Why You Will FAIL as an Owner Operator: THE REAL DEAL

Why You Will FAIL as an Owner Operator: THE REAL DEAL
Did you know that 55% Owner Operators will FAIL in the early stages of their career?
In this video, Ronen explains in detail what's behind this outrageous rate and what you can do to avoid these common mistakes when becoming an Owner Operator.
How have you been successful as an Owner Operator? Comment your tips and tricks below.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:04 3 out of 10 owner-operators fail
02:51 The truck purchase was done wrong
03:22 The interest rates are too high
04:26 Compete for my commercial financing
05:28 The duration of the finance agreement was done wrong
07:52 Poor money management
08:42 Not enough money in reserves
11:40 Transition from company driver to owner-operator
12:24 Owner-operators have too much debt
13:28 Getting into problems with the law
13:49 Lack of experience
14:36 Not living within your means

[@tompostel6688]

Im an owner operator running on my own authority. You will never see the big money in this industry leased on to ANY company. Get your own authority and learn to work broker boards to find your own trips. I do not run anything paying less than $2.70 a mile. 50% of my loads pay $3.10 to $4.00 a mile. This guy is talking about owner operators who lease on to companies, big mistake from day one. Educate yourself to get your own authority. As far as credit, your not going to buy a truck and trailer with a less than 670 credit rating. Your credit score is everything when it comes to success. Never have less than $20,000 in capital and a $10,000 credit card limit for a rainy day. I pull a refer unit. I can haul dry van, haz mat or temperature control loads. Buy a refrigerated trailer. More load opportunities. There is no short cut to success.

[@Code_blu215]

Thank you for this information sir. It's crazy because what you were saying was the exact things I thought about. Thank you so much and keep safe out there 💯

[@geoffreymills9932]

And don't take the first offer from brokers off the DAC board, they want to send their kids to college on your labor, you can always get another 1000 to 1300 bucks out of them for a load if you can load it that day

[@robinmize3712]

Tom, that's not exactly true. I've been in this business for over 30 years. I've leased on with a few companies, and done much better, than I would have, running my own authority. I have one rule that applies to myself, and my drivers. My bottom dollar, the absolute lowest I'll run my trucks for, is $1000 a day. Again, I run in a very small market, but I won't turn the key for less than 1k a day. Most days, it's well over that. Most days are 300 to 400 miles home every day, and very light loads. So, leasing on with someone, in some instances, can be very profitable. I don't have the headaches from searching for loads, negotiating with brokers, or anything else. My insurance is cheaper, and I'm able to have a predictable week. I'm not knocking what anyone does, just correcting your statement about, you'll never see big money leased on to ANY company. You can make big money leased on with some companies. The biggest benefit is not spending time dispatching yourself. Instead, that time is used to make money.

[@gst4043]

Bro are you know how much is the insurance alone , and plus are you count empty miles , are you count maintenance on the trailer , I net 14000 a month power only and my fix cost is only 450

[@Dubya9W9]

@@gst4043 insurance is 230$ a week, why do you make it seem like its alot?! Never, ever! will you make out better Leased to a co. or leasing a Truck from said co.!! PERIOD, FULL STOP!

[@DominateYourDay]

I was taught to split my gross like the following: 33% goes into a TAX savings account, 33% stays in your business account for overhead expenses, and 34% goes to your personal account as your net payment.

[@bernardleejr3502]

That’s a good way

[@Nojirou_]

One thing alot of these long time drivers have told me on the road is that you don’t need the newest nicest trucks to become an owner op, an old reliable truck can get you the same mileage as a new truck for a fraction of the cost with no contracts holding you down.

[@jmacd8817]

As far as mileage goes you’re full of shit. New trucks can easily break 7 1/2 miles per gallon and you’re lucky if you can come close to 6 1/2 or seven with some of those old rigs.j

[@Nojirou_]

@@jmacd8817 So who would be more full of shit? The drivers who told me that and older truck can run the same amount of miles as a newer truck? Or you for not understanding the sentence and tryna start shit?

