Starting a new career

[MDietrich]

After nearly 17 years with the same company, I have decided to change careers.



I bought this:[/IMG]#ad




Some will say I'm nuts (and they have), but I am tired of working night shifts and hearing the same threat of "We're going to change things in your department, again". I'm not going to wait around for the next change! I'm making my own change this time.



The trucking company that I'm leasing on with hauls liquid fertilizers and NH3, the same stuff I have been working with for 17 years, so I'm not going into unfamiliar territory. In fact I'll be hauling out of the place I just quit.



I've said many prayers asking if this is what I'm supposed to do, and I feel God is with me on this one. It just feels right.



Now all I have to do is get through one more week of my current job!



I guess if it does'nt work out, I'll look good going broke :-laf .



MD

 

[BILLVO]

Good luck with the new career. Nice looking rig. I have always liked the looks of western stars. What does it have for an engine and transmission? How long of runs will you be making? mostly local I asume?

 

[CSnyder]

Nice looking truck there friend! Dont be scared of the choice you made as this year has been great to me doing just what you did. I lost my wife last January and was running hotshot freight when that happened and decided to make a wiser choice in income so I could be home with my 3 kids more. I have bought 3 big trucks this year alone and they are all making me good money. Im not by any means buying real high dollar trucks but what i got works for me. I just recently bought a 1996 FLD 120 condo in New York with 389k for 10,701. 01 on Ebay. Im going to look at a 1995 FLD 120 with 600k tomorrow for the bargain price of 7000. This choice of business has helped me to make a 350 acre land purchase to add to my existing 580 and Ive secured land leases on an additional 853 acres so I can hobby farm as a baseline. There is alot of money to be made running your own trucks if you are mechanically inclined to doing the majority of your repairs. I at least know even if they all died on me I could recoup my loss in short order. Im planning on buying trucks until I have a hard time finding drivers for them. Best of luck in your choice and have a safe trip out!



Chris

 

[p-Bar]

I went to work for myself when I was 21 yrs. old now 48 don't regret a thing. I still have to bust my butt, but I know it's for my family. Just remember you tell your friends your self employed you work half days - 12hours :-laf

 

[MDietrich]

Thanks for the encouraging words guys, its nice to hear.



I should have given specs in the first post. It's a 2004 with a MBE 4000 @ 450hp and a 13sp. It has 340000 miles with warranty left on the engine and rear-ends.



Most of my runs will be in a local radius with some overnight stuff and longer during season.



I like that comment about working half days :-laf . That's what I work now.



MD

 

[BILLVO]

Is Mbe 4000 a Detroit? I'm not up on the newest model numbers but it sounds like a detroit #.

 

[DSpears]

very nice looking truck, keep her clean

 

[TSkibyak]

No the Mbe is a mercedes benz engine but only detroit can work on them

 

[Bob Wagner]

congratulations on the career change. Enjoy the ride



You will do great

 

[Dodge-Tech]

I too was nervous with a career change after 15 years as a dealer tech. I now drive a tractor trailer(Freightliner FLD 120 with a 12. 7 Detroit). I couldn't be happier! Great money, home every night, and hardly any stress. It's been a year since the move, and I still look forward to going to work every day. I keep saying to myself... "I should've done this sooner".

 

[Missouri Mule]

MDietrich, Good luck on the new adventure!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Im planning on buying trucks until I have a hard time finding drivers for them.

Gimme a call if you get in a bind, man. I'll go get my CDL and drive for you.



Matt - sick and tired of being a living example of Office Space

 

[MDietrich]

Today at 5:30pm I am done with my current job! Next week I go trough orientation and safety training (again), and hopefully will be on the road by the end of the week.



I still have to get some lettering done on the truck and the wet kit got installed today, so its pretty much ready to go.



I was going to do this 10 years ago, but it just wasn't the right time. I always kind of regretted not doing it then. No regrets this time!





Thanks again to all that replied!



MD

 

[jnelson]

Welcome to the brotherhood! We hauled fert. out of plant in Pt. Comfort TX years ago. it paid really well.



Since you got a "chicken truck" you gotta get a "chicken truck radio" a Galaxy 77,88,99, 95T, Connex 4300 or a 4600.



If you look good you gotta sound good!!

 

[MDietrich]

I'll need a few more lights to make it a true "chicken truck" . The Star has plenty of room for them.

It's a "work in progress".

I put a plain old Cobra in for now.



MD

 

[bmoeller]

Welcome to the brotherhood!



Since you got a "chicken truck" you gotta get a "chicken truck radio" a Galaxy 77,88,99, 95T, Connex 4300 or a 4600.



If you look good you gotta sound good!!

I'd add a Magnum S-6 or S-680 to that radio list. Another great radio.



www.walcottcb.com is where I bought mine. Get the Nitro knobs since it doesn't have a back lit face. Helpful at night. Cheaper to get them up front, than to add them later.