Want To Become An Owner-Operator? Here's How To Get Started For Less

6 May 2015
 Categories: Automotive, Blog

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Whether you are an experienced truck driver who works for other companies or you are looking to break into the business of driving trucks, you might be interested in becoming an owner-operator. Although there are certainly plenty of benefits for those who operate trucks for others, there are few things that are quite as liberating as owning your own truck and being able to be your own boss.

One thing that you might be concerned about, however, is how much money you will need to get started. It's true that purchasing your own semi truck can be very expensive, but this doesn't mean that you have to give up your dream of becoming an owner-operator. Instead, try one of these tips to get started for less.

Buy Used

If you are interested in taking out a loan for your truck but don't want to have a huge down payment or large monthly payments, buying used is almost always your best option. Although there is certainly something appealing about purchasing a new truck, doing so can come with a huge price tag. If you buy used, you can still enjoy the perks of owning your own truck, but you won't have to come up with as much of a down payment or shell out as much money each month. You can look for things like used Mack trucks for sale.

Look Into a Leasing Option

Another great option is to consider leasing your truck. With a lease, you will never actually own the vehicle, but you can operate your semi just as any other owner-operator would. You will need to come up with a down payment, but it will usually be less than if you were actually purchasing a truck. The monthly payments are often lower as well, and you'll be able to trade in your truck for a newer model every few years. Although leasing isn't for everyone, it can be a good choice for someone who wants to get involved in the business but who doesn't have a lot of cash.

Consider Owner Financing

Owner financing can be a good option if you want to own your truck but don't have good credit or a lot of money. Many people who sell their trucks through owner financing offer appealing terms, such as low down payments and low monthly payments. You might find yourself paying off one of these trucks longer, however, and your interest rate might be much higher than if you purchased through a bank.

As you can see, becoming an owner-operator doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. These are all good options for getting started without a lot of money, so you can then focus on building your new business without worrying about spending more than you can afford.