Hi. 1st time poster on this forum.
I got my Class A CDL back in 1999. I've still gotta lot to learn but have experience pulling and driving various types of units. Pulled tankers for about 6 years, Liquid tank and dry bulk, Van, 48' dump trailer, little flat bed when I first started driving and have recently pulled doubles.
I'm currently with a leading LTL carrier in central Kentucky and I cannot pay the bills with just the income from driving at my current job. I rarely gross much more than $800 weekly and after taxes, 401k and insurance deductions, I generally net between $550 - $650 weekly. I've got car insurance x2, one car payment, home insurance and all the regular stuff like utilities, phones, cable, internet, gas, groceries and stuff for a family of 4 plus a grandchild + anything unexpected and special events. I'm sinking and have a second income.
I'm actually a bit intimidated about the thought of putting my paid off home on the line but this Tuesday I'm using a PTO day and going to check into taking out a home equity loan to buy a brand new tractor. I'm just going to see if it's possible and if it is I need to research things even more than I already have to see what exactly is out there to haul. I have good credit, house should be worth a minimum of $250k and it's paid for. Obviously I'd love to have the freight ready to go when I got the truck but I need the truck 1st so if I land freight I'll be ready to go.
Tank or van is probably what I'm leaning toward since I never liked dealing with flat bed when I did it. I have no idea what they pay but see UPS is hiring O/O in my town.
I've done a lot of reading on this forum. Is there anywhere else I should checkout.
I know it's a bit of a gamble but my current employers just not getting it.
Any and all advice is warmly welcomed.
Thanks,
Dave C