I have the opportunity to lease a 99 Pete Truck is in great shape inside and out not sure about mechanically yet the company has terrible reviews online mostly talking about escrow. I want my own truc.
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time. How much money do you have saved up for repairs, tires, permits, taxes Social Security and Workers Comp and everything else that goes into being an LO?
You're looking at a "dream" truck and salivating over it without thinking everything through. I can tell you, as a company driver, I make more money than most lease operators that I have talked to. When I ask them what they make per week or even per month, I get told their gross pay, not their net pay which is what they actually make. In this economy, it is far better to be a company driver. If you break down and your truck is in the shop for a week, as a company driver you get layover pay and your motel paid for, if you drive for a good company.
As an LO or OO, that expense is on you. About 6 months ago I got stuck in Cheyenne for 8 days and even the cheapest motel was 80 bucks a night with the truckers discount. That adds up fast. The important issue is have you ever driven a ling hood truck??
They drive much different than short hood trucks. The mechanical condition is the most important part here. Do they have the maintance records available for your review??? Has it been maintained by a reputable shop or some guy the company has working for them?? Are they certified to be working on it, or what we call a backyard mechanic?? Chicago area does not have a reputation for having these types of programs on the up and up. Alot of crooks up there that screw people everyday.
