He needed to get an older, less expensive truck, something that doesn't owe you anything, unfortunately it sounds like he doesn't work on his own trucks, you can't afford to stop at the shop, you have to fix your own truck in your own shop
@@cargotoolshop5319 an older truck doesn’t mean less problems. Mine is a ‘98 and I’m into it for about $30,000 just this year. One of the problems I’ve encountered is there aren’t many good shops around anymore that can fix it right and not have you down for two or three weeks. Parts are nearly impossible to find for older trucks like mine and if they do find em, they cost a fortune.
Great video, I was a trucker and really didn't know much on growing my earnings. I’m currently retired, and considering the current rollercoaster nature of the stock market, I decided to stay on the sideline for awhile, now I’m worried with the numerous bank failures as of late, am I better off reinvesting my savings in the stock market.
Growing money is not the same as keeping it there is a reason why investments aren't well taught in schools, the examples you gave are well stationed, the market crisis gave me my first millions, people shy away from hard times, I embrace them.
This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro investor?
Not at all, having monitored edge my portfolio performance which has made a jaw dropping $573k from just the past two quarters alone, I have learned why experienced traders make enormous returns from the seemingly unknown market. I must say it's the boldest decision I've taken since recently.
Don't feel embarrassed by your mistakes Brian. We all make them. In 08 I bought a new T800 that had emissions issues from day 90 and onwards. I fought with it for 5 years because the fear of no warranty kept me from deleting it (MISTAKE 1 ) . I used it to do infield oil hauling in Alberta , which destroys trucks, but didn't replace it after 5 years (MISTAKE 2 ) . I stayed hauling oil even though the rates had been steadily dropping because I was scared of change (MISTAKE 3 ) . Even going so far as to finance a inflame just so I could I could continue losing money by hauling oil ( MISTAKE 4 ) . And finally , I too , let emotions make business decisions even when others , who love me and only wanted the best for me , warned me about the highway to failure I was on (MISTAKE 5 ) . I ended up leaving the industry for a year and had to firesale , aka basically give away , my beloved T800 that I had become so proud of. Now I'm back , driving another T800 with another man's name on the door , just trying to financially dig myself out of the grave I personally dug for myself. I am so thankful for my faith, my wife and kids and all my friends and family that have stood by me 🧡 So don't feel ashamed Brian, you're not alone .
Great souls are tenderized and purified by challenges. Had success been yours, you would be burdened by pride, vanity and enormous waste. You are kind to so clearly share. Thank you.
You are not alone. My brother for countless years tried to run and maintain his own trucks. Every year he lost more money than he cared to admit. I know i did his books. He finally is driving for someone else. He is not making great money, at least he is not negative. Being an owner operator, is not something everyone can do.
I’m female not a trucker but I’m fascinated with all these trucker stories. I got hooked on the Canadian truckers debacle so got curious about what u guys go through. So APPRECIATE YOU TRUCKERS. You don’t move we don’t eat.
Life isn’t easy period. For the average person and lower. A rich person is mostly a scumbag…. (Most rich people are scum they care about themselves and only themselves and they get life easy because they don’t have to worry they just be their scumbag selves) US average people we have to work work work to get by in life. Make money. SAVE. Make good choices. get a career you love. Work hard. Enjoy time when you get it.
The moral to the story is simple!! If you wanna be successful do not get a post emission engine!! Simple like that!! He might not say this but these like me that know better can read the unwritten message!!
It's been a year since you posted, hopefully things turned in your favor. I just got my CDL at 54 years old as a possible career change and I was scared to watch this video based on the title, but I'm glad I gave it a watch. Great info, thanks for sharing your honest experience.
