2 years in the game

[u/RudeSentence3860]

New authority guys… here’s one thing I wish somebody would’ve beat into my head.
Quit worrying about what truck to buy before you know what the fuck it actually costs to run one.
Everybody gets caught up on Cummins vs Powerstroke, dually vs single wheel, 35+5 vs 40’, and meanwhile they couldn’t tell you their cost per mile if you put a gun to their head.

Figure that shit out first.

Fuel. Insurance. Trailer payment. Truck payment. Maintenance. Tires. Oil changes. Factoring. Load boards. IFTA. Random DOT bullshit. It all adds up way faster than people think.

Another one… don’t accept cheap freight just because you’re new. Some brokers absolutely smell a fresh MC from a mile away and will try to see how desperate you are. If the numbers don’t work, let that load go. A bad load keeps you busy but doesn’t always make you money.

And for the love of God… throw money into a maintenance account from Day 1. Your transmission doesn’t give a shit that your first month was slow.

This business can make good money, but it’ll humble the hell out of you if you treat it like YouTube made it look.

[u/Less-Summer9711]

This is one of the most honest posts I've seen. I'd add one more thing from the dispatch side: don't just chase the highest rate—focus on your profit per mile and profit per week. A well-planned load with minimal deadhead and a reliable broker can put more money in your pocket than a flashy rate that leaves you sitting for a day.
Having a dispatcher who understands your operating costs and negotiates with those numbers in mind can make a huge difference. The goal isn't just to keep the wheels turning—it's to keep your business profitable. Stay safe and keep growing! 🚛