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Good luck. I would love to see you do well. I tried my own authority about a year ago and did not make it, but want to try again some day, so I know just where you are coming from. I hope you keep us informed about your experiences.

I am sorry to hear things didn't work out for you at Schneider. Much of what you stated is correct about these large carrier's. They seem to get to a point when the only thing that is important is profit. They forget who got them to the where they are today. I suggest you check on insurance before jumping into getting your authority. With only 4 months experience, rates will be high and difficult to find. I would also expect restrictions on how far you can travel, for at least the first year. This can severely restrict your ability to do well during this time. I understand where you are coming from, having been self employed most of my life. Good luck.

you go. like your attitude. when service falls off, you can only compete on price.....and when big carriers provide poor service, rates fall.

I find that profits in trucking are very regional and seasonal. Also, drivers can be flaky or careless and can cost yo a bundle in repairs. Be careful.

Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm getting quotes for $10,700 for 48 states, and $8,700 for Texas regional. I think I'll take the 48, and go ahead and run in Texas until I get the 48 state authority. This will give me some time to check out my truck and get familiar with the whole load boad/broker process.

I wound up buying a 2001 FTL CL-120 with big tanks, Cummins ISX450, autoshift. It has 500,000 miles on it and is the cleanest truck I could find in the the $30,000 price range. It dynoed at 400hp to the ground (90% of advertised which is more than Cummins expected), and passed the blow by test with more than 50% engine life left, the mileage was verified and I had it scanned for abuse and it checked out good. They also said the engine had never been apart. The oil analysis was good as well. I'm having an overhead done and the tranny and diffs serviced as well. I looked at a lot of newer trucks that were more expensive, more miles, and most of them had been abused, so I had to weigh the difference. I hope I made the right decision.

I was trying to pick a truck that would give good fuel mileage without giving up all the power. It seems like a good balance. It showed 11-12mpg bobtailing driving it real easy. I know this is not accurate, but I've never been able to get a Century above 7mpg with a 10spd. I can't wait to measure it accurately. Until then I'll just keep deluding myself. lol

My wife is going to go with me, so the larger space was more realistic. After driving the Detroit/10speed, this truck is much better, and for some reason rides bettter than the Century????

I do have some operating money and a savings account for the truck.

I should have everything in order in a few days.

I have a lot to learn, and I've learned a lot on this board.


My thanks to all of you.

J.
Don't be bitter, angry, and jaded. Do something about it.

jonboy wrote:
Do you mind stating who quoted you the $10.7K for the 48 states? Thanks.[/code]

good luck to you I hope it goes well where are you located

Good for you jonboy! I had a similar experience as well. I didn't even make it 4 months, I told them to shove it. Life is to short to put up with peoples BS.

I just recently bought a truck as well. I'm slowly putting a business together, but that's ok. I'll do it MY way, at MY pace, and I'll be fine, and so will you.

Good luck and keep posting as you go! 8)

I am surprised you can get insurance for 48 states with limited experience. I think you are wise to go for the wider coverage area. You could lose out on a lot of good paying loads by restricting yourself to a small area. In this business, those who are most successful seem to go where the freight carries them. I think a Century is a good truck to get you started. A friend of mine has one and he really likes it. In his case, it was an owner operator spec'd truck with all the bells and whistles. Remember, a truck is merely a tool used to make money in this business. It is like a mechanic and his toolbox. I am glad to see that you found one with the large fuel tanks. They come in handy, especially running the West. You can often take advantage of lower fuel prices in some areas and avoid having to purchase fuel at inflated prices. (yea, like that isn't happening everywhere). Good luck to you, jonboy.

I lasted 6 months with LCT. This OTR for these companies is something else. Seems like they never run out of people to abuse either. Look at CR England. The truck says right on the freaking thing their priorites. Lease = make our truck payment for us. Train= run team for next to nothing and then Drive = you'll get whatever crumbs that are left over.

The only reason I lasted 6 months at LCT is they bent over backwards trying to keep me happy.