Stay safe out there Ed and always remember that the only stupid questions in this industry are the ones not asked. Also, never let yourself become intimidated and don’t ever be afraid, or ashamed, to ask for help. In asking for help it’s inevitable, you’re going to run into assholes in this industry, just move on, let them be the best asshole they can possibly be, and ask someone else for help. Oh, and another thing, the mega carrier’s recruiters are highly trained to convince you that their company’s are the very best and that they have the best long term opportunities available. Bottom line is that they are simply doing whatever’s necessary to fill seats. Do your research, don’t just let them tickle your ears with all kinds of potential “promises”, ask questions, talk to other drivers (most of us love the opportunity to share our experiences with others) and make well informed decisions, not emotional ones. The best advice I can give to you as a new driver is to make sure that you get properly trained. Many poor trainers have ruined the careers of potentially good future drivers in this industry way before new drivers even realize that they’ve been inadequately trained. Do not settle for a “trainer” who’s not had, at the very least, 3-5 years experience. Some of these mega carriers have been known to use drivers with as little as 6 months experience to qualify as “trainers”. Be diligent and don’t set yourself up for failure.
Brian, I’ve never been a truck driver. I just stumbled on this. This is a fantastic life lesson, it just happens to be about trucking. There are parallels to many other careers. Thank you and best of luck.
I'm 54, semi retired. I drive a truck for fun these days, part time only. I witness every day people falling into the trap of focusing on their desires, and not their needs. I pull into the parking lot at work and see $50,000 pick up trucks driven by employees making $20 an hour, complete madness. I was going to say pick up trucks owned by employees but in reality they are probably financed so owned by the bank. I drive a beat up old Toyota I paid $1200 for, but I have just this week cleared my mortgage by paying off the remaining $90,000 balance in one lump sum. It's all about priorities and unfortunately many people make very poor decisions resulting in them becoming slave to the system.
I’m not a trucker , however everything this gentleman says it’s pretty much true to all aspects of life and work man boy you reached out to me on some levels I can tell you that for sure I’m gonna keep all this advice in the back of my head going through my ears all the time thank you for all your honesty and your hard work
I’m glad you made it through Brother, I was There too! But now I rent from Penske if it breaks down they bring me a new truck and I’m on my way, Ive learned that the Truck Is nothing more than a tool to make money I miss my W900 but I want to feed my wallet not my ego!
I read what you said and I agree with you I do not want to feed my ego I wanna make money I have four boys 17 years driving experience 1,500,000 miles under my belt 40 years old I should’ve started this years ago when I first got my CDL but I wanna try to get a day cab and move around northeast from Maine to Pennsylvania. You got any advice for me pertaining leasing from Penske or ryder.
It’s unfortunate I can’t meet this guy. Due to his bluntness and straightforwardness I would work for this man in a New York minute, regardless of his financial status. I have a major bromance over here. Thank you sir for the info!!!
I'm not a driver, I'm a former truck trailer mechanic that has worked in fleet and public garages. I've heard similar stories as yours from drivers. One thing that seemed to be common in all the stories from drivers was their regret in becoming a owner/ operator. Many stated they wish they had stayed a company driver but were now in a financial situation that left them caught between a rock and a hard place.
Good insight. An independent trucker has to understand finance or be lucky. He has to understand risk and return and budget for the financial potholes up ahead. Yet, he's in survival mode. There are even accountants who are super competent bookkeepers and tax specialists, but don't have financial talent.
That's the advantage of being a company driver, if the truck breaks down the company will have it repaired, towing service etc.. will be shouldered by the company.
I am 54 retired computer programmer on the fence to upgrade my Class B to and A. These videos help me very much to know exactly what may come my and what are my options. Thank you so much for them
owner operator starting out is not the way to go. picture being a renter, the roof blows off, the water heater and furnace blow, whatever it is you walk away, not your problem. if you work for a company and the truck blows they just put you in another truck and you never miss a beat.
@@randykapel7926 yep, 80+k OTR and work for a larger carrier. Rate bumps have been good. I get home less though. I simply can’t imagine handling all of the paperwork and repairs and managing the business on top of driving. More importantly and less subjectively; Essentially a life’s savings are all tied up into running a small fleet (assuming all liability) in one of the most cyclical, capital intensive industries, where the service itself is completely commoditized. Everyone has their mostly uneducated opinion about risk, talk about taking enormous and concentrated risk for such a low ROIC.
