Quote:
Originally Posted by kb7274
Gman after reading your post, I'm thinking you are correct. I shouldn't be so quick to judge just by hearing the age of the truck over the phone without meeting the man or the truck. I think I will meet him and see exactly what he has to offer. I can always say no. but to judge just by first contact over the phone is not wise on my part... I would still like to get a couple more options together as well. I'm in no rush to jump into anything here. anyone have any more suggestions I would be more than happy to hear them. I do have a good job now, I run my friends lumber buisness and would be making a lot less going into the trucking biz but us working together is taking a toll out on our friendship and I would rather make less money and keep my friendship with him intact, he is like a brother to me.
Working with friends can put pressure on the relationship. I would rather maintain the relationship than have the money. I have found that it is good to be open and flexible when I look at equipment. In the case of this owner and his truck, it could be a piece of junk, but could also be a well maintained truck. Some of the most successful owners I have known over the years have kept older trucks. One friend of mine has an old Marmon and International. Both are in the 1980's. He drives one for a while then switches. He did buy another trailer so that he could leave both connected to a trailer all the time. At one time I believe he owned 16 trucks. He got tired of dealing with drivers who abused his equipment and all the other things an owner needs to deal with. He ran his own authority back then. He has been leased to another carrier for a number of years now and has told me that he will never sell either of his trucks. He has rebuilt about everything on both over the years and will continue to do so as long as he drives. He doesn't feel the need to put on a show for anyone. Nor does he want any equipment payments. He keeps his equipment up. He is happy making about $80,000/year with just him driving. If he makes much more than that he just pays more taxes. He works when he wants and takes off as he sees fit. It works for him. I would say he probably has 2-3 million miles on his International. I know he has to have at least 2 million miles on his Marmon, perhaps more.