The advise around here is work for a company for a minimum of one year before leasing. Work that year as if you were owning. Most people find working as a company driver is a better deal. You can search leasing at the top of the page. Also try
My vote is don't listen to your heart (yearning for a new adventure) or your wallet (doesn't know what it's talking about).
The Trucking Truth forum has a policy of not supporting or even discussing owning or leasing. Follow Big Scott's link to read earlier discussions about it.
hey what's up everybody had Western express tell me that they would be willing to lease a truck to me and my wallet and heart says yeah bro do it! But my brain and common sense says cmon dude are you retarded? I mean I'd like my own truck but I'd also like a little experience before I jumped in to that
Listen to your brain, and your wallet. Many of the larger carriers push leasing as a way to reduce their costs. As a rookie, especially fresh out of school, you are not ready for the increased burden this will place upon you. Get a year of experience and then consider leasing as an option.
Good luck!
As others have said - we typically don't discuss leasing, as it almost always ends up being a cat fight.
But the advise of not doing right out of school is THE MOST VALID ONE. You have much to learn young Jedi, about driving, about operating safely, rules of the road, company, etc..
You have a lot on your plate right out of school - without worrying about making your payment, or the extra paperwork/regulatory requirements, and additional expenses.
You can make as much (or more), ESPECIALLY while you are still in the "learning phase" of the first year - operating as a company driver, and just driving.
Rick
G-Town's wisdom:
Listen to your brain, and your wallet.
But G-T forgot the loudest squawk you'll hear: your heart.
This is a time to ignore the emotional pull you feel. Brains see the nuts and bolts of a decision, your wallet tells you how much you could gain or lose. These two only are best equipped to help you get food on the table and coin in the bank.
Your company will get you a shiny truck. Just let said company worry about fuel costs, maintenance and tire replacement.
G-Town's wisdom:
Listen to your brain, and your wallet.But G-T forgot the loudest squawk you'll hear: your heart.
This is a time to ignore the emotional pull you feel. Brains see the nuts and bolts of a decision, your wallet tells you how much you could gain or lose. These two only are best equipped to help you get food on the table and coin in the bank.
Your company will get you a shiny truck. Just let said company worry about fuel costs, maintenance and tire replacement.
Ah yes the heart. Running a business, which is what leasing is all about for an individual, must be done intellectually and with dis compassion.
I'd love to have a shiny new Pete in my driveway, but I don't want to be married to it. Leasing a truck should not be like buying or leasing a car. It's a business decision.
No. Don't do it. The company is only pushing it so they can unload risk onto you. IMHO, it is severely unethical for companies to try to put new drivers in leases. You don't know enough about how everything works. You don't use your time efficiently. You likely have little or no experience running your own business.
alright thanks for all the great advice everybody, I think I will just hold off and work for a year and keep track of everything maybe like a journal or something and right down how much I'd be paid if I were leasing and write down the fuel cost. The breakdowns, etc and really kinda get a feel for it to see if I'm gonna like it but again can't thank everybody for all the great comments.
would be willing to lease a truck to me
Got to love how they plant the seed of leasing into a rookie. They would be willing... like its a privilege and you won the jackpot.
They thought of this through and through.
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
hey what's up everybody had Western express tell me that they would be willing to lease a truck to me and my wallet and heart says yeah bro do it! But my brain and common sense says cmon dude are you retarded? I mean I'd like my own truck but I'd also like a little experience before I jumped in to that