[@jmacd8817]

@@Nojirou_ data talks, anecdotes from old timer truckers is, un, less reliable in my experience. Here's a vid with data: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2LUppKrjJWiqpI The guy talking is an old school trucker, just sold his W9, and is trying out new trucks for his company. The guy he's referring to, Ronen, is an arrogant jackass, but he loves his numbers and the data. So, am I trolling or trying to start shit? No, but I call bullshit when I see it. I'm not saying those dudes are lying, but I would guess they're remembering the best case fill ups.

[@jmacd8817]

@@Nojirou_ here's a video of me, just now after fuelling up kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWPbdmePpbCCsJo A 2nd vid of me is uploading. I didn't want to be "that guy" blocking the fuel island. I'll post it when ready

[@jmacd8817]

@@Nojirou_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3uWpJykqNSMn8U

[@mikeread3251]

I pay myself 850 a week. The rest goes in the bank. It builds a safety net. I still run a 98 385 peterbilt

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

That’s exactly how u need to do it. Some guys just need a good example or mentor on how to manage money properly

[@DB7GamingSimulator]

This is my goal!!! Find a good old truck, manage money to have a good maintenance account and living a good life. But how can you do it here in Canada with low rates like that?!

[@nickalan8586]

11.000$ gross per week .who is interested?

[@fredshorty402]

0

[@michaeldebernsteiner4940]

@@nickalan8586 me 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@joshmiller2446]

As a diesel mechanic and a yard driver, I've been starting to get pretty serious about finding a 25-30 thousand dollar and getting the owner operator lifestyle going on. I've done complete overhauls on tractors and trailers. I can only imagine what it's like buying a 100,000$ w900 and expecting to make it with the payments. Having my own tools and the knowledge has got to be a boon in my corner. This is the umpteenth video I've watched tonight about becoming an owner op. I can back any trailer in into any spot. I can fix and diagnose most any problem. I'm hoping that with 50 grand and a decent line haul contract I can get started being successful in this business. I'm tired of busting my ass working as a fleet mechanic and take the step into living in the cab and making more $.

[@frankrodriguezit]

Good luck my brother! 🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@VEEGUS324]

Good luck pray you are successful.

[@zombie730]

I'm on the same boat I'm a diesel mechanic and I'm burnt out

[@NovejSpeed3]

Rail roads need diesel mechanics. Heard work still sucks but pay is better.

[@captainvanaroo1729]

Start your own mechanic business.

[@coronado4625]

These are all good points. I’ve been independent operator since 2008 and I would definitely recommend everyone to be debt free before buying a truck and don’t spend to much on your first truck. My first truck was $11K and it served me well for almost 4 years before I had to get another one.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

thank you for sharing. Thanks for the positive feedback, :) (RONEN)

[@youngpatrick29]

You got extremely lucky tho. Not everyone will be blessed enough to get an 11 k truck that lasts 4 years

[@Mr.Adolvera]

@@youngpatrick29 mine cost me 13500 and ive had it for almost 2 1/2 years

[@patrickn.99]

@@Mr.Adolvera I would like to buy a truck, interesting what is your truck model? And I would love to know how much you have put for repairs? Thank you

[@Mr.Adolvera]

@@patrickn.99 Freightliner columbia 2004 Cat12 Eaton 10 speed Heck on average about 8 grand on maintenance per year.

[@danielcorbin8849]

My biggest problem was volvo dealerships that was resetting the parameters of the sensors the bring on the check engine light. Started going to different mechanics and I'm finally doing better

[@morrisdennis]

Been a o/op skateboarder 15 yrs, im still standing by the grace of god and sheer determination not 2 fail. I went 2 yrs without a ac, thats how determined i was not 2 fail, it was a baptism by fire i assure u, a very expensive hard lesson. The hardest most aggravating thing ive ever done in my life!

[@kevinduran9337]

Most of what you've said is just common sense to anyone trying to start a business. Good advice there Ronan! 👍

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank you for sharing, Kevin!

