Considering Return To Otr

Caught a couple big speeding tickets during my hiatus. Been driving local for almost 2 years. First ticket withheld adjudication so that shouldn't be any points but the second ticket I was found guilty. 91/55 in personal car but that it matters.

How long is that gonna be an issue.. any options short of Buying my own truck?

I pulled reefer through a lease purchase for about a year. Enjoyed myself for the most part, was just stressing myself out trying to find a life partner.

Anywho, thanks in advance for input. I'll try to be more contributing with my next steps.

Hey David,

That's a tough spot you're in. That speeding ticket is about 1/2 degree short of murder in this industry, and I'm sure you know that already. Unfortunately, I don't think buying your own truck would help because getting insurance would be a nightmare. You could almost certainly find someone to lease a truck to you, but I'm not a fan of leasing or owning a truck. The economics of it are terrible.

But if you're in a tough spot, sometimes you have to make due until you can get back to where you want to be.

In most states, that ticket will be an issue for three years. I believe tickets drop off after that.

All you can really do is apply like crazy everywhere imaginable and see what happens. If you can't find a company gig, I would look for a lease opportunity before buying a truck. You won't make as much money as a company driver in either regard, but I think it's easier walking away from a lease than a truck you own outright. Plus, I believe the company leasing you a truck can help you out with regard to insurance, which is key in your situation.

Maybe PJ will come around. He owns his truck and will have far more insights into the leasing vs buying thing.

Where there's a will there's a way. You'll get another shot. It might be a grind trying to get one, but you will.

Thanks for your response Brett.

I am currently pulling a walking floor end dump for a landscape company but south Florida has it's issues including low wages and scorching heat.

Could always go back to running wreckers even if it's only until that ticket falls off.

Honestly less than elated about the prospect of another lease so I'm sure I couldn't cut it owning my rig unless maybe if I sub leased it or something to that effect.

You are in for an uphill battle. First the ticket. Most states are 3 years from date of conviction as a general rule. If it was a misd. they may go longer. That is state dependent. The court or DMV can tell you for sure.

Any reputable company leasing trucks have the same driver requirements as for company drivers from what I have seen. It would have to be with one big enough to be self insured.

Buying a truck is a worse idea in this market. Freight volumes have been flat or down overall for a long time now. All the experts keep saying next quarter we will see improvement. I’ve heard that for the last 10 quarters and it’s not happened. Capacity is still way out of whack with volume and that keeps rates terrible on general freight.

Next the insurance. I have a perfectly clean record. I also have 0 claims. My insurance the last 3 years has increased double digits each year. That hurts the bottom line very hard. You probably could find someone to insure you but the rate will be so high you can’t afford it.

Sub-leasing a truck isn’t any better in my opinion. Again rates don’t sustain it enough because in that scenario 2 people are trying to make money on the deal. The money just isn’t there for that.

Lastly being in south florida makes your situation worse. Alot of freight goes in, but very little coming out and what does is so cheap you basically only make enough to cover fuel. I have actually deadheaded back to GA more times than I can count just because I won’t pull a load to loose money or break even. I rarely ever go down there with general freight. Just isn’t worth it these days. General freight within the state is a little better priced.

I pull alot of a specialized product that goes down there, but that is only for my direct customers. I was just down there in Key West. Was beautiful but that load was a pain. We got it done though.

Wishing you well in trying to get back, but be patient it may take you some time.

Thank you pj for the input.

I was painfully aware of the south Florida return to civilization hardship. When I was otr , I just stayed out for 2.5+ months at a time.

That 10 quarter mark you mentioned is probably when I got out.

I guess for the next 3 years or so I'll just plan on sticking to local. Maybe start taking the bus to work 🤣

Anyone have some leads on a lucrative hands off type local job? Dump truck seemed pretty laid back but between musical trucks and mechanic work...