Hello I'm thinking about buying a truck and hiring someone to drive it for me. Is this a good idea? What amount of capital will I need besides the truck money as far as fees, tags, insurance etc... What type of business license to I need to get? I live in Tennessee but I'm able operate in Arkansas as well if this info helps. Please let me know what you can as this knowledge will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,
Mr. Henderson

Trucking is great and all but you must remember that the truck uses diesel fuel to run, (very expensive, very expensive as the truck usually has 100 gallon tanks to fill), it has many, many tires to replace, it has engines that need expensive maintenance and repair, It has other parts that can go bad like brakes, it has to be insured and not just a minimum policy either, it has to have lots of money to pay the driver good money, it has to have a reliable source of good loads, it has to have a very reliable driver who wants to take care of his vehicle entrusted to him, etc etc.

Do you currently have a CDL and drive a tractor trailer or are you just thinking about a great way to make money? If you are not a CDL holder and have not driven a big truck I would say don't even go there as there is way too much downside to this type of business for rookies I could fill a book about. But if you have lots of money to squander (say at least $200,000+) then go for it.

Why not just take your pick up and start a hot shot hauling business instead? Get a dueley with a hitch and a flat trailer and haul furniture to stores, etc. Then you could drive or get a driver who has just a Class B license as a Class A would not be required.