Question:
Gramps is an O/O with Watkins also running about 7 trucks.
I'm 26 and working there as a Dock worker (monkey on a lift)
After afew conversations with gramps in pursuing a truck driving job... ultimately as an O/0, I've become interested in going forth with the steps however,
Driving record could be a possible frowner..
only 2 tickets in the last 3 years and no accidents in 5 years.
Drag racing almost 2 years ago, due to not paying the ticket in full in due time, it resulted in a suspension till cleared up which I fixed.
Swift or knight seems to be the company to get my training in and money saved to buy a truck.
Input?
Thanks!
Josh

Answer:
OMG, this is cool---we have to talk.
1) 1st off, how much does "gramps" gross and net per week? Per month?
2) Where does/ How does/ Who does the maintenance on the trucks?
3) Most of my racing is done at the track, but i WILL do it on the street if the occasion rises. We have the famous "V" street here in DC as well as waysons corner in the suburbs. But tell us more about your episode.
I'm a GM man (through exposure and nessesity), but i suspect you had a honda or other import?
4) i've done my share of dockwork---it gets real cold here. Below 32 sometimes.
I basically think you should forget about swift and knight.
Doesn't watkins have a program where they will take you from the dock and put you on the street?
Actually the main thing is when, exactly, will the tickets drop off your record?
Much, much more later.

Answer:
Will do
Gramps currently has teams on I believe 4-5 of his trucks.
From what I can remember, He does around 20k per truck before paying drivers and other bills involved with running said truck. He averages take home from each truck depending on how they are running seems to be around 2-3 grand. He never got serious about what he does per month or his take home after all expenses. I'll have to sit him down and say okay bud, tell me your average, better yet, get me papers
He does most maintenance at the yard, via with one of the drivers but big repairs are handles by several shops depending on the nature of the problem. I'm not sure to what extent where he takes his trucks on a consistent basis.
I do most of my racing on the track also. Just got too tempted and bit the bug.
the ticket was in a honda Crx Si. fun lil car. got rid of it for a 90 S10 that I stuck in a V8. thats a FUN ride. clocked in a 13.5 first time out.. the truck was std cab/short box with a TBI 350 running a 454 Tb and head mods.. I had around 300-315 hp. 2700lb truck with no posi. traction sucked horribly 245/60/15's.
Sadly, I had to trade it in for a new SUV due to smog. I was running offroad headers, gutted cat with a flowmaster super 40. California would raise too many red flags with that thing.
here's a photo of it.
Looking forward to your reply on more advice about trucking get me enough dough and I'll do another S10 but with a LT1/charger and 9inch rear running stock manifolds due to stupid Cali smog restrictions
Watkins doesnt allow new guys to run for them per gramps. I have to work for someone else for a year before switching over and work for gramps.
last night was warmner than usual.. but still I had a sweatshirt a jacket, 2 Tshirts on.. I was cold

Answer:

I don't want to be the one to break the news to you Josh, but usually when you hear the phrase "more on this later" or "much more on this later" you have reached the end of the topic. Some folks on here use that phrase quite a bit and then never ever return to the subject in question. They also ask probing question about finances and income. You just had a close encounter with one.

Answer:
Burky,
Thanks but thats not quite the answer I'm going to base my future decision on.
I realize that with the question I have asked will illict a response of hell, you may just might as well throw your life away...
It may be true for the majority of the drivers here. and I agree.
Based on my talks with Gramps and an upclose look of what he does for X amount of years, he's impressed me with his business. which in turn has gotten me considering this as a way to buckle down and retire by the time I'm 45 and live off interest on my nest egg. This is just a general look of what I'd like to accomplish. Lets not go into detail about how i plan to stick with such and such company and do this and that.. too many variables... Make changes as you go.
yet, I'm the newb. this is in no way saying i'm disagreeing or the other.. I"m making this a exploration of sorts.
Josh

Answer:
No, don't misunderstand me on this. You have some legitimate questions, and will get some useful info from here. But the phrases I mentioned above are sort of a joke on here because of the way they have been used, but never acted upon. You just got answered by a person with an inordinate interest in dollars and a demonstrated woeful ability to finish posted conversations.
As for getting info from your Grandfather about the finances, that's great if he is willing to show you the info. The best way to learn this business is to learn from someone older that's already in it, and the most useful information you can get is from seeing the actual costs in someone's books.
I'm getting closer to buying my own truck, and the financial information I have gotten from some of our owner/operators has been invaluable because I know it's legitimacy. Rather than basing my plans on vague claims, I run actual weekly numbers, plus track my own company pay against what I would be making by owning my own truck.
And no, I don't even vaguely suggest that doing this is akin to tossing your life away. I happen to be supportive of someone coming in to this, if they know what they are getting into. I have problems when someone thinks it's all pie in te sky and happiness, but with a litle bit of effort and paying the initial dues, you can make a good living driving. It isn't found in the longhaul segment as often as it is portrayed, but there are regional jobs that pay good money and provide decent hometime. They aren't starter jobs, but they are out there. And in some cases they depend on your location, whereas a long haul job isn't as much affected by where you live.
Hope it works out well for you. You already have taken the first step, because nothing will ever turn out well without you planning it and researching it. Get lots of info here, cross check it with other sources, and youcan evaluate the quality of the advice you are given.

Answer:
It's good to find a another trucker in Sac. Do you work at the Watkins terminal in Elk Grove? How long have you been working with them? Full time or part time? Send me a PM and we can talk.Ivey EnviroTech Services
Start Up date: 3/1/06