[@motownlee3765]

This guy is spot on learn how to work on your truck,free labor is always good. have the truck inspected at a dealership . dont buy an old truck unless you are ready to rebuild it. engine,trans,driveline,senors,tires,shocks,brakes,radiators,fan parts,hoses,air lines, all that. and still you cant go home.

[@johnhopkins7789]

I think the biggest reason for owner operator failure, the so-called elephant in the room that you failed to see is the absolutely dismal per mile rate for owner operators in Canada. Yes, there is some truth to the reasons that you gave but all these reasons fail in comparison to this big one. The per mile rate right now with the price of fuel should be at least $2.10 a mile for dryvans. With all due respect, 1.50 is absolutely nothing. You are setting people up for failure. I tried being an owner operator three times and every time I failed. Right now I’m working as a local fuel delivery company driver and I’m making way way more than I was making when I was an owner operator.

[@usasidekicks2568]

I hauled gasoline for 7 years in LA. I could get a job making 35 an hr tomorrow with my experience. I make 3 to 4 times that much with my own truck. I failed too the 1st time paying 35% intrest on three bank loans with two trucks and one trailer Now I am paying 13% intrest and making up to 2k a day with one truck @ 2 to 4 bucks a mile Power Only. The hardest part about being your own boss for me is making sure I stay on top of my game ! As a company driver you can get fired but that's as far as it goes. As a company owner if you fuck up to bad you eat shit and go out of business instead. A lot more responsibility involved I admit but it's also much more rewarding in the end if you get it right Good luck with the fuel job 👍

[@johnhopkins7789]

@@usasidekicks2568 Thanks, man! But that's exactly my point. 2 to 4 bucks a mile (US dollars, I assume) is unheard of rate in Canada. Even Ronan's company pays their owner operators 1.55 Canadian a mile, which is only 1.23 US. With the majority of driving being in the US I think you won't be able to survive on that kind of money. The highest rate here in Vancouver BC is 1.75 Canadian (1.39 US). I make 35 bucks an hour hauling fuel locally here in Vancouver as a company driver and I am happy

[@usasidekicks2568]

@@lorenzjaims7117 I bought my truck last December on Xmas day and luckily the purchase was perfect timing. Truck prices have gone up this year considerably because of Covid

[@usasidekicks2568]

@@lorenzjaims7117 The Colton pipeline, I've been there many times and I pass it on my way to FedEx ground right down the street on occasion for outbound loads. Rates are high but so are truck prices and I plated my truck in the Midwest. California is a cash cow, you'll pay more for everything! I speak from experience as I was living in Huntington Beach years ago when I got my 1st truck. If your FICO is less then 700 I'd work on getting it to 700 or better or else you'll be paying out the ass in high interest rates plus high fuel prices ect. And lastly if your a 1st time truck owner you'll be in a high risk insurance category as well. Might be better to just take the fuel truck job be patient and save up funds for a year or so. I worked my ass off all last year to save up a hefty 12k down-payment. You can do it but it doesn't happen over night or in a few months. Bottom line is you need to figure out if your in a good position to buy a truck. Don't just jump right into it

[@usasidekicks2568]

@@lorenzjaims7117 👍

[@SgtDvldawg]

Excellent information!! I appreciate it! Been driving for a solid 10 years as company driver. Driving CDL 20+ and am finally taking the step to owing my own truck. I have takes a notebook of notes from you all there that has emmensly helped me prepair! Keep up the Great work and keep the knowledge flowing please!! Thank for all of this priceless info!! Much love from the US!!

[@leadxpoison9281]

My downfall was a lease. Had it occurred to me (or been advised by the recruiter) to get a 10 year business loan to pay for it, I wouldn't have been on the hook for $960 a WEEK instead. There just wasn't enough miles a week to pay for everything.

[@kellykolnes1954]

You are spot on dude . I bought a truck for 25k and I knew it needed work so I didn't pay myself anything until I got it fixed , now she's a money maker . And yes it's always on your mind when you're at home 🏡

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Nice work!

[@brianmartand1527]

He is dead on with the trucks. If you can't pay cash, it's NOT WORTH it!!. As a new owner operator, the first thing and most important is building the business savings account!!!. Tires 5k, breakdown or stuck in mud or snow could be 2k, so he's absolutely right there too.

