American Truck Showrooms

Max B. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

My wife is an accountant. I am the trucker. She helps manage the money, as she says, so that we have a business tomorrow. And, you know what, she is probably right. The reason I got my truck through American Truck Group is not because I have bad credit, but because I write off the 100% of my monthly truck note on my taxes. Since it is classified as a rent-to-buy I get to write off my entire truck payment. All of it! I make a considerable amount more each year because of this. She noticed this tax advantage in one of their ad... read more

Samuel G. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

I was getting my truck serviced at American Truck Group last week and I saw part of this software while I was in the lobby. It was modeled on an excel spreadsheet and it broke down the amount you grossed to the amount you should net. Knowing how much to pay yourself is one of the hardest steps to discipline yourself with. You have to save. If you look at it like you are paying on accounts that you owe instead of saving it helps. We all think that we are worth more, right? Of course we do, you do. However, if you do not put t... read more

Joe B. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

You know that providing their customers with the education to run a trucking business is a tremendous asset for the trucker and the dealership. I mean, it's a win-win situation, because the customer will make more money and probably do more business with the dealership, but immediately they will be able to to live better in-the-now. The dealership will gain a customer that is grateful, but just as importantly, they will gain a higher percentage of customers that will be able to make their truck notes! I bet you see a lot of ... read more

Tony N. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

I don't see how most new owner-operators survive now the way the industry is set up. I am 64 and when I got my first truck you did not have all of the regulations and fines and fees and you name it, we now have it. It used to be you, the truck (no ecm's) the open road and a paycheck. You can still make a good living, but you need a map, not for the roads you will be driving on, but a map for the business. I have 3 Volvo's with American Truck Group. I have heard them talking about this program and I know, even at my age with ... read more

Markus H. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

Three years ago when I was at American Truck Group, the person who I signed my contract with sat me down and asked me about my business plan. 4 hours later at 1:38 AM (yes, I am serious) I realized that there were a lot of things that I had not thought of and I certainly never put it down on paper. I can tell you one thing, if I had not gone over the numbers like I did with that guy three years ago i would not have the truck today. Just because you are an owner operator does not mean you are independent from anything except ... read more

Neil A. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

Business for Truckers 101! Indeed, kudos to American Truck Group for offering educational material to their customers. This country is made up of small businesses and no one wants to see them fail. Small businesses are made up of dreams of the people who open them and sacrifice their time, money, and energy (just to name a few) in hopes they will grow. Kind of like planting a seed. But many people do not know how to get that seed to grow, nevermind grow well so that is provides fruit and does not die prematurely. The truckin... read more

Joseph H. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

Yes, a business plan is always good. You are right, if someone has not had any business training, surviving as an owner-operator may have just as much to do with luck as anything else unless someone helps them. I have had a truck with ATG for a little over two years now and so far so good. As far as them providing some educational tools free, right on. I try to manage my income so that I will always have a business to run. Almost everything I earn goes back into my business. I live simply and only pay in cash. What has reall... read more

Steven M. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

I got a Kenworth W900L from American Truck Group 2 years ago and they have always helped me. When I wanted to get my own authority I sat down with my rep and they helped me fill out all the forms and get them notarized. When it came time to do my taxes this year, I joined a class they had on tax preparation. So, if you are a customer, next time you are there getting work or maintenance done, ask them what they are offering. It beats sitting around and watching tv. And, it will probably help you make or save money! 

Kevin J. 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

Education (how to run a small business) is great for truckers, but what they really need to know is how the current administration is increasing federal regulations to the point of killing off mom and pop owner operators. I have been a Democrat my entire life, but this guy is going to put me out of business. Every day there is some new regulation that further tightens the noose around our necks. So, educate yourself before this election. You may not have another four years to do so.