Trucking: starting a trucking company. . .?, trucking services, trucking company

Question
A friend of mine has recently informed me of his desire to start a trucking company. Nothing big.  Just he and I with two trucks as owner operators.  We have enough money to purchase the equipment, however I'm somewhat hesitant as what he is telling me sounds too good to be true.  His wife has connections with companies that need trucking services and the trucking companies are generally hired through word-of-mouth recommendations.  One of the trucking companies hired in this way (basically one guy with three trucks. . . he drives one and has two employees) reportedly makes up to and often over ten thousand dollars a week. . . with just three trucks.  Is it that easy?  I mean basically I would own the company and my friend's wife would suggest to the companies in need of trucking services to use my services.  And right now there is supposedly a very high demand for trucking services.  So. . . is it just me, or does potentially making $40,000 a month sound too good to be true?


Answer
Keith, you have heard the saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it prabably is!".  Having said that it all depends on how hard you want to work and drive.  There is definitely a shortage of qualified drivers and as long as the economy stays strong there probably will be for some time.  If you have your CDL and a late model well maintained truck you will always be able to find work if you are willing to go where it is.  The    numbers you are quoted sound more like "gross" dollars before the expenses of operating a truck are taken out.  Insurance, tires, fuel and general maintenance can be expensive.  Also figure the cost of meals and a place to sleep while on the road.  Check out this site, http://www.ooida.com/  for an insight to the business.  Some good stats in their file: http://www.ooida.com/Documents/2003_Cost_Ops.pdf althogh slightly dated.  Let me know how it goes if you decide to pursue it.  Good luck,  Jim