[@jeffsutton950]

Paying cash for your truck in my opinion is a great start, no monthly payments.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Yes, but not all can do that

[@witkr904]

Any Accountant will say NO…. Don’t do…. You lose deductions…. I say…… I am not a slave to my truck payment, if I want two weeks off, c-ya.

[@cesar9496]

That’s what I did, truck and trailer (used) still rolling. Loving it.

[@groneass2006]

I do a full maintenance lease and write off everything. Pay myself 1k per week and 6-8k quarterly bonus.(S-corp). It works well.

[@jaganp1672]

ET is giving us a clear view on what to do and what shudnt. Especially new comers like me from a different career background and having a passion towards truck driving. You are Really doing a great job.

[@nickalan8586]

11.000$ gross per week .who is interested?

[@paulsantoro1235]

I have my own authority flatbedding and I won't pull loads under 3$/mile. I get between 3$ - 5$ a mile.

[@NEOGEO45580]

Thanks for what you do! No owners of companies in USA are doing this! 👍🏻👌🏻

[@samueljimmy8579]

Honestly, I love this man. His advice , honest and share good knowledge. Thank Roni

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Appreciate the positive feedback. :)

[@dennisvasey1636]

Thank you my dad has been against me buying a truck. He is a farmer and understands the struggle but I can save and live on little. I told him I can make it.

[@JTDyer21]

Go for it bro

[@tommorris5969]

Hey Ronan thank you for making this video. This will help educate new drivers in our business. Drivers need to do the math on everything . Please be smart. Consider the experience and advice of drivers that have been doing this a long time. All my fellow drivers be safe out there.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

thanks for the feedback

[@jl5036]

Love what u are doing ronan !! Nice to see people the care about guys who wanna become a o/o ... its a tough game out there !! And the advice u are giving is right on point... thanks for all your doing and hopefully people take ur advice!! Definitely will help them become successful... btw i was o/o for 11 years wish i could have seen this when i started! 👍

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hi Thank u so much for the positive feedback I am so happy that the information is helpful. Stay tuned Lots of great videos coming up

[@garydownes1594]

Great info. Your pointing out how many drivers are messing up. Thanks.

[@movetheworld403]

YOU the best man ! Good advices , thank you for sharing all those things with us !

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Definitely, I’m sooo happy that there is so much positive feedback from this video. Appreciate the comments. Please share if u are able to.

[@iget__buckets3524]

@ET TRANSPORT please keep putting out this great content it gives good insight on what your getting yourself into. I’m currently studying for my cdl permit and prolly going to sign with swift I know I heard all the horrible stories I’m going to get my experience then move on to become an owner op I say that to say because of your channel and others you guys give ppl good info so keep it up 👍🏾

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thanks, will do!

[@MG-hk9kx]

I personally wouldn't ever become and owner operator. I am happy making 3K biweekly as a company driver. Props to all you owner operators out there, I have mad respect to you.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

thank you.

[@benjamingollan4746]

I am a driver and making 3500$ a week

[@mustaphausa6640]

@@benjamingollan4746 which state please...im in virginia Beach looking for good company...

[@benjamingollan4746]

@@mustaphausa6640 Forget about the state when you’re driving a 18 wheelers I live in Ohio.

[@elliot16]

@@benjamingollan4746 lol yea ok

[@humbledriver2536]

This is an excellent video in how to Select and Purchase a truck. The 10 steps are so valuable to not only understand but to implement. Becoming an owner operator is akin to Beginning your own business. Cost minus Revenue = PROFIT Minimize cost. Maximize efficiency. Means maximizing profit. I'm in the process of developing a TMS product with remarkable features that no other company is exercising at this time. Bizlytics llc Business analytics Transportation General Management Software.

[@joyona7430]

Thank you Ronen. You make doing business a spiritual practice. I love studying your videos.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Glad our videos are helpful!!

[@andrewbarnett4621]

Thank you ET. TRANSPORT. This channel is giving me alot of insight and knowledge so I can be successful in the trucking career one day when I start working in Canada. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Glad to help

[@nickalan8586]

11.000$ gross per week .who is interested?

