6 with a 72\" studio and a new '04 Timpte trailer ran it untill 1.2 million mi. The weight (28,500) and maintence were cutting into the profits. My father sugessted I run the numbers and consider ordering a new truck. In July 2007 I ordered my first new T8 big block 13 sp, 32' sleeper (26.500) We currently run custom ordered '09/10 T660's with all the ultra light components. Small block power, auto shift trans, wide base tires, composite springs, VIT int, heated leather seats, 32' sleeper etc. I pull '12 Timpte's they are on wide base, alumin sub and king, Easy Flow Hyd Traps, elect trap, PSI, extra lights, The trucks and trailers are not stripped, but fully dressed. We now weigh 24,500 and can scale 1000 bu of corn. My goal was to order the new trucks specced to do the job. Yes i would have a payment starting out, but they would be paid for with under 500K, still have value and be ready to trade for another set, or I could continue running them as I'd know what i have. Well, needless to say, i'm enjoying paid for and holding to them for a while. I would advise as others have, to avoid an emissions truck, or do like i did and order a new one with warranty....I've used it on both trucks. I'll caution that getting light weight matching units like i have cost me a fair amount of money upfront, but I have exactally what i wanted and our maint program, will last us a long time. I'm lucky in that my uncle drives one and i drive the other, when he retires in a few yeears, i'll possible sell the two trucks and get another new or newer KW that I can pay cash for. Here is another thing to consider...resale. The more \"specialized\" or \"custom\" your options are, the less likely you are to recover your investment. Here's a example. My first 3 Timptes '04 and 2 '08's were pretty basic. 66\" x 96\" x 42'2\". Air ride, Alumin duals, steel king and sub, 2 rows of 5 lights, SS rear, manual tarp and traps. All 3 were sold locally to farmers when around 3-4 years old for $500 to $5,000 less than i purchased them new. So it didn't cost me much to pull them other than maintanence. My '12's are loaded hard with everything of the pervious plus the light weight options and elect raps and tarp and were $48,400 ea new, and probably would be over $50,000 today. I feel i'd be lucky to get $35,000 today as most farmers don't care for all the light weight options. I've made up the loss (hopfully) with extra payload. I have trailers that are easy to operate, and that's worth something to me and my crew. I've always run KW's and Timptes (5 trucks and 7 trailers) You might consider a Freightliner or Volvo after all from the frame down they are pretty much the same. As I said above, the best advise i can give is start small and buy something you can afford, A truck can eat you out of house and home if you're not careful. I'm fortunate and have been able to make it through some tough years, that's why I caution about making payments, there were many days i wanted to \"sell them all\" and work for the man....now that they are paid for and we have a very promising year ahead, I'm glad I didn't. The only ones who get hurt on the roller coaster are those who jump off at the top....if you ride it through the ups and downs to the end, you'll be alright. Best of luck to you.\n \n Trent\n", "contentHtml": "The simple answer to the best truck and trailer is one that's paid for....as long as you're making payments to a bank, you aren't making to you. Some of the best advice i can give is to start with something you can afford. Keep it light and keep it well maintained. You don't need a "hood" to be cool. I was in my mid 20's when i started 10 years ago. I had a beautiful 1995 T6 with a 72" studio and a new '04 Timpte trailer ran it untill 1.2 million mi. The weight (28,500) and maintence were cutting into the profits. My father sugessted I run the numbers and consider ordering a new truck. In July 2007 I ordered my first new T8 big block 13 sp, 32' sleeper (26.500) We currently run custom ordered '09/10 T660's with all the ultra light components. Small block power, auto shift trans, wide base tires, composite springs, VIT int, heated leather seats, 32' sleeper etc. I pull '12 Timpte's they are on wide base, alumin sub and king, Easy Flow Hyd Traps, elect trap, PSI, extra lights, The trucks and trailers are not stripped, but fully dressed. We now weigh 24,500 and can scale 1000 bu of corn. My goal was to order the new trucks specced to do the job. Yes i would have a payment starting out, but they would be paid for with under 500K, still have value and be ready to trade for another set, or I could continue running them as I'd know what i have. Well, needless to say, i'm enjoying paid for and holding to them for a while. I would advise as others have, to avoid an emissions truck, or do like i did and order a new one with warranty....I've used it on both trucks. I'll caution that getting light weight matching units like i have cost me a fair amount of money upfront, but I have exactally what i wanted and our maint program, will last us a long time. I'm lucky in that my uncle drives one and i drive the other, when he retires in a few yeears, i'll possible sell the two trucks and get another new or newer KW that I can pay cash for. Here is another thing to consider...resale. The more "specialized" or "custom" your options are, the less likely you are to recover your investment. Here's a example. My first 3 Timptes '04 and 2 '08's were pretty basic. 