hello, i am thinking about buying our first truck and would like some info from you experanced O/O's. We are H/W team drivers and like to drive an average of 6k - 7k a week. now, my question is, how old of a tractor that's in good shape could i get by with and still get work? or should i just bite the bullet and wait until i can afford a new tractor? I understaind this has alot of differant scenarious, but will companies work with someone who owns a older truck?

 

At that kind of mileage, I'd buy new, and change it every 2 years!

 

I would look more at the general condition and what has been done with the truck than going strictly by mileage. Having said that, some carriers want your truck to be less than 6 years old.

 

Common, Gman! The guy is going to run 300,000+ miles a year! :P

 

The general condition is still the most critical part of purchasing any truck. However, he would probably be better off finding something newer or with lower miles since he is going to run so hard. If he buys a new truck and runs that hard, he is going to take a bath on the depreciation. Something with about 300,000 miles would probably be a good compromise.

 

Thanks, GMAN. We have been running around 25K a month working for this company. Don't most H/W teams run this much? as it sounds like some of the reply's are say that to many miles per year? I feel we could make an OK living being O/O's but like I've said we've been company drivers and going out on our own is kinda scary.
Http://www.ourbigtruck.com

 

It's sure as hell to me!
But if you can, and willing to run that many, you should consider replacing trucks every 2-3 years, and figure in depreciation costs!
That's all, i wanted to say! :wink:

 

the older the better, for me anyways.

 

I agree, the older the better! As long as it's in good shape.

Since you guys are doing so many miles, do NOT be afraid to get a nice truck that will be comfortable.

What kind of trucks are you looking at?

 

Most teams seem to run about 6-7,000 miles/wk. Keep in mind that you will likely take some time off during the year, so you won't actually be running 52 weeks per year. I can understand that venturing out on your own for the first time can be disconcerting. It is a big step, especially if you have never been in business for yourself. I suggest you stay within your comfort level. In other words, if you have made up your mind to go out on your own, then find a truck with a payment that you can be comfortable. You certainly want to have a truck that is in good shape, but don't want to have such a high payment that you are fearful of sitting too long because of your obligation. Personally, I prefer trucks a few years old. I don't want to work for a truck payment. I would take my time and look at a lot of trucks. Make a list of what is important to you. By now, you should have found some things you like in the truck you currently drive, and also some things you would like to have that may not be in your truck. I have two trucks that have the same size sleeper but are laid out entirely differently. I prefer one over the other, mainly because of the way my sleeper is laid out. There are others who prefer the other truck, regardless of the way the sleeper is laid out. They like it because it is a Kenworth. There are some trucks available which are already set up for a team. There are a few which have a double bed, most have double bunks. Some may have a refrigerator built into the truck. As you look at different trucks, make a list of things you like about a specific brand or design. Once you decide what you don't want to do without in spec's, start looking for that particular truck. It may be available in different brands. If you have a good down payment and your own financing, you can usually get a much better deal when you go on your hunt. Those who get in a hurry usually wind up paying a premium and may not get exactly what they want. Just a few thoughts.