Are you considering a career as an Owner Operator truck driver, taking steps to buy a semi truck? Do you need to replace the faithful semi that drove you through hundreds of thousands of miles? No matter what your specific situation, you need the right knowledge and the right attitude in order to find and invest in the perfect truck.
Keep these tips in mind during purchase to help reduce stress, and you’ll be driving a semi that will keep you hauling for years.
What to Consider when Buying a Semi Truck
Decide on New versus Used Before You Shop
Like purchasing a vehicle for daily driving, choosing between new and used should be the first part of your truck-buying decision.
Advantages of a New Semi Truck: The biggest advantage to buying a new semi truck is the increased reliability that you will receive. While no vehicle is immune from engine problems and other issues, a new truck is less likely to breakdown or fail to start when you need it most.
Also, many new trucks will come with factory warranties, which can give you even greater peace-of-mind if the truck were to have a problem. Be aware of the warranty’s details, however, because many will cover the drivetrain, but leave off other components.
Advantages of a Used Semi Truck: If you need to save on your purchase, a used truck should be considered. Depending on the market, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on your initial purchase price, and many used trucks are in top-notch condition, giving you a reliable hauler that is comfortable and affordable.
You will want to give every used truck a thorough inspection before your purchase to make sure you get the equipment you need and ensure it is in good working order.
Setting your purchase budget
Obviously your goal as an Owner Operator is to run a profitable business. Therefore setting your purchase budget as you take steps to buy a new or used semi truck is critical. The price tag for new 2021 or 2022 models from the major manufacturers will run from $125,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the options you select.
Ironically, the cost to purchase used semi equipment does not currently offer much of a cost savings given the supply chain shortages seen in recent times, spurred by the pandemic and related delays in new truck manufacturing. However, studies by J.D. Power, a global leader in the review of data analytics, expects used semi truck pricing will adjust back to more typical conditions and fall closer to historical norms throughout 2022.
You will need to calculate what you can afford for your downpayment, your monthly installments, and insurance, as well as the routine cost of ownership. At the end of the day, you need to make sure not to take on more cost than you can handle to remain profitable.
Create a List of Inspection Items
Think about this for a moment: automotive dealerships have a physical checklist of items that they inspect before purchasing a vehicle. Why can’t you do the same? When you have a prepared list that you can consult, you’ll be sure that nothing is overlooked.
Below are some of the items that should be considered as you inspect potential semi trucks for purchase:
- Which camp are you in? Do you prefer a Manual or Automatic transmission?
- What kind of routes do you drive? If you are an over-the-road truck driver, a sleeper is essential; however, for short haul or local drivers, you may suffice with a day cab.
- Conduct a thorough equipment inspection, including brake pads, hoses, axles, tire tread, and belts. You’ll also want to look for leaks and other potential problems.
Start the Engine, Look and Listen
Even if you’re buying a brand new semi truck, always start the engine and let it idle for at least a minute. Listen to the sounds that the engine is making. Are there any squeaks, squeals, rattles, or thumps? Does the exhaust give off a large amount of white or grayish smoke? Is there anything that seems out of order? If there is, be cautious, as this concern could lead to a problem down the road.
Take a Good Hard Look at the Cabin
How many hours do you think you spend inside your truck cabin? The answer could easily be in the hundreds of thousands. Take the time to look at the cabin, feel the comfort of the seats, test the radio, look for storage space, and see how well you fit in the sleeping compartment. Make sure you will be comfortable and happy with your truck.
Always Take a Test Drive
Never, under any circumstance, skip the test drive. Get inside, fire up the engine, and go for a spin down the road. If possible, hook the truck to a trailer, preferably one with a heavy load, and see how it rides. This test drive is essential to making sure your truck can complete any task.
Excellent Opportunities in the Trucking Industry
Once you have purchased your rig, no matter what your experience level, you can find Owner Operator trucking jobs that will fit your needs when you visit CDLjobs.com. Browse our classifieds section and search through hundreds of Owner Operator truck driving jobs that are waiting for a hard-working trucker like you!
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