66" x 96" x 42'2". Air ride, Alumin duals, steel king and sub, 2 rows of 5 lights, SS rear, manual tarp and traps. All 3 were sold locally to farmers when around 3-4 years old for $500 to $5,000 less than i purchased them new. So it didn't cost me much to pull them other than maintanence. My '12's are loaded hard with everything of the pervious plus the light weight options and elect raps and tarp and were $48,400 ea new, and probably would be over $50,000 today. I feel i'd be lucky to get $35,000 today as most farmers don't care for all the light weight options. I've made up the loss (hopfully) with extra payload. I have trailers that are easy to operate, and that's worth something to me and my crew. I've always run KW's and Timptes (5 trucks and 7 trailers) You might consider a Freightliner or Volvo after all from the frame down they are pretty much the same. As I said above, the best advise i can give is start small and buy something you can afford, A truck can eat you out of house and home if you're not careful. I'm fortunate and have been able to make it through some tough years, that's why I caution about making payments, there were many days i wanted to "sell them all" and work for the man....now that they are paid for and we have a very promising year ahead, I'm glad I didn't. The only ones who get hurt on the roller coaster are those who jump off at the top....if you ride it through the ups and downs to the end, you'll be alright. Best of luck to you. \r\n \r\nTrent ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-12T02:54:04Z", "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": 30299, "content": "Are there any good websites that sell good beginner trucks n trailers how is the best way to get a first truck n start hauling loads off the board what are some ways to fig my operating cost", "contentHtml": "Are there any good websites that sell good beginner trucks n trailers how is the best way to get a first truck n start hauling loads off the board what are some ways to fig my operating cost", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-12-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-12T03:42:01Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 41834, "firstName": "COREY", "lastName": "BURNELL", "companyName": "MILLIMAN TRUCKING", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Wheeler", "state": "IL", "userCommentCount": 6, "userLikes": 1, "userDislikes": 0, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30301, "content": "Well i guess you need to ask yourself what you want to do. Run local or regional, etc. i run local. I had the opportunity to haul for my local elevator, they got me into business 10 years ago. It works great, we haul loads and I invoice them on the weekend. While I'm loading the truck Monday morning, she prints me a check. I don't wait for my money. When they don't have enough grain to keep the 5 trucks busy, we haul for a few select brokers, My local ones pay the during the same week i bill them. Some of the bigger companies that are managed elsewhere pay usually in 2 weeks. We don't wait long for our money or waste money using a factoring company. Our trucks are home at night, that saves us money. Another benefit to running local is we pretty much can plan a whole week for our 5 trucks. If something happens, we can adjust the schedule and get the loads covered. I also like consitant money, running local allows us to plan our schedules and revenues better. Some other benefit are we have local fuel providers who give us good discounts, as well as repair shops that we use monthly also insurance is cheaper as we run 150 radius of base. If we are running more regional or beyond, we are at the \"mercy\" of wherever we can get things repaired. A trade off is I might have lower fuel mileage and tire life because whereas one running farther distance might load a load and run 500 miles a day without stopping, i might run only 350 miles in a day with 3-5 loads. Only you can figure your actual costs. You will have fixed costs like insurance, plates, permits, possible truck and trailer payment, taxes. These are present wether the truck runs or sits. Then you will have varible expenses such as fuel and tires. you aren't using those unless you're running. Then somewhere in the mix you need to figure you deserve something for your time, and you need to put money away for repairs or purchasing a new truck. The sad thing is, in reality someone usually comes up short....and it's most often you. I always paid myself a minimal wage....flipping burgers would have made me more, but I want to be out of debt, so everythingelse