If you got experience as a company driver, going owner op is doable, and you can make a great profit, but unless you're a mechanic I would recommend never buying used. Pretty much every bad story I've heard in owning a truck comes from buying a beat up truck. You'll never save the money you think you will vs having a new truck.
Curious as to what salary your degree has you making I bought truck for $98k and it grossing $11k per week I think buying a truck as a guy who can run it and turn wrenches is an excellent investment
If a guy has a good dispatch/broker sending those 11k-per-week jobs, I wholeheartedly agree. I'm trying to break into the expediting business now and will be my own mechanic. Best,@@wadeariss448
Sounds like what happened to me, 11 years with my own truck and all the headaches. Best thing I ever did was sell out and become a local delivery driver. Retiring in 6 months, happy as can be .
Learn a skill that is and will continue to be in demand and go wherever you have to to make the most money you can. The problem with picking a company is you have NO IDEA what is going to happen 10 years down the road when you are most vulnerable.
Dude, you are extremely honest, and thank you, as I too am a bit in the hole, but your story is very helpful and emotionally supportive of those of us that struggle at times too. Thank you for your honest comments and the bal**s to tell the rest of us. God bless you,...hang in there.
Mad respect for a guy who made some mistakes and instead of saying nothing or complaining and moping about it and teaches other guys from his mistakes to help others again BIG RESPECT.
Honestly you guys are putting the best, most comprehensive information out there. Also Bryan, thank you for the 💯 transparency, I know that was not easy.
Thank you for your brutal honesty! My husband and I are on our second career in life with our trucking business! Honesty is so appreciated because there are a lot of vultures out here that are preying on the inexperienced. Feeding BS to get them to buy something, sign up for something blah blah blah! I can see how newbies can fail if they are not careful! God bless you regarding your upcoming decisions. I have no doubt you will be successful whatever decision you make! ✌️
This video is gold. Wondering if you can blend your desk job as a dispatcher, efficiency analyst, troubleshooter, career counselor, equipment consultant, solutions and knowledge base for driver support, and emergency driver all pooled into one.
Just an illustration of old truth: "Small business exist to become big or to be eaten by the big one." And, according to statistic, first option as rear as an eclipse.
Wow, love the brutal honesty. You are a tough road warrior and I pray that you are blessed with God's abundance in the days ahead. You will flourish and I look forward to hearing about your future success. May God bless...
I’m looking To get into the industry as my second career after 25 years in the oil and gas industry. That fire you described just isn’t burning for me any longer and I’m ready to be my own boss and have some control over my life. Keep this man around ET! He puts out some solid no BS content.
Great video.....im also a retired 30 year aircraft mechanic like your friend and this is my second career......I love it and have more passion for it than I did aviation. Times are tough and sometimes breaking even is a victory. I'm not giving up.
Well yeah. This is absolutely true for every single career that pretty much anyone can get into. When you can be replaced easily you you're not going have many options.
Thank you Brother for the sharing your experiences- much appreciated. We got started in December of 2018 right at the height of the trucking business as an owner operator and spent the next few years fighting to just survive. There often times we felt like we were rolling piggybanks for everyone else while we barely made enough to keep the wheels rolling. Our biggest mistake was trying to build a business off of load boards (dry van). In May of this year we gave up our authority and have been running tanker under another company. We are now making twice the money as before, and have a quarter of the administrative load we did previously. Things are going so well, in fact, that we are looking to build a small fleet of trucks under this new business model. We have discussed this with our new employer and they seem to be very supportive. Any videos on building a fleet would be very appreciated. God Bless!!
I bought a Mack in 1985 and I owed the bank $40,000. Eight years later I owed the bank $40,000. I sold the Mack. I enjoyed doing the job but it was kind of useless. My employer did not want to lose a dependable man. I went back to school.
