Work related, just wanted to share.

[1980c10]

So I've been wrenching on RVs and they send out a notice to everyone in the shop the "winter" hours will be going into effect the next day and that the hours will be mwf 10-4 and that the rest of the hours will be "will call". Anyway I can't make a living on that let alone support my truck habit.
Any way I left my previous job before this one becuase they added 500 hours to my annual contract and increased my salary by only 6%.
I've pretty much had it working for people who just don't get it.
So I am buying a daycab semi truck and have officially begun my own business today.
I will be my only employee and will always get along with myself perfectly.
When I am able and willing to work hard I will get paid accordingly.

[Irish_Alley]

all i can say is good luck. been trying to get ideal on how to make money with my own business but im to lazy lol, thinking about starting up a indoor go-cart track

[firefighter]

It seems that any time you work for someone else, you get surprises, at just the wrong time.

I hope your new business venture works for you, and that you get a long with your new boss. 

[1980c10]

I've been in business for myself before but this will be my first full time venture. A semi truck is a petty big expense as well as all of the costs associated  but I have what seems to be a really solid agreement to haul loads within a 400 mile radius, kind of filling in the gaps that larger carriers don't want to deal with because of the shorter distances. All miles will be paid as I will leave from about 1/2 mile from my house and will be paid empty on the return trips. No forced loads and only bonuses to motivate. Further down the road I may look into an end dump or other specialty trailer as I can see some more income potential with some area businesses and if I find myself not using it I could always lease/rent it out. For now I just need to get going and get some of the start up cost paid down and let the dust settle a bit.

[mach1mustang351]

I admire anyone that goes out to make it on their own.  I got as close as building a business plan but no reality.  Best of luck to you

[Blazin]

Good luck to you. Trucking is hard business these days with fuel costs, mantenance, tires, etc.
I know they cost a more to begin with, but it will pay off in the long run. Stick with Peterbilt, Kenworth, or Western Star.Try to find something pre 08 as the emissions crap is much less on them.

[big bear]

awesome man..congrats and good luck..keep us posted

[1980c10]

Looks like it is going to be an '05  freightliner business class m2 112. The truck checks out good needing only minor repairs that they will take care of before I sign a purchase order plus a passing DOT inspection.
Blazin; this will be the truck for the next few years until I can upgrade to newer the '10 as the emission stuff seems to be figured out after that.
Daycabs seem to be really high$ at this point so this is the best deal I have found and it will work.
Anyway I can hardly wait to be back in an office with such a great veiw.
I will keep everyone updated and post some pictures  as I get going.
My truck financing should be through monday or tuesday and hopefully I will have a truck sitting in the driveway by next weekend.
Once the deal is final I can apply for my authority and should have that within 15 days.

[Grim 82]

Best of luck to you, and kudos for taking the initiative to create something for yourself.

[Blazin]

Freightliners arent a bad truck. Business class is a better cab construction than a big Freightliner truck,  Whats the power plant, transmission, rears, etc.?

[velojym]

Freightshakers aren't bad trucks. I've run a few that had well over a million miles on 'em, and while they weren't nearly as tight as a new one, they still got the freight down the road.
I'm in a similar spot right now, though I'd be able to lease on to a local company, getting around the need for my own authority and cargo insurance. They, of course, would get a cut.

I did buy a cargo van, but the company I was looking at leasing to went all wishy-washy on me, and the recruiter wasn't answering some crucial questions I have. So, I no longer have my Trailblazer, and have a cargo van as a personal vehicle. Local courier outfits I've seen so far are merely trying to hire on 1099 "employees", and don't pay well at all after expenses are figured. Hopefully I'll find something local for it.

Still have Earl, though. Lucky for him, an '86 C10 doesn't have much in the way of trade-in value. 

[1980c10]

Blazin; MBE 4000/450, Eaton 10 Speed, just turned 500k.
Velojym; I could have leased on to local companies as well but I don't want any middle men involved as I am able to find the freight. As far as the cargo van have you check or advertised with local businesses in your area. I am thinking make up some business cards and and see who calls. Of course have a rate in mind beforehand.

[1979C20]

My dad just started at a new hauling company that a family friend owns. He gets paid 19 an hour to haul material and 27 an hour to haul equipment. Best of luck to you, I know my dad enjoys the job.

[1980c10]

So I have a signed agreement and will be hauling as soon as my permits/authorities are ready. A few items were repaired that I requested and a few more need to be done yet that they misunderstood from my list. financing is approved, insurance paid for. It's a ton of money gettting set to be independent. Now I see why so many owner operators sign on with other companies to use their authorities and grab a few more things paid. It feels a little strange spending all this money for something you can't hold in your hands. Any way I hope to be hauling before turkey day.

[1980c10]

I have now completed the purchase of the truck, replaced the radio/speakers, built a console/speaker box, added a 30" tool box. The dealer did give it a full service, dot annual and winterized it. I will re-winterize the truck as I don't trust anyone else to do so- also i checked the coolant and it only tested good to -10 degrees. I asked the dealer to replace the exhuast brake bushings (had to threaten to walk away from the sale) was only 90 in parts. Got them to do it and they broke the brake and the the exhuast side of the turbo and had to replace both at their own expence. They also completed my long list of several minor fixes it could use. Re checked all of their work and found the brakes to be way out of adjustment(about three turns). Anyway I have going through it as much as I know how and have caught a few things that could have left me on the side of the road, but easy fixes and have also found a lot of new parts on the truck such as brakes, batteries, starter, selonoid. So I am hoping for some maintenance free cruising for a few months.
Anyway my first run is tomorow and I can't wait to get out on the road!