goes back to the business to accomplish that. I'm not quite there, but close. So eventhough i'm not taking a huge wage out, I'm building equity faster and stopping interest. You also need to figure health insurance for you and or family (another fixed cost). My other advise is find a good accountant. Ater many years, i finally have a good one, she is more like a \"financial advisor\" and helps me make good business decisions. One thing I wish i'd have done different was not trade the '08 trailers for the '12's. (If I would have had my current accountant she would have advised the same) Reason is, they were paid for and in excellent condition. We went through 3 bad years here and on top of that I couldn't drive my truck for a year due to vison surgery and had to have a driver in it. This is again why I advise you to try and stay out of debt...when it rains if pours, thankfully we have played the game long enough that we survived, and I was able to start driving again in 2014 so that helped a lot. Everyone reccomends 3-6 months expenses in the bank, and I think that's a good idea. I'll leave you with this thought as i 've wanted to sell many times. I asked my accountant after we have been together a year, if I had made the right decision to own my own company or should I have put my business degree to use working for someonelse. (She is 70 yr old and deals with many individuals and corporations so i value her opinion) Her response was yes i made the right decision. When I asked why, she replied that at this time, the only prople seeing any growth is oil and technology....most everyones wages have remained flat or gone backwards...and most don't have the ability to recover. I have equity and i have supported my family and we have little debt for the assets we own. Most people in America cannot say that working for \"the man\" We are on a plan to finish paying the little amount owed on the trailers and business LOC. By the end of they year that'll be cleaned up, the only other debt we have is a little on our home, and with no truck payments that'll get whittled down quick as well. We don't owe on vehicles, campers, boats, credit cards, etc. Once we have the business debts paid, then we will start paying myself a better wage. That probably didn't help much with your questions, but looking back there are things I would/could have done differently that would have affected where we are today. In trucking or any business for that matter, you can't look at it on a weekly or monthly basis.....if you do usually you'll want to quit. You have to look long term 1-5 years on where you want to be. Then make a plan and go for it. There are guys on here who have more experience than me and hopfully they will add to this.\n \n Trent\n", "contentHtml": "Well i guess you need to ask yourself what you want to do. Run local or regional, etc. i run local. I had the opportunity to haul for my local elevator, they got me into business 10 years ago. It works great, we haul loads and I invoice them on the weekend. While I'm loading the truck Monday morning, she prints me a check. I don't wait for my money. When they don't have enough grain to keep the 5 trucks busy, we haul for a few select brokers, My local ones pay the during the same week i bill them. Some of the bigger companies that are managed elsewhere pay usually in 2 weeks. We don't wait long for our money or waste money using a factoring company. Our trucks are home at night, that saves us money. Another benefit to running local is we pretty much can plan a whole week for our 5 trucks. If something happens, we can adjust the schedule and get the loads covered. I also like consitant money, running local allows us to plan our schedules and revenues better. Some other benefit are we have local fuel providers who give us good discounts, as well as repair shops that we use monthly also insurance is cheaper as we run 150 radius of base. If we are running more regional or beyond, we are at the "mercy" of wherever we can get things repaired. A trade off is I might have lower fuel mileage and tire life because whereas one running farther distance might load a load and run 500 miles a day without stopping, i might run only 350 miles in a day with 3-5 loads. Only you can figure your actual costs. You will have fixed costs like insurance, plates, permits, possible truck and trailer payment, taxes. These are present wether the truck runs or sits. Then you will have varible expenses such as fuel and tires. you aren't using those unless you're running. Then somewhere in the mix you need to figure you deserve something for your time, and you need to put money away for repairs or purchasing a new truck. The sad thing is, in reality someone usually comes up short....and it's most often you. I always paid myself a minimal wage....flipping burgers would have made me more, but I want to be out of debt, so everythingelse goes back to the business to accomplish that. I'm not quite there, but close. So eventhough i'm not taking a huge wage out, I'm building equity faster and