Ikea Twin Loft Bed

With the many big trucks on the road, often we see many familiar trucking company names and colors. But the vast majority of freight is still hauled by "Independents" or owner operators. Owning a tractor-trailer and running your own "authority" is similar to running any small business. A good amount of thought must be put into planning and starting your trucking business.

Many truck owners opt for a "lease contract" with a large logistics/brokerage company. By doing this they ease the burden of having to hunt for customers themselves. In essence, the company is leasing YOUR services, truck and time. This also means an obligation to run only said companies freight and no other. For those starting in the industry, this may be a better choice until more experience is gained.

When buying that shiny new ten wheeler, don't let emotions get involved. Some new luxury "Road Trucks" can cost upwards of $125,000. Or the price of a new home in most of the country. After your "spec" and other options it could run nearly $200,000. For many this will simply be too much to get started, try looking for a good "new/used" tractor and keep the miles around 200,000 with plenty of drive train warranty remaining.

When buying an older used or "reconditioned" tractor, familiarize yourself with terms like "dyno testing" and "oil analysis" these reports are critical to the overall value of the truck. Check the warranty on the reconditioned or rebuilt motor, was the build "long"(complete engine) or "short" (top half). And like with any vehicle, check the history report for any "rolls" or major wrecks. Next is tires, drives, ("caps" or new), steer tire odd or uneven wear (clues to steering problems). Is there ANY leakage, cracks or welds on the frame rails? Rebuilt rears, drive shafts,clutch, and turbos? Such items could cost ten times as much to replace in a ten wheeler than in a standard "half ton"

In closing,just remember while some add-ons may be critical (aux power unit,deer guard) however, be wise as to extra expenses. Forget about the ten "low-pro" wheels and tires until you've achieved some success. Just remember to go at it like a business person, conserve cash, reinvest, be frugal, and most of all be safe!

Ride with pride!

About the Author...

Eric Lorence was a "long haul" truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page: Zen Trucking
Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

Sharp falls in house prices in recent times mean many are facing the dreaded prospect of negative equity. Many people have been releasing equity in their homes not just for buying luxury goods but for simply funding their basic lifestyle. Is negative equity really a problem for everyone unlucky enough to have it however? If you are managing to hold on to your job and have no plans to move house then you can just sit tight and continue to pay your mortgage - you will not be affected so badly.

If you wish to move to bigger and more expensive home then your options may be limited depending on the figures involved. For some they may find that the new house is falling at a rate greater than their current home and thereby bridging the gap to the new home actually becomes easier. This is worth looking into and so you might find that moving onto a new, bigger home in a difficult climate is not the challenge you thought it would be.

Negative equity does become a problem, however, if you lose your job and can no long afford to keep up with your mortgage payments. In this scenario the British government is stepping in and helping people by offering to pay their interest payments for a period of 2 years. This solution does seem viable if the homeowner is able to resume paying their mortgage at the end of the 2 year period. This is the only government worldwide known to be offering this kind of scheme. The problem lies if the homeowner is not able to resume paying their full mortgage - in this instance the government's plan is only delaying the inevitable.

Seeing an opportunity in any market some property investors are operating a scheme whereby they will by your house for 90% of its market value and rent it back to you. Fundamentally this means you do not need to lose your home but it does leave you at the mercy of the private investor who could pull the plug on the rent deal whenever they choose so make sure you have the correct legal agreements and lease in place.

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