Hey thanks for your help. I want to make sure my brother isnt screwing himself over, especially on my second question for you!
He is currently company driver (10 yrs exp give or take), clean record except for one preventable accident on his dac. Police were not involved/called. No ticket given. His trailer clipped a part of an old bridge in Chicago. No damage to bridge, just slight corner damage to trailer. It is on his DAC as a preventable. He is in the Chicago area.
1) What companies are considered best companies for owner operator? He'd prefer to run west, but not deal breaker.
2)NOW HERE IS WHERE I AM WORRIED FOR HIM! He is looking to purchase a repossesed truck 07 Peterbuilt 85,000 miles, for $93,000. I told him to really think about this with freight paying so cheap, trucks sitting, fuel going back up, and just the fact that he looking at a repoed truck shows how tough it is out there! I'm not sure how long he plans on financing this for but he has the idea he can get this for 500/month with little down! I think that is insane there is no way. Am I wrong? His other plan is to get a second mortgage on his house and use it to buy the truck, that way over a long term finance he can get his payment down to 500/month. He says he would just double up the monthly payments when he can. I'm thinking this is really not a good idea. My brother is a great guy, but not the smartest when dealing with business matters. Thank God his wife would take care of all bookeeping for him (she is not a trucker and will not be co driving with him)
I understand his dream of having a sweet ride and calling his own shots but I'm thinking he is digging his own grave. I told him to cap his truck purchase at about $30,000 if this is what he wants to do. I told him he may not necessarily make much more (maybe even slightly less) than a company driver but the difference may be worth it to him in terms of freedom.
Is his plan actually do-able or should I really push to talk him out of it? How long can you finance a truck for typically? Also so I can do some reasearch for him, what companies are considered best companies for o/o's? Would love some feedback from your experience. I Sincererally appreciate any help/advice.