stopping interest. You also need to figure health insurance for you and or family (another fixed cost). My other advise is find a good accountant. Ater many years, i finally have a good one, she is more like a "financial advisor" and helps me make good business decisions. One thing I wish i'd have done different was not trade the '08 trailers for the '12's. (If I would have had my current accountant she would have advised the same) Reason is, they were paid for and in excellent condition. We went through 3 bad years here and on top of that I couldn't drive my truck for a year due to vison surgery and had to have a driver in it. This is again why I advise you to try and stay out of debt...when it rains if pours, thankfully we have played the game long enough that we survived, and I was able to start driving again in 2014 so that helped a lot. Everyone reccomends 3-6 months expenses in the bank, and I think that's a good idea. I'll leave you with this thought as i 've wanted to sell many times. I asked my accountant after we have been together a year, if I had made the right decision to own my own company or should I have put my business degree to use working for someonelse. (She is 70 yr old and deals with many individuals and corporations so i value her opinion) Her response was yes i made the right decision. When I asked why, she replied that at this time, the only prople seeing any growth is oil and technology....most everyones wages have remained flat or gone backwards...and most don't have the ability to recover. I have equity and i have supported my family and we have little debt for the assets we own. Most people in America cannot say that working for "the man" We are on a plan to finish paying the little amount owed on the trailers and business LOC. By the end of they year that'll be cleaned up, the only other debt we have is a little on our home, and with no truck payments that'll get whittled down quick as well. We don't owe on vehicles, campers, boats, credit cards, etc. Once we have the business debts paid, then we will start paying myself a better wage. That probably didn't help much with your questions, but looking back there are things I would/could have done differently that would have affected where we are today. In trucking or any business for that matter, you can't look at it on a weekly or monthly basis.....if you do usually you'll want to quit. You have to look long term 1-5 years on where you want to be. Then make a plan and go for it. There are guys on here who have more experience than me and hopfully they will add to this. \r\n \r\nTrent ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-12T04:47:17Z", "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": 30302, "content": "As for a good place to buy trucks and trailers, I've bought new trailers and all the new trucks came from dealers. Our first used truck was bought from a private individual and the last two were from a dealer. Finding financing for a young operator might be a challenge. I have excellent credit, and deal with a local agri-lender. My equipment int rate is 3% when most banks are 6%+ and probably closer to 8%-10% is you have no credit. Interest will eat you alive quickly. Don't be afraid to shop around either, A bank provides a service just like anyother business, IF you have good credit, they can/will compete for your business.", "contentHtml": "As for a good place to buy trucks and trailers, I've bought new trailers and all the new trucks came from dealers. Our first used truck was bought from a private individual and the last two were from a dealer. Finding financing for a young operator might be a challenge. I have excellent credit, and deal with a local agri-lender. My equipment int rate is 3% when most banks are 6%+ and probably closer to 8%-10% is you have no credit. Interest will eat you alive quickly. Don't be afraid to shop around either, A bank provides a service just like anyother business, IF you have good credit, they can/will compete for your business. ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-12T04:56:09Z", "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": 30305, "content": "we run 4 fld freightliners one columbia 3 mid 90s timpte hoppers and 2 2009 wilsons. I started with an fld and a 1990 timpte and that is still the best setup we have. it weighs 25500 with me in it full of fuel. you dont need new stuff you just need good maintenence and the ability to make the repairs yourself.", "contentHtml": "we run 4 fld freightliners one columbia 3 mid 90s timpte hoppers and 2 2009 wilsons. I started with an fld and a 1990 timpte and that is still the best setup we have. it weighs 25500 with me in it full of fuel. you dont need new stuff you just need good maintenence and the ability to make the repairs yourself.", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-03-10", "dateAdded": "2015-01-13T03:04:01Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 14004, "firstName": "John", "lastName": "Gochenour", "companyName": "RG TRUCKING