I own a 99 e350 but I plan on buying a truck to d

[henboy1]

This will be a used one below $10k tractor.
I know most people would say it will give me problems because of the price.My uncle is a tractor trailor mech. who used to work for Petro and is now working for Tri-state and so fixing shouldn't be soo much of a problem.
I also see that there are many local Owner /operators in atlanta.For example...This account pulls trailers and you get $120 per trailer and which is all drop and hook in atlanta.I plan on using it locally or south east(regional) without being over the road weeks at a time.
I see many in the papers with 60"/70" sleeper.I also see some with 370hp freightliner.I also see some with one axle.What should be looking for when buying a tractor?

 

[bryan]

RE: I own a 99 e350 but I plan on buying a truck

HI
If running local just swapping trailors I'd go day cab no sense having a sleeper if you can sleep at home in your own bed.Or an old JB cab over if you do have to sleep in the truck ever once in awhile.JB cab overs will already have the right fifth wheel heigth and a 300 cummins with 9 or 10 speed tranny gets good fuel mileage.They are also the cheapest trucks on the market.Alot of people started out in used JB trucks.I know a guy who bought 14 of them, put drivers in them,ran them for 2 years, then sold em and bought himself a $150,000 expeditor.New truck no payment book.

 

[Crazynuff]

RE: I own a 99 e350 but I plan on buying a truck

I'd go with a sleeper because of better tradein value and it gives you the option of taking a couple of hours sleeper berth if delayed . You want to stay away from a single axle . Check with leasing companies for trucks coming off a 2 or 3 year lease with mileage under 400,000 . You can get a good buy on them .

 

[Crazynuff]

RE: I own a 99 e350 but I plan on buying a truck

Just another thought . It's the down time and lost revenue that hurts just as much as labor costs . You need a reliable truck . Under $10K won't get you much . Will you be paid a surcharge ? You'll need it . You must be looking at pulling intermodal . There is good money there in that area .