The guy has a dream to be a trucker. If he's a company driver, he'll quit a week after he meets his trainer

 

I use to represent that remark...he-he, (actually I had a lot of concern n sympathy for my students believe it or not) :-) N understatment that it was a tough system to work in tho

 

So having seen your whole O/O experience from start to finish on here, would you do it again looking back?

 

Well this question wasnt aimed at me, but I cant resist weighing in.

Yeah I did trade in one set of problems going from big Co trainer to Own auth o/op, but all things being equal.......Im much happier telling these big Co's to go F$%