used trucks

[ohio rob]

just getting started in trucking ,looking to buy used truck.any tips will be useful as far as which ones are better ,worse ,etc, etc ,.... miles , rebuilds . thanks for any info

[Sealord]

I'm gonna assume you've already worked several years as a company driver and also are experienced in running a business, have your own CPA and lawyer (transportation experienced, helped develop your business plan) lined up.
I'm also gonna assume you know a very good truck shop including truck and trailer mechanics.
Once you've selected a truck you want to buy, you ask permission to take it to your shop/mechanic and have 'em go over it with a fine toothed comb including all the maintenance records the seller gives you for the vehicle. But I'm guessing I could be wrong. BOL

[TomB985]

If you're just getting started, as mentioned before, it's much better to drive someone else's truck for awhile to get a good sense of how this industry works....not very smart to spend your hard earned money and credit on something you don't even know if you'll like...

[GMAN]

Most any truck will do the job for you. Brands are more a matter of personal preference than anything. I have owned several different brands and there really isn't all that much difference in any of them. It depends on what you want in a truck. Unless you have been driving for a couple of years or have a pocket full of money I would suggest you step back, take a deep breath and find a job driving for someone until you can get some solid experience. It isn't rocket science but you can lose your shirt in a hurry in this business if you don't know what you are doing.

In looking at trucks, I would suggest going with an aerodynamic truck rather than a hood. The fuel cost savings will be tremendous at today's rates. I would not worry about a particular brand. Make a list of some things that you cannot do without in a truck. Also make a list of things you would like to have, but are not necessary for the successful operation of your business. Then start looking around for a good truck that meets most of your criteria. You can get into a Freightliner for less than most other brands. International is another brand that has good value for the money. Volvo makes a very comfortable truck and usually has a lower resale value than some other brands. In the past, those trucks with the hoods held their value much better than the aerodynamic trucks. I am not sure that is currently the case. You could probably get a good deal in a hood but will pay for your choice in the extra fuel costs.

One important factor when looking at trucks is to not get in a hurry. Take your time and look at a lot of trucks. When you get in a rush you will make mistakes and usually pay too much for your choice.

[repete]

if your just getting started in trucking, get a job driving someone else's truck and learn on there dime! Yor gonna find out there is alot you don' t know yet

[Templedawg]

You're not buying just a truck to drive, you are starting your own business. Alot more things to consider than just cranking up and driving with your cowboy hat on.

[Windwalker]

With fuel prices going up, and even companies going out of business, I'm expecting the prices of used trucks to go down... Far down. I'm glad I don't have my own anymore. Paying $1,000 to almost fill the tanks... Let someone else pay the fuel now.

While some companies will simply park their trucks and wait for things to improve, others will have their "rolling stock" appearing on the used lots. And, buyers will be in short supply. Bide your time, and you'll find a "buyer's market".

[Phreddo]

I was happiest in a T2000
that's the first truck i would pay money for.

[GMAN]

I passed by the local Freightliner dealer. There isn't a single used truck on their lot. I don't know if they moved the lot up to the new truck lot or closed it down all together. Very strange. I have never seen this dealer with no used trucks. A couple of weeks ago they had quite a few on the lot. This is a large dealer. There should be some good deals in the works.

[sidman82]

They have been saying that the used market remains strong. Trucks are also being shiped out of the country and sold.

[JeffTheTerrible]

They have been saying that the used market remains strong. Trucks are also being shiped out of the country and sold.

There aren't too many places in the world where you'll see American-style conventional tractors used. Canada, Mexico, a few South American countries, Australia , and some countries in Southern Africa, and that's about it, with the two largest customers being countries for whom new tractors would be shipped and exported, and the rest hardly being enough to dry up the supply of used tractor sales in the US. You can probably find more tractors on the road in a state like California than in all of southern Africa or South America.