LLC", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "Pisgah", "state": "IA", "userCommentCount": 23, "userLikes": 11, "userDislikes": 7, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 }, { "replyId": 30306, "content": "True, my contractors run nice older trucks, one is a 2000 F/L and the other is a '99 Pete, both good looking trucks that represent my company well. The one reason i went with new is simple....I don't have time and/or knowledge of some things to be a mechanic. I also don't have a facility either. I have anough to do with dispatching, driving, paperwork, etc, so it's better for me to hire out mechanic services. Also when I ran the older trucks, I dumped a ton of money in maint and repairs...even so, the old trucks have no more value to trade than if i hadn't taken care of them. In my situation, I feel I made the right choice, the power units are paid for with 400K mi. I can hopfully run them another 400K before anything major happens, The one thing i have is \"equity\" if i needed to sell. Running the older trucks you won't have much left in equity, but you should hopfully have cash in the bank by not making a huge payment every month. \n \n My folks purchased a beautiful low mileage '06 T8 with a big block Cummins and leased it to me. This last year with only 290K on the clock it spun a bearing and ruined the engine....Cummins of course wouldn't stand behind it because eventhough it was low mileage, it was out of warranty on time. Total cost of a reman engine installed and ready to go was $30,000 + 3 weeks of downtime......thankfully my folks are debt free and aren't \"making a living\" with this truck....they paid the bill in cash....it would have bankrupted most operators esp if they were making a payment on top + trying to support their family. So now we have what we thought was going to be a good older used truck for $65K + $30K for an engine = $95K. Put another $15K with that and we could have had another new one. The sad thing is, the truck isn't worth any more now with a new engine, and we will never recover that expense. But we had no choice but to fix it, as we bought it to give a deserving man a job, and it wouldn't be worth anything with a blown engine. \n \n Another thought is to buy the \"cheap\" trucks, make them look nice so the represent your company well (I can't stand shoddy unkept trucks) Maintain them well so they are as dependable as you can have them....even then things will break on the best maintained trucks both new or used. buy them right for say$20- $30K and run them untill they just start to nickle and dime you, then sell to a farmer for $15K that is going to use them 4 wks out of the year. Or you can run it 'till it pukes, put it in the weed row, and find another cheap truck. \n \n The point i'm making is there are so many different ways to go about it, and what works well for one, might not be good for another. If you have mechanical skills and a shop to work on things, you might get along well with an older truck. I personally cannot run that way. Just more things to consider before making the leap into an owner.\n \n Trent\n", "contentHtml": "True, my contractors run nice older trucks, one is a 2000 F/L and the other is a '99 Pete, both good looking trucks that represent my company well. The one reason i went with new is simple....I don't have time and/or knowledge of some things to be a mechanic. I also don't have a facility either. I have anough to do with dispatching, driving, paperwork, etc, so it's better for me to hire out mechanic services. Also when I ran the older trucks, I dumped a ton of money in maint and repairs...even so, the old trucks have no more value to trade than if i hadn't taken care of them. In my situation, I feel I made the right choice, the power units are paid for with 400K mi. I can hopfully run them another 400K before anything major happens, The one thing i have is "equity" if i needed to sell. Running the older trucks you won't have much left in equity, but you should hopfully have cash in the bank by not making a huge payment every month. \r\n \r\nMy folks purchased a beautiful low mileage '06 T8 with a big block Cummins and leased it to me. This last year with only 290K on the clock it spun a bearing and ruined the engine....Cummins of course wouldn't stand behind it because eventhough it was low mileage, it was out of warranty on time. Total cost of a reman engine installed and ready to go was $30,000 + 3 weeks of downtime......thankfully my folks are debt free and aren't "making a living" with this truck....they paid the bill in cash....it would have bankrupted most operators esp if they were making a payment on top + trying to support their family. So now we have what we thought was going to be a good older used truck for $65K + $30K for an engine = $95K. Put another $15K with that and we could have had another new one. The sad thing is, the truck isn't worth any more now with a new engine, and we will never recover that expense. But we had no choice but to fix it, as we bought it to give a deserving man a job, and it