[@domingofernandez4359]

I just love your videos. You guy’s are very honest which is hard to find. I wish I could work for you guy’s but I don’t live in Canada lol.

[@danishgambhir5628]

Thanks to ET Transport for educating all truckers. Rarely there is any Transport company in Canada being transparent and socially active

[@cliffordwright9824]

Nice video" for not being a driver your pretty much spot on about the finances of Owner Operators, Saving money is a Absolute must , you have to think small and save big

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Appreciate the positive feedback Best of luck

[@victormiguelrodriguezc2]

It was really important for me to hear about this topic, thanks a lot!

[@rednecksandhammers66]

Well done! It's good to see a "Company" man, that actually give a shit about the Industry. I learned quickly, that as an O/O, if you're not in it, you're under it, or doing paperwork! There is no "Leave work at work".

[@dannyku6461]

This makes me want to move to Canada seeing how nice you are. Really enjoyed the video, thank you!

[@juliocastillo2362]

All this is true. Im an owner operator and I recommend you listen to this good guy's advice

[@renaldolawson9842]

Man this was a very eye opening video def glad I saw this before I decided to become an owner operator

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank you for watching and sharing, Renaldo!

[@rickyschmitt5801]

I agree with this video 100%! I wish I would have seen this 7 years ago. I made every one of these mistakes with the exception of a high interest rate and I learned the hard way. I was lucky to have made it thru the thick of it and am still working out the mess I made for myself

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Please share the video so others won’t make the same mistakes

[@charlie2b-d335]

U absolutely nailed it bro! Simple & straight to the point! yet many drivers still don't get it & they blame everything else Xcept the elephant in the room! (themselves) yes the rates R caca & it has been like that for a very long time! & yet OO's have survived!... how they can explai that?! The answer is very simple yet incredibly hard 2 achieve! A true OO has to learn how to live FRUGAL..... that's it! that is all U need 2 make real Dinero! sounds simple but when you go into the rabbit hole looks like is almost endless!

[@frankrodriguezit]

Thank u for all the good information 🙌🏽

[@cemamoprinting7132]

Ronen you're a God sent 🙏, I am so happy to came across you're video before making decisions on buying my truck. Please talk to me also

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Anytime Send me an email with your contact info [e-mail]

[@brendanbeggs5187]

Thanks for your insight. Here in Australia we don't have many companies that help with any financial information they just dont really care. I see quite often you help with fuel purchasing and deduct from wages and other things. Very few companies do that here. You have to get your own account and deal with fuel companies personally who have a three strikes and your out system if you pay at all late. Good to see you help your o/d in Canada, it's refreshing to see, try Australia im sure it's 7-8/10 fail.

[@ricardoweir8402]

I guess I can say I didn’t do too bad. Got my OA in 2019 and still going. Working on doing a better job at it

[@ctboi7627]

Thanks, Ronen. Really appreciate your vids!

[@kentr2424]

Trouble with reliability Ronan is that all trucks can and will break down eventually. A proper business plan should account for this, but it doesn't really matter what make, model, powertrain of truck you have, you're going break down. It's inevitable, so as you point out, you've got to have a cash reserve in the bank to cover it. On that point, how much do you and ET's o/o's think a driver should have in the bank prior to starting out as an o/o and how much should a driver leave in their corporation? Good video Ronan!

[@unknowperson]

You need a good mechanic to do ppi (pre purchase inspection) and send oil to laboratory test.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank you for sharing, Kent! We'll be making a video on how to budget for repairs. Stay tuned!

[@stevemartin5581]

Your advice is gold ! A lot of the points regarding money management should also be taken up by the employed driver as well . Avoid becoming one of the working poor . Between ET transport and Minority Mindset channels the path to financial independence is clear .

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank u Appreciate the comments

[@JR-iw1lu]

Great video Ronan👍🏼..Always on point with your content

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

I appreciate that!

