Attitude and getting into the right habits right off the bat will carry you along way and is everything. Usually carries over to the chicken coops when you get pulled in. :P
I am glad that some of the things I have said have proven to be of value to you all. JDG, that is great you were able to find such a good value in your truck and trailer. My wife has been after me to buy one of those large sleepers. I appreciate your sharing your story with us. It should be an inspiration to others who are thinking about buying a truck and becoming an owner operator. You purchased a truck and trailer for less than many pay for the truck alone. Congratulations! So, are you running under your own authority or leased to a carrier?
I will put my two cents in.I am glad I found this forum great info from some driver and O/O Honorable mention G---Mannnn. Attitude does mean alot. Example I'm pulling container .92cpm base plus 100%fsc. Was not happy with my income did some research on how company operate and now my avg per mile is between 1.50 to 1.60 per mile. Example found out we can do cross town 25 mile roundtrip pays 85.10 take between 1.50 to 2.00 hrs to complete. Now Ido 2 a day 85x2=170 and 1 run that 314 miles round trip and stop by the house on my way back to mem Tn It pays $370.00 which includes fsc and you having the bx pop.Total gross for the day 370.+170=540. miles 314+50 =364 for the day. 570-:--364miles=1.56avg. Not great but it a lot better than the 1.06 avg.My work day is 11hrs avg Thanks and keep up the Good work
GMAN,
The big sleeper is a great thing, its only got a 75inch high roof, but I'm short so it serves me well. I am running under my own authority, OOIDA was a great help in getting that.
and Rev, I have learned from you posts as well, so come on in and be warm n' fuzzy
Yooper,
Your right, attitude has everything to do with success. I try to keep as positive as possible. I still like being on my own more than a company driver, but loosing that safety net was a bit scary.
You are going to make my head swell, WildK9. ops: I appreciate it. I always enjoy reading about new things. You never know what you might learn.
I think your head is already swollen. This thread really comes off as you bragging about how successful you are, and no one is as business savy as yourself. If you're such a star, why didn't you give him some advice? Maybe sit down with the guy and go over why he failed and maybe share some of your knowledge with him.
Quote: I payed $9,000 for my 95 International 9400 (w-100inch sleeper) and put $7,000 into to make it road ready.
I payed $12,000 for a newer aluminum step-deck (more than for the truck!!!)
"I think your head is already swollen. This thread really comes off as you bragging about how successful you are, and no one is as business savy as yourself. If you're such a star, why didn't you give him some advice? Maybe sit down with the guy and go over why he failed and maybe share some of your knowledge with him.[/quote]
Sounds like the guy was too busy complaining to listen to advice from GMAN or anyone.
GMAN is the most humble, objective, helpful poster on any forum I have read. If there were more people like him in trucking, the industry would be alot better off.