wouldn't be worth anything with a blown engine. \r\n \r\nAnother thought is to buy the "cheap" trucks, make them look nice so the represent your company well (I can't stand shoddy unkept trucks) Maintain them well so they are as dependable as you can have them....even then things will break on the best maintained trucks both new or used. buy them right for say$20- $30K and run them untill they just start to nickle and dime you, then sell to a farmer for $15K that is going to use them 4 wks out of the year. Or you can run it 'till it pukes, put it in the weed row, and find another cheap truck. \r\n \r\nThe point i'm making is there are so many different ways to go about it, and what works well for one, might not be good for another. If you have mechanical skills and a shop to work on things, you might get along well with an older truck. I personally cannot run that way. Just more things to consider before making the leap into an owner. \r\n \r\nTrent ", "parentReplyId": 30305, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2010-07-28", "dateAdded": "2015-01-13T05:44:43Z", "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": 30307, "content": "I run older kw's and internationals as well as new ones. Just ordered 5 new t880,s last month. The basic advantage to older trucks is affordability. Be carefull with what you buy. Like Trent said money spent on a payment is money not to you. The other end of it is if you plan on being a thousand miles from home a newer reliable truck is worth its weight in gold. At that point you are making up the payment with fuel economy, piece of mind, and less hassle from the d.o.t.. For some reason they like shiny trucks, especially from out of state. That aside first starting off try and find a well maintained used truck that you can AFFORD. We can debate new vs old all day long but the bottom line is exactly that, the bottom line. Trucks have big payments and associated costs. The other key thing is know your business. What are you going to be doing, where are you going. Are you running you own or leasing on to somebody. I started leasing onto a larger carrier under their authority. At that time I was making ok money but realized I could make a lot more running my own and building my own customer base. It was a huge jump. I made significantly less first going out on my own then I made leasing. It was a huge gamble which for me has paid off. I dont know your financial situation nor do i want too but if you are like most of us first starting off things are most likely going to be tight. Thats where leasing on to somebody may work to your advantage to build up a cash flow. Trucking can be a gamble if your not carefull. Knowledge is key in this industry.", "contentHtml": "I run older kw's and internationals as well as new ones. Just ordered 5 new t880,s last month. The basic advantage to older trucks is affordability. Be carefull with what you buy. Like Trent said money spent on a payment is money not to you. The other end of it is if you plan on being a thousand miles from home a newer reliable truck is worth its weight in gold. At that point you are making up the payment with fuel economy, piece of mind, and less hassle from the d.o.t.. For some reason they like shiny trucks, especially from out of state. That aside first starting off try and find a well maintained used truck that you can AFFORD. We can debate new vs old all day long but the bottom line is exactly that, the bottom line. Trucks have big payments and associated costs. The other key thing is know your business. What are you going to be doing, where are you going. Are you running you own or leasing on to somebody. I started leasing onto a larger carrier under their authority. At that time I was making ok money but realized I could make a lot more running my own and building my own customer base. It was a huge jump. I made significantly less first going out on my own then I made leasing. It was a huge gamble which for me has paid off. I dont know your financial situation nor do i want too but if you are like most of us first starting off things are most likely going to be tight. Thats where leasing on to somebody may work to your advantage to build up a cash flow. Trucking can be a gamble if your not carefull. Knowledge is key in this industry. ", "parentReplyId": null, "thumbUrl": "", "avatarThumbUrl": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bulkloads.com/user_files/profile/thumbs/default.png", "signUpDate": "2014-11-06", "dateAdded": "2015-01-13T15:23:39Z", "likes": 0, "dislikes": 0, "approved": 1, "userId": 37551, "firstName": "SCOTT", "lastName": "WACHTEL", "companyName": "BSI TRANSPORT", "email": "[email protected]", "city": "New Baltimore", "state": "MI", "userCommentCount": 64, "userLikes": 3, "userDislikes": 1, "links": [], "files": [], "iLike": 0, "iDislike": 0 } ], "userDislikes": 0, "signUpDate": "2014-12-28", "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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Posted on Thu, Jan 8, 2015 at 2:19 PM CST in Wheeler, IL