As for California regulations driving truck drivers away from the state. I was thinking about moving out to somewhere else. I lived in Los Angeles most of my live but if they don't want me here anymore, then I've got to go. My plan was to move to Phoenix, AZ. Buy myself a pre-EGR Freightliner Columbia truck....say '02-'03 and not taking the load in-out California and New York.I really have no problem buying a new truck but I can't deal with endless truck repairs and most of the repair shop out the had no idea what's wrong with it. So, that's why I chose to go with the PRE-EGR trucks.
So my Question is.Is it a good idea?
Are there anything I should know about being O/O in the state of Arizona?
Will be Arizona be soon became pain in the butt like what they do in California?
I am 35 yrs old.Male.Single.No wife or Kids to worries. I can move to anywhere in the country. Are there any better options than Arizona? Thank you in advance for your opinion.

 

why would you not go in to ny?

 

Because of the clean air policy just like California.

 

no.. only in the ports

 

Thank you for info.

 

I don't know that Arizona would be the best location for someone wanting to buy a truck. I recall a number of owner operators whom I have met who do live in Arizona and run into California. Since you won't be running California, I would check freight in the other western states to see if it would be worthwhile for you. I think it will depend on the type of freight. For instance, you might do well with a reefer, at least part of the year. I have a friend who pulls a hotshot in the 11 western states and does well. He hauls cars. Check some of the loadboards, if you plan on running your own authority. If you plan on leasing to another carrier, then check with carriers who service the western states to get a feel of their freight opportunities in the states in which you want to run. I don't think you will have a problem finding freight getting back to Arizona. My question would be about how difficult it will be to get out. If you pull a flatbed you could probably haul copper, but those rates are usually cheap.

 

Thank you GMAN for your advice.
I plan to go with reefer and home time is not my concern since I am single. My home is where I set my parking brake at. The reason I chose Arizona is because I know there are a lot of freight going out of Yuma and Nogales. I am going to get an address and get my AZ CDL something this month. Talk to one of truck driving school and they told me there is NO test if my California CDL is still valid. My next step would be finding a truck , trailer, running the paperwork and all that. Hopefully everything will be ready by February next year.

 

AZ reefer freight certainly isn't year-round with decent volume. Half of the year (or less) the rates can be pretty bad until you make some decent contacts. Nothing wrong with basing in AZ, just know what the situation is. It's not a great year-round freight base for reefers.

 

If you are going to move, why don't you consider Midwest region? Or let's say TN, KY? IMHO that's the best for trucking business.

 

Thank you for the advice.
I have heard many people talk about mid region.
I'm sure will look into it.
And if I run in mid region.Should I go with dry van or stick with the reefer?