Greetings from the Ohio Porters.🇺🇸 It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of your videos. This one REALLY blessed me! 🤩 I come from a trucking family…dad started in the 1930s, my oldest brother started in 1950s, youngest brother in 90s and me in the 80s. I’ve heard the horror stories, the best and worst of trucking, the do and don’ts, and everything in between! I climbed up in a K 100 at age of 4 and have loved trucks even before then! 🥰 I started driving when I was 6 years old…thanks to my dad!! 🥰 Trucking has gone through many periods, changes, highs and lows and adjustments, but there still is money to be made! I’m glad that you have a supportive family! 🧐 That’s the biggest issue that hinders or helps. It does take a toll on your family, especially if you’re an owner-op! You gotta have good equipment, good support from your company, good support from the repair shop side of things, etc. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot. The main thing is that you’re learning from your mistakes and are hopefully moving on from there and not repeating those mistakes. “Make the trip, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride!” That’s my motto! 🧐 There is NO Lone Ranger in trucking! 😳 It sounds like you’re at a crossroads still and determining your next move. Good stuff! Keep those wheels rolling and if the 1st thing you do doesn’t work, then back up and try the next step. Stay strong and encouraged. Keep us posted! 🤩 Blessings to YOU and ALL of our wonderful truckers out there! We need you to keep America rolling!
@@wheelburnerexpress 🇺🇸 Paul here. I know about many things, either directly or indirectly. I have two other brothers that got into trucking as well. We share many stories with each other. Sometimes, we just shake our heads. There’s good and bad both in the trucking world. I really wonder how many drivers can make it now with all the other things going on. One of my brothers is dealing with a leased truck that is just below standards when it comes to maintenance. I thought about us joining together and becoming a brother owned trucking company. We were each at different stages in life at that time. It hasn’t happened yet, but it just might. So, hang in there and think about each step. I try to follow my heart and make things work out the best that I can. “Make the trip, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride”…my personal quote.🥰😎✌️
@@wheelburnerexpress 🇺🇸 I don’t know about the quotes, but I still enjoy trucking as much as I can. I know it’s hard to build up your clientele and not sell yourself short at times. Other times, you just don’t know who you can trust. I’m looking forward to knowing what changes you’re making. I’m wishing you well!! 🤩😎
@@wheelburnerexpress 🤩 Yeah, I’ve seen the 90 day video. Support is a big key, having good equipment, taking care of your equipment, getting good loads, not overextending yourself is another. Now that you’re more experienced and without a truck, take your time to build yourself back up. I gave up trucking for a few years, but I couldn’t stay away very long. I had a great deal on a new truck(just 6 mos old) but wasn’t ready at that time. When it gets in your blood…HANG ON! 🥰🧐 I’ve even hauled grain and may end up doing that more in the future. It’s still so exciting for me. One of my brothers is always trying to encourage me to just back away forever. He likes trucks, but not all the junk that comes with it at times. I just keep thinking that good truckers are always gonna be in demand and I want to take advantage of that if I can. Hey, there’s always Ice Road Trucking! 🧐🤩 Keep up the good work and try to enjoy the ride! 🥰✌️
Mistake #1 was buying more trucks than you can drive. I used to finance trucks. The largest failure segment was yee-haws that owned a truck and thought, “Hmm, if I owned two trucks, I could double my money”, then went out and bought another one. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Other driver quits or is a flake/loser and now you’re in a massive pinch. The lesson here is don’t buy more trucks than you can drive.
Or buy a older reconditioned truck with no emissions and pay cash for it. If it does sit it’s only costing a little insurance and taxes. Worse case drop the tags n insurance.
If you have great bank account savings yep you can buy a truck cash with great mecanic and live this for spare no tags or insurance just park in your lot them when you need just transfer the insurance and continue running you company
As a retired driver of 28 years, all I can say is I'm glad it's over and I feel sorry for anybody that gets into it. It's not a job, it's a lifestyle and if you want to be around your family or have a house, or any kind of a life outside the truck, go find something else to do.
Thank you Brian. As a student into the trucking industry your teachings will always be words of wisdom. Also if you are retiring, please consider to be instructor. I am at trucking school and I can already see huge lack of instructors who teach by experience.
