Making The Move From Employee To Owner/Operator
Driving a semi or tractor trailer for a living can be a rewarding job but the hours are long and the days on the road can turn into weeks or months very quickly. Working for a company that provides your truck, the loads, and pays all the bills is a good way to start but when you are ready to become an owner/operator and start your own business, there are some things to consider.
Buying A Truck
When you are ready to shift into the owner/operator role, there are things that need to happen. First, you need to buy a truck. Semi trucks are available at a lot of different levels of use and in many different brands so pick the one that is right for you. For most drivers, the first truck is going to be a used truck.Used semis are cheaper to buy than a brand new one, and many dealers sell the used trucks at lower prices, making them more affordable to drivers that are just starting out. Keep in mind; these are vehicles that will easily end up with mileage in the millions so low mileage is again, a relevant term.
Financing A Used Rig
When you decide which rig you want, you may have to put money down for the loan to buy the truck if you are financing it. If you can get a used truck cheap enough to pay cash for it, you might be able to pay cash for it and not have a load looming over your head as you start your driving career. Just like in the new truck world, some dealers only deal in used trucks and some even specialize in one brand. If you are looking for a used Freightliner for example, some dealers only sell used Freightliners. You will have to look to find the right one for your needs and buy a truck that is comfortable for you. If you need help with putting the financing together, talk to the dealer about the money because many dealers have finance managers on staff to work on this.
Certified Versus Non-Certified
Often when you buy a used car, they will hand you a sheet with 20 to 120 points that they have checked and repaired. These cars are often referred to as factory certified which just means that overall car is up to par. Semi trucks can also be certified, and since you used it daily, knowing that is has been thoroughly checked over and certified, the truck may be easier to get financing for. As a driver, you know your truck, and if something is not working, you will pick up on it quickly. Ask the dealer if you can take the truck for a test drive and see how it feels.If something feels off or like it is not working, ask the dealer to check it before you buy the truck.
For more information on Freightliner trucks for sale, contact your local Freightliner distributer.
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