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Changing tracks
Page 69
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One bored owner-driver has decided to buy and sell trucks rather than drive them.
An owner-driver has sold his three trucks and is now contemplating setting up an on-line I used truck dealership with the proceeds. Glas gow-based Trevor McCoy sold up when the dayrto-day monotony of the haulage industry finally got to him as he sat at an RDC in the Midlands waiting for a backload.
"After sitting in my truck for the fifth hour I decided that was enough," he explains. "It occurred to me that there are easier and more profitable ways to make a living."
Although McCoy has no previous experience in the retail trade directly, he says he has experience in selling privately and running a successful business. He plans to start up the business over the next three months while he continues his research into the market.
At the moment he is acting as a middle man for fellow owner-drivers on the look out for second-hand tractors."It saves them time looking when they could be on the road," he points out.
"They trust my judgement and, with modern technology, I can send them pictures of prospective trucks via the mobile phone," he says.
"I have made contact with franchised dealers to see how the land lies and how trade prices differ, and have spent a lot of time at truck auctions. It's a tough business, but it appears to be rewarding if you have the cash to get started."
Business for his three-strong fleet, which included spot haulage, groupage work and containers, was gradually wound down before he sold his three trucks.
"The vehicles were bought and paid for, plus I have sold privately before,so I did some research, put a price on them and they sold straight away," McCoy reports. •