[@DesertVagabondAZ]

This is a good video. I’m a company driver getting ready to lease a truck in 6 months. Doing the paperwork for an LLC right now.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Best of luck I’m glad u r enjoying it

[@nelly112nels]

A lot of good points.. I think finance rates, bad equipment, and money management are the main ones… I follow pretty much every one of these steps EXCEPT time I became an O/O with 10 months, however, I had no debt. Good credit, and a little safety Cushing .. also spent a lot of time educating myself in the good the bad and the ugly of the industry (still do that you can learn every day a little more) if you take it serious and treat the job as a career I think you have a better chance to succeed

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

thank you for the feedback. Definitly good points.

[@johndillon2060]

​@ET Transport two biggest mistakes I see OO make are like you said life expenses. But secondly they listen to to many jail house lawyers. Choose a nice safe plan that works for you and stay with it.

[@henrysalcedo5593]

Great advice! Thank you very much....

[@Lovintruckinusa]

Managing money is CRUCIAL to becoming wealthy right where you’re at. I’m currently putting a course together that includes exactly this - for truck drivers. It’s so important!

[@x9cito2011]

Great video! I enjoyed your videos and most importantly I appreciate the valuable information.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

I’m glad u are enjoying them. Please help create awareness by sharing these videos.

[@x9cito2011]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News for sure! The least I can do!

[@honestchad2464]

Honest chad here, i like the ability to choose a part of knowledge from different mentors including this guy thanks

[@victorherrera387]

Awesome!! Thanks for the Info.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

You bet! Stay tuned!

[@emileey209]

Thank you for your time by making this vudeo im from California and im going to start school this mont to get my class A and push my self to become OWNER OPERATOR.

[@DAMotorsports]

This will be my new favorite channel. I’m currently lease in the USA. Going on my own next month.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

best of Luck, Thank you for the feedback, glad you are enjoying the Channel

[@justme197511]

Key word "broke-rrr" deep in debt, personal spending habits, setting tooo much, I.E. home time, brokers cut, unplanned maintenance, junk equipment, there is only so many pieces of the money pie to go around. Insurance, fuel cost, speeding, CVSA fines, down time for repairs or lack of parts or techs to repair. On and on.

[@pepsonautotransport1322]

I think Brian deserves a t680 with diamond interior. Thanks for the video absolutely true, I started up 3 years ago with my own authority paid cash for first truck and car trailer 2 months later had to buy new used stuff in a pitch because I didn't get things checked and got screwed but I got through it got a truck peterbilt 579 240000 miles on it and thought I was buying a great truck but ended up buying a truck with lots of makeup/paint on it. 300000 miles later paint is peeling and they painted over the ifta sticker turns out it was in a major wreck. But now buying my first new truck very excited. T680 paccar 510 hp 1850 tourq 264 rears 12 speed auto. Unfortunately I learned the hard way by doing it.

[@pepsonautotransport1322]

Oh my name is Brian also and very low personal debt and been driving 26 years and brought money to the game with me. Started out 80 grand in the bank and awesome work ethic.

[@liekwashington6840]

Thank you for the information u provided. Looking to buy my first truck after 4 years, no tickets ever as a truck driver and never been in a accident my entire life. I live in Pennsylvania and it's a lot of jobs. I would really like information on the companies I should get a contract with, do to my at home situation.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hi Thanks for the feedback Unfortunately I am not familiar with companies in PA. :( Hope u are enjoying the content

[@JamesSmith-jq2jc]

Some really good information. I think many would be successful if they were more patient. They should first find if they like driving first, then see if they can treat the truck they're driving like THEY own it. How long will your clutch last, brakes, and other things that poor driving habits take a toll on. Repairs are costly, especially when they can be avoided. I used to watch Indiana Jack here on KZbin, he bought his truck from the carrier he drove for, it was the company truck he drove, he knew the truck well. He then signed on with them, he knew their running lanes and other things. That's not a bad idea to think about. You'll know the truck, and the company you'll sign on with. I think too being mechanically inclined is a big advantage. Having money saved is going to really make a HUGE difference in stress and success. I seen getting a business line of credit is the way to go when financing. Knowing too what to buy is another hurdle. I would think having a truck that can be used for a couple different things could be beneficial, thats where research and asking questions is a good idea. Even things like an APU would be a must for me, it'll pay for itself, and make life on the road enjoyable.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hi thanks for all the feedback I agree with a lot of what u are saying Great point, I will take some of them for future videos. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@joselias1minayanina826]

Very good video !!! Thank you !!! Be safe out there !!!

