the way fuel is going and this is becoming a very unstable bussines.
Iv'e been driving for 15 years and started my business in 2000 .
I't seems to be getting from better to worst . I usedto get fuel @ $1.35 per gallon now fuel is up to $3.00 a gallon and the rates havent change much.
One of the reasons I'm getting by is that my trucks are paid for.
I'm in the proces of getting a used trailer only because here in colorado
there i'snt a company worth houling most will pay enough for your fuel & maintenance At times you make less than a driver.
I have a mack & wich I'm making endsmeat with, and a kenworth wich is still in illinois.

I'm tryng to get my kenworth to colorado but things must be so bad that nobody is willing to come this way for $2.00 a mile .

I just got a load from Mass to Colorado for $1.90 but that is rare. I think $1.50 is more realistic as far as what you can expect.

Re: longevity?
 

Hey, sounds like the truck I have. A truck is really a motor and four tires with a seat bolted to it and isn't that hard to keep 100% just about forever. As long as it is reasonably aerodynamic with a pre-2002 electronic motor (AKA fuel efficent) you're cool 8) .

thanks for the encouragement guys, i'm still moving pretty slow in changing professions. truck still doing good!! looking for the best apu for the money?

Lease Purchase/ Yoopr
 

Yoopr, you have been around almost as long as me(1972). Do you remember Midwestern Distribution, Ft Scott Ks. - "For 1 dollar, you can own this truck".

Just in simple terms - Most of these L/P have always been to take advantage of the guys who just want to own a truck. They are always to the benefit of the company. Companies like to measure ROA (return on assets). They get these trucks off their balance sheet. That makes ROA look very nice, making money with no investment in assets. They transfer their liabilities to you. In financial world, they bump up their numbers at your expense.

You really are just buying a job. And not a very good job at that.