[Malaki86]

Well, I'll know for sure if I'm doing it or not after I talk to one more department in the next couple of days, anyway.

I'm going to Schneider as a Lease-Operator. I'll be on their 'Pick Your Own Freight' dry-van board. I've been talking to a lot of the current lease-operators and they're all more than happy with everything about the division as well as how their lease is working out. Most likely, I'll be in a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. The drivers that are in those same trucks, mainly staying in the southern half of the country are averaging 8mpg. They also offer Kenworth T680's & Peterbilt 579's. Soon (I'll find out how soon in the next day or two), they're going to have Volvo's, as well. I'm assuming those are the 780's. All of the trucks come with an engine-off anti-idle A/C system. You can also have a Tri-Pac installed at a discounted price.

One thing I like about their lease is how it's structured. When you get a new truck, you don't sign to keep the truck until the lease is finished. You initially sign a 1-year lease. At the end of that year, you have options available: Continue to keep/pay off the current truck, Get into another brand new truck with a 1 year lease, Transfer to a company driver position or Walk away from it all. As of right now, I have a large portion of the operating costs. I still have to get the truck lease amount, comprehensive truck insurance and maintenance account requirements.

I've been a company driver for 14 years now. Over the past years, I've wanted to buy a truck, but can never get anywhere with saving money up. So, if I'm going to do this, this seems like my best option available.

Like I said - it might be the best thing I've ever done, or it might be the absolute worst decision of my life. Either way, I have to do it, just to prove to myself.

[freebirdrfd]

I hope it all works out for you

[solo379]

Originally Posted by Malaki86

I have to do it, just to prove to myself.

What do you want to prove? You want to do it? Fine! I wouldn't mention, that in general, that's a bad idea, and since you have an option to get out, why not? What i will say, that according to your own words, you are not good with the money, and that's mean you are looking for trouble. Otherwise good luck, and keep us posted. Any questions,- don't hesitate to ask...

[GMAN]

Good luck, Malaki. It is difficult to make it in business without being able to manage your money. Where some guys get into trouble in the beginning is to not put money back. You really need to consider putting a fixed amount or percentage of any earnings back. I know some who only take a salary out of their settlement and put the rest into savings. They NEVER touch that money unless they have a major breakdown. If you get into the habit of saving it will soon become second nature. You won't even miss the money. It will surprise you how quickly it will grow. Just saving $100/week can give you over $5,000 in just a year. It is important to put enough money aside to take care of any major breakdowns. I hope you keep us posted as to how you are doing with the new venture.

[Malaki86]

My plan is to pay myself a set percentage and the rest stays in the business account. The truck will be new, so that should definitely help me with not having out-of-pocket money for breakdowns, at least in the beginning.

As for not being able to handle my money, it's hard to handle what you don't have. My average pay as a company driver is around $550 per week (take home). Of course, since the company I drive for likes older equipment, I've spent quite a bit of time sitting along the highway or at garages. With that, I have to pay every household bill, plus everything that it takes to live out on the road, plus for my wife at home.

[sc5952]

I wish best of luck to you. Just make sure the truck payments and insurance don't overwhelm you or run you into ground.

[mndriver]

don't forget to set aside tax money too.

[Malaki86]

Everything is set up. I'll be getting a 2015 Cascadia Evolution. I start orientation in Green Bay, WI on Sept 8th (I wanted sooner, but they're booked solid until then).

[firebird_1252]

Good luck. I assume they pay the 2290, ifta tags and what not? Well.. On your behalf?

[Malaki86]

LOL - correct. They "front" everything for you. No out of pocket startup costs unless I wanted a premium truck. A premium truck to them is anything other than the Cascadia. With a premium truck, there's a $5,000 minimum down payment.