OMG Brian ! I'm currently at the CFTR (Québec driving school ) I've been working in the transport industry for the past 10 years. But I love the way that you're giving the hard truth about the industry. I absolutly LOOOOOOOOVE the'se videos ! Keep trucking Brian ! 🤘😈🤘
I love how you don’t blame anybody at all brother and just being brutally honest about your situation without asking for people to feel bad for you. You’ve made mistakes in our lives and you owned it like a man. Please don’t forget to give yourself some grace brother.
I can feel your pain. Been self employed all my life. 61 years. It’s tough. Time for a change, drive for someone else or a total career change. Your mental health is most important. The future can be exciting. I think in two years you will look back and see this as a painful but necessary time to propel you to something great! Good luck.
@@bigdogbulldog9912 sorry to ear that I have my cdl over 10 yrs never drive OTR now married for 2 years n a baby girl 11 months PROBABLY NEVER GONNA DO ANY TRUCKING JUST AROUND THE HOUSE
Wanted to say I'm a new driver and I love all your videos you post they are very informative and straight forward, Nice Job. I am a company driver now but long term goal is to be an Owner Operator, I know I have to pay my dues and get my experience. So Sir I thank you for putting you self out there like you do in these videos.
I totally admire your honesty! Im 32, I am not in the truck business but I'm at a similar business, I feel you 100%. Hope you don't ditch the owner op side and I wish I could meet you to have a chat! Take care
Glad you overcame that, we all make mistakes but good on you for sticking out for the better. Really helps to share, lots of others Including myself have done the same thing more or less. Best to move on and keep pushing!
Good luck in the future. As a former owner operator that took the company driver job to keep driving , its really tough but you do what's best for you and your family.
Great presentation for sure. Your invaluable candid talk applies to all business ventures, not just trucking. I think you are too hard on yourself. You had the courage to try and make a better life for you and your family. You are smarter for it for sure. Thank you for sharing your story. Hat off to you.
In the last forty years, I’ve seen many changes in the trucking industry, most of them are for the worst! We now have ELD’s, DEF,CSA and the points they assign for different infractions, DOT inspections, cost of fuel, cost of tolls, parking at truck stops or rest areas ( lack of) , restaurants or lack of ( mostly fast food). And now they’re talking about lowering the speed limit to 65 for all trucks. I’ve seen the better days of trucking and from what I can see, they are definitely behind us! Freedom is the one thing that I loved about being a trucker, but that freedom is gone!
Hats off to you, for having the guts to let everyone know the mistakes you've made, it sure will help quite a few guys out there. I have been through a few of those situations myself. I wish you the best of luck on your next chapter, and that it may work out for YOU👍🏼😉.
I understand your pain Brian. I put $15,000 in an engine, to fix the bull gears. I got one full week of work out of the truck, the next week the engine threw a rod through the block. I am now the proud owner of a 17,000 pound paper weight. This big boat anchor is full of New parts. Starter, alternator, shocks, drums, brakes, fan for the air conditioner, dryer, air compressor, new fuel lines, It goes on and d on. I should’ve bought another truck.
Thank you so much for being honest and open about what you went through as an O/O. I'm an OTR and have been kicking the idea around about becoming an O/O. Bless you for being willing to help others in the industry.
Great information Sir I’m retiring out of the military and looking to get into trucking - I appreciate your willingness to share your experience, I enjoy the education.
I’m glad you finished with positive stuff. I got tired of hearing the old timers and their negativity. I know you took responsibility for “bad” decisions. I hope my decision don’t have severe consequences. But one part of this video you said was if it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck. I identify with that, but I have found there’s ups and downs as an operator. In my 4 years of experience it works out. It all works out. So I don’t get stressed any more. Just had my first Deer hit. And it was a doozy. It jumped in front of my truck. Missed the bumper completely. Took out my radiator, intercooler, ac condensers. Just jacked my shit up. But hey insurance is a good thing. Non preventable. 1,000$ deductible. Had to get a loaner from the company but paid for. Lost 2 days though. But it’ll work out. By the way I lease right now and I gotta say. It might be more money in the end but it’s a walk away. So if I had any health or family issues or anything I walk with no harm to my credit. No debt. Yes I’ll lose all that I put in but a little piece of mind most critics of lease don’t mention. I pay for a worry free maintenance plan. I take home avg $2,000 a week. Just had a record week before the deer. Took home $3600. It’s ups and downs. Still make good avg. but I have found lots of “veterans” come and go at companies because they either think they know it all or just have outrageous expectations.