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank you!

[@ShannanThomasTrucking]

Excellent content ...much needed for all

[@elcamionerous3894]

Excellent very important information thanks for sharing

[@DianeOfori]

Very informative, thank you!

[@markodakic8529]

Perfect video! Good as always !

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MegaRgallardo]

I was a diesel mechanic at a Volvo/Mack dealer in CA. Have two cousins, first one started off with a later model Volvo VNL with an Ishift trans, had about 700k on the clock. Told him to always have 30k in the bank and a credit card with a large limit as a backup for a shit hits the fan scenario. Second cousin started with a 90s KW with a series 60 that ran like a damn top. First cousin listened to me and was doing great. Then decided to start spending money like it didn’t matter. Couple months later his Volvo needed a trans. Repair was about 12k in parts. He gave up the truck and is now a company driver. Second cousin is living well within his means and is thriving. You don’t need the fanciest truck. If you do get less fuel economy because the truck is older you’ll more than make up for it in down time. The older engines and transmissions are cheaper to repair for the most part. Not to mention they’ve been around for so long their failure points are well documented. Just don’t buy something that’s a helterskelter nightmare of parts and been slapped back together with sheet metal screws and chicken wire. The cab and chassis electrical and integrity is important too.

[@jmendozas197]

Thank you for these tips.

[@user-er2ek8rt1m]

Bought my first truck in June of 2021 after 3 years as a company driver. My truck is a 2017. I paid 69,000 for it. I have good credit and very little debt.Put 10% down and financed the rest at 10% for three years. I do flatbed with a roll tite to mostly Pennsylvania and Maryland. I have had a few issues with my truck but the biggest issues have been a shortage of parts and lousy mechanics charging me thousands of dollars and not fixing the problems and then I fix it myself.........

[@willypicon336]

Great video you do awesome work for the community appreciate your time and your effort to answer your question how to get a reliable truck make sure it is a 2003 and older that is pre emissions there's so much less I can go wrong with it they will go 2 million miles before you need an in-frame you cannot go wrong with a free 2003 truck. And some points that maybe you want to emphasize on as you're being a company driver know what the expenses are how much the insurance cost how long tires last how many cents a mile is that truck costing whoever owns it or oil changes breaks fuel Insurance tags that way you have an idea of what your expenses are going to be and whether or not you are able to afford those expenses when you add on your personal expenses thank you guys good luck Knock Em Dead

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Appreciate the positive feedback Stay tuned Lots of great videos coming up

[@alexvarughese984]

All your videos contain very practical advices to truck drivers. I think you must write a complete guide for a truck driver. It will help many.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Will do, maybe when we reach 100K subscibers.

[@sdinim8695]

If you are new O/O in trucking industry you’ll have have ups and downs when I was new my only concern was break downs it happened once where I had to tow my truck because my differential broke lucky I broke down close to home no business is easy.

[@briananderson8389]

Nice Job, very relevant.

[@bosabarbosa1795]

Well, as much as those 12 points you make are valid, there are others that are way WORSE, and are indeed what will brake an Owner Operator. Won't go much into details but, here are the MAJOR REASONS: DISPATCHERS, MANAGERS, COSTUMERS/RECEIVERS, AUTHORITIES (police officers, DOT, government, etc)... ALL THESE are for me the MAJOR reasons things do NOT work out for Owner Op. I have 30 years of experience, as company driver and as Owner Op. It is a BRUTAL career.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

thanks for the feedback.,

[@randomlyrandomrando]

Everything is set up to corner every market, it's a little harder in trucking but they still manage to consolidate the industry overall. All they care about is power, we are under a new empire in the shadows and any big time consolidated industries leaders can be changed reguardless of the means whenever those pulling the strings will it so.

