In a perfect world this would be a great idea.

In a perfect world we wouldn't need firefighters either.

In a perfect world the Obama economy would be the perfect time to start a new business on credit.

In a perfect world you would be the only person in a 500 mile radius thinking of starting a trucking business.

In a perfect world the government would never think of interfering in a private company's affairs several times daily.

Need I go on?

 

You know what they say... “The best way to become a millionaire in trucking is to start with two million.”

To the OP:
Just the fact that you have to ask some of these questions is indicative that this is a very, very bad idea. The answer to your question number 11: Find something that you know a lot about and maybe even enjoy doing and sink your spare time and money into that.

I am not being negative, just trying to be helpful. Many years ago, success in this business was virtually assured if you had a little money to get started with and a modicum of business sense. These days, to be successful in this industry you really need to be an expert at everything from maintenance to load planning and routing to billing and accounting… you name it. I’ve been driving for 13 years now and have a background heavy in management and business before that; and even having been a leased-on owner operator for five years and running under my authority for three, I am still learning new things about this industry. I am constantly looking back on and analyzing my decisions and finding things that I could have done better, smarter, more efficiently. I cannot imagine trying to start from scratch as a fleet owner having little or no knowledge about the trucking industry. I think it would most likely be financial suicide.

 

Instead of risking all that money on employee's and equipment that you will rarely see why not open a pizza shop? That way you can work it 20 days a month watch it easly AND get biz from your brother FFs?

 

I was thinking a strip club myself. :-)

 

I was thinking of a hot dog cart.

 

I have to agree, as much as the op doesn't want to hear it, this is a bad idea.
Ben52, Your playing with your sanity.
Seriously.

 

You and that damn hot dog cart. So when you buying one lol

 

As soon as I think I can handle the responsibility of owning one.
I might eat all the profits.

That's something you don't have to worry about with the sh***ter gitter.:lol:

 

Hey Ben I drove trucks for several years before I got out a few years ago.I started my own business and doing great.It might be something you might want to consider in your off time.It is Mobile Oil Change business.Have a Oil changing unit in a 6x12 trailer as well as all of my equipment.Go to residents or businesses and change the people's oil.Takes about 15-20 minutes to do a car and I get $40.00.Don't cost alot to get started and can make some serious money.I see you live in Memphis,that would be a wide open market for this type of business.I live in Central Texas,in a rural area, and I stay busy.Something to think about. Thanks Rick

 

This is interesting.
How do you have your trailer set up?
How do you buy your oil? quarts or drums? whole sale prices?
Do you carry ramps or jacks?
Do you drain the oil out or suction?

I've never heard of this type business before. It actually sounds good.