just subscribed. Man, I hate to say how much I can relate to this (uncertainty). I Just joined a friend in his trucking company after having a career in the chemical industry for 20 years, back issues forced me out to a new career. My friend brought me on for the "office" work (which I have no experience in) but since I came on in Feb of 2021 I only received 2 paychecks because we had 4 out of 5 trucks break down (not good having a lifetime of bills and a family) and between shop time, parts, and everything in between it's been crazy. I don't know how to relate to all this especially without skills outside of my old job. Thank you for this video. We are literally at the "hanging by a thread" point and praying things start going in the right direction for us. Come Monday we will have 3 trucks back up to at least keep our insurance up (trucking insurance a racquet) Really appreciate your honesty and advice.
This is the second time I've watched this and I have nothing but appreciation for Brian and his honest, forthright, no nonsense way of doing business. Thank you Brother. I'm new to this field and it is a second career for me after 35 years as a computer guy. I'm gonna give it a ride and see what I can make of it. Thanks again.
Thanks for such transparancy. I'm just about to have my truck licence (second carrer) and I will give it a serious thought on the advantages and disadvantages of being an owner operator vs a company driver. Hope you find peace in evaluating your options.
Thanks for that, some sort of boosting morale despite of some failure but, fighting back and fighting good "the right way, the right choice" is better than anything else.
I have no connection to trucking but have always found the business interesting. Kudos for this kind of candor - straight talk seems not to be in short supply from truckers! Respect.
Great advice in general and especially on more then two trucks advise. I only have two trucks and you are absolutely correct, every time one goes down there is no profit. Running to break even is a bad situation.
I’m not a trucker. I just happened to see one of your videos and have been subscribed ever since. I find your videos very interesting and professionally done. I know how busy and hard working you are and I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos! I hope everything in your life and business works out great for you! You have a fan! 😎👍
I’ve hauled oversize modular buildings for 30 years. Been told dozens of times buy another truck, what so I can go broke twice as fast. This works cause I make it work. It ain’t just holding a steering wheel.
Man, What great information. Thank you for sharing your heart. And thank you for taking accountability for your decisions and pointing fingers and blaming others. Such character. Respect
Financing kills owner operators. Theres no way to make a %10 interest payment work nowadays. Preferably, stay a company driver and wait till you can buy outright a truck with an emergency fund in the bank before you transition over to owner operator. Once you become an owner operator, only take a minimal salary until you have enough for a brand new truck in the bank with a juicy emergency fund before you start taking a normal salary.
@@MetalTeamster Sad, but true. Owner/operators need a tuneup on their business skills. Truck efficiency and money management should be a top priority for any trucker.
Thanks for the brutal honesty Brian! It must have taken a lot of soul searching. After Kaly's brutal honesty also, I am loving this channel. Having a 4 yr old truck that is not paid for, hmmm. 40K to rebuild/replace engine? Yikes! I am sure you considered dropping one in from a wreck? Although I am well aware how shop estimates easily grow by 2x the cost and time before you get out the door. I am interested to know which engine was in your Volvo? This may sound a bit crazy, but not hiding behind shades adds a lot to the honesty impression. You're darn right about the fun and money going out of it - when I started out 30+ years ago there was a LOT more money, good money, along with a lot more respect. The loss of both can be easily linked to LMIA's. They have destroyed our negotiating power along with our reputations as they aren't held to the same work history OR CRC requirements we are. Many have obviously never driven anything bigger than a hilux and more than a few are probably murderers and thieves. Not to worry, big strapper Dave Smart with the flying barn door just west of you has just announced happy days are here again. Hope he's right!
Huge respect. I appreciate your every word in this video. As a person about to take my Class 1 license your experiences have shown that being an owner operator may pay more but also comes with great responsibility and risk. There is less pay as a company driver but less headache too!!
