[Roadhog]

Originally Posted by Double L

with stainless half Benders and mirrors along with the stainless antisail piece for the mudflap.

"Bite my shiny metal ass!"
"Tempers are wearing thin. Let's hope some robot doesn't kill everybody."
"I'm gonna go build my own theme park! With blackjack and hookers! In fact, forget the park!"
"Let's face it, comedy's a dead art form. Tragedy, now that's funny."
"I was thinking Benderbrau if it's an ale, Botweiser if it's a lager. "

[gmh]

Originally Posted by roadhog

Steer clear of wimmin for a while, and you'll have a better chance at having your own Operating Authority. ...in more 'n one way

Here's your first test.....steer clear...steer clear!
...ohhhh.... BRACE FOR IMPACT! :?

Uhh, hmm... Umm... Was there a discussion going on here somewhere?

[gmh]

Originally Posted by roadhog

..er maybe axle grease from Double ELL's greasy paws ...

I think I'm gonna have to give it a level 2 inspection to be sure.

[Double L]

More than likely my first truck is gonna be a Volvo for these reasons:

1. Safety features

2. Fuel Milage

3. Comfort

4. Quality

5. Reliability

[BanditsCousin]

My buddy is head/lead tech at U.S. Express (graduate of UTI 5 years ago) and according to him, you are off on #4 and #5.

Curious, where will you get the bachelors in business admin from? Thats a 4 year degree?

If you wann truck now, you can always go my route. Bust your ass in college and drive in the summers. I did for 2 summers otr, and did p/t during the schoolyear, while balancing classes. You seem hell bent like I was, so either way you'll find your way in a truck and a semi-success like I have become lol

[GMAN]

I would go ahead and get my degree. You may be able to get your CDL, but may not find an insurance company who will cover you until you at least reach 21 or 23. Some won't cover a driver until he is 25. I know that sounds like a long time, but it will pass before you know it. While you can run intrastate before reaching 21 years of age, you may find it difficult to find enough freight staying in Illinois. A lot of steel goes in and out of Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, as well as Illinois. I understand your impatience, but when you get in too much of a hurry, you make mistakes.

I suggest you sit down and set up your goals and a time table. You may already have done that. You need to be realistic in setting goals. It is important to have contingency plans should your original not work. Your first priority should be to get your education. You can get your CDL while you complete your education. You will be much better prepared to be successful after you complete your education. If you go to college year around, you can complete your bachelors degree in about 3 years or less. If you want to gain some practical experience while attending school, then you could do like BanditsCousin suggested and drive during the summers. Don't cut yourself short by not completing your education before embarking on a career. Trucking may not last. Anything can happen to cut your driving career short. You could fall off the truck and get hurt, get diabetes or some other disease that would prevent you from driving. We never know what can happen along life's path. It is critical to prepare yourself for the worst that can happen. If you have a degree and can't drive, you can still earn a decent living. It is difficult to find a good paying job without an education. High school doesn't cut it, in most cases. Companies look for those with degree's. Hopefully, you will be able to drive for as long as you want. If not, then you have prepared yourself for a new career.

Do what ever YOU want to do. People have been telling me my whole life things I can't do and they were all wrong. Do whatever makes you happy and don't just accept someone saying it can't be done.

Learning to be a diesel mechanic and driving your own rig sounds like a winning combination.

From your witting style you don't sound like a dummy so I'm sure you'll do fine in what ever you decide.

[Mack2]

Double L good luck with the owner operator thing. I want to eventually own my own group of trucks but I'm going to try and drive for someone for atleast two years befor I start.

Volvo's are for girly men. You need a real truck. :lol:

This here is what I would like to eventually own.

[Roadhog]

I agree with Double L.
He wants to be a Tradesman....and I see absolutely nothing wrong with that choice.

That was the choice I made early in life also.
I knew what I wanted, and I set out to do it, and did it.

I encouraged Double L in PM to train himself in more than one Trade.
That is what I did. I started Firefighting at age 16, and later picked up an EMT license. I began working in Farming and Construction from an even earlier age. I worked every summer/vacation/and weekends. By age 27 I was a Michigan licensed Builder. I retired from Construction, and took up Trucking 7 years ago. This Spring I am retiring from Fire/Rescue, and just looking to Truck for the next 7 years, then fully retire.

A Tradesman is NEVER out of work...unless he wants to be. Back in 1974 when Michigan unemployment rate was at Depression standards, I was still able to find regular work. People with college degrees were digging through garbage cans...and stealing from their Grandma.

[Double L]

Now my next question is whether to Incorporate or LLC. BanditsCousin I plan on getting my business degree at the local community college. I already have college credits from taking duel credit courses so I may just go for the associates which is only 60 credit hours but by the time it's said and done I should only need to get 44 credits if I remember correctly. I don't remember how much the bachelors degree is but I'm gonna be lazy and just get the associates for the time being and if I need the bachelors then I'm gonna go get that if need be. But I don't remember if the local community college even offers business classes online or not.