FWIW, I’m an independent owner operator hauling propane with my own trailer and operating authority. My tractor is a restored 99 Pete 379 Extended Hood, so I’m exempt from E-Logs.
I run locally - home every night (well, Day, because I run at night to avoid the horrible traffic in Seattle), and it took years to get here. Started off hauling nothing but hazmat tanker for the most part. (Gasoline, chemicals.) I run about 65-70 hours per week, 51 weeks a year. A good year grosses $400K, but average years are closer to $300K. Net around $150K after all expenses. Once the equipment is paid off next year that adds $75K to the net.
Had someone told me 10 years ago that I’d be buying $70K worth of fuel annually I would have laughed my ass off. Not now.
Millennials are too lazy and too drug addled to work the hours required to get where I am, even though it can be done in 5 years if you work really hard.
Then there is the credit issue. Not many firms will loan $300K to someone without a really good background and experience. Propane and cryogenic equipment tend to be expensive..
Thanks for your success story, very enjoyable reading and your hard work is paying off.
Searched images of your 99 Pete Extended Hood. Beautiful tractor.
Lived in Washington, 4 years on Bainbridge Island riding the ferry to downtown, and loved it there. Didn’t drive much except to the ferry and back and out to the Olympic Peninsula for fun. But the daytime traffic is hell on that I 5 corridor. Nighttime is the way to go.
Happy Thanksgiving, FRiend.