[@McGyver777ATGMAIL]

I highly and I stress highly recommend everyone take Dave Ramsey's course on economics and getting out of debt and how to build wealth. It is as no nonsense and clear and simple and no tricks and, also.... free.

[@coronado4625]

Dave Ramsey is freaking awesome. I listen to him every day.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

i actually just looked into it, its sounds really good and definitly will help our drivers.

[@youngpatrick29]

He gives the most practical advice. Simple, effective, easy

[@lubag107]

Any links?

[@manuelcano7165]

I've been listening Dave Ramsey I have payoff truck I buy it for 12,000 fixing myself by my own trailer from Penske for 9,000 I've been driving my truck and trailer for 3 years I have never have any major issues I'm about to pay off my house this month it's not that hard to refuse finances

[@shahramsabbaghpour2954]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@downundertruckerusa4733]

Hi there, I do enjoy your videos, you paint a very honest picture. Ive driven in the usa new Zealand Australia and canada and ill you say is factual no matter what country you operate in. AA fir your driver he from what he says haunt been a financialy successful. This normmaly doesn't bother me but he should take a more humble approach. Keep up the great work

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Appreciate the positive feedback Stay tuned, more great videos coming up.

[@borealis7457]

Great content as usual.

[@edkincaid9347]

Good video keep up the great job

[@patricelee3731]

I Thank you so much for the information.

[@milanmq2686]

Good material.. thanks.

[@guyazbell7844]

Thanks dude even though you don't know what the inside of a truck looks like, drove truck 30 + years zero accidents or tickets I think if I were to buy a truck I would buy a older reliable work horse like a mack and haul pigs that way you'll be home everyday and do ok I also realize my expenses to live must be reasonable but I was a driver 30 years making maybe 1000 a week so I would definitely have zero problems living within my means I would buy a pickup but it would be a older pre computer pickup with a carburetor points condenser ect...that's the plan after my kidney liver spine surgery, after a few years I could take a vacation and invest in other income producing hobby again.

[@911lucy69]

Thank you for all the info

[@businessman917]

Love your videos! Thanks for the text.👍🏾

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

I’m glad u enjoy them, :). Appreciate the comments.

[@johnnyle5107]

Thank you for such an informative video

[@phatmike8401]

Insist that the OSB diagnostic be done before you buy a truck. Suggestion one suggestion to thorough maintenance records on the truck increase the likelihood of buying a truck successfully.

[@wolftrainservicesltd6418]

Been independent owner operator for 30 years. My company my truck. My trailer. My customers

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Nice Thank u for sharing

[@seventhstart3889]

Very help full advice and information...

[@3DGx.]

Wish you the best man 🙏

[@pioneerspiritPS]

One of the best financial Trucking videos I have ever seen. I'm 49 and want to be changing careers into Trucking. I got 12/12 for your score list but am I too old now to become a Trucker?

[@chicagobirminghamrollercom8994]

Great job 👏

[@ninonicebx]

Great information. Very logical. Thank you. I am a sub here.

[@chrishopkins8214]

Great video!!

[@renordmedastin]

Life saver 🙌 video. Thanks a lot 🙏🏻 👊👊👊

[@claudem.p.7969]

I am an engineer with a Ph.D. and selling my industrial plant. Becoming a truck drive is a child dream but after listening to your video. Honest video, I am reconsidering my decision and may be just get the class 1 driver and stay away. Even with my many years of experience if one has to do so many checks and be at the same time a business expert, this is obscene.

[@KEVINLEE-pf8lo]

Well said Ronen, maybe in the future we will talk as I have 20 yrs in driving (most if this is in the oil patch and running the through the rockies) i would be interested in long haul

[@lordgodamenra8075]

Excellent video thanks

[@kahlonjatt09]

Solid advice! Thank you!! Would love to get in touch with you since you are local to me and located in the gta area. Thanks again Mr. Ronen.

[@elsuavetoloco]

Very nice video man i enjoy a lot and learn More about those step i am glad that im doing right 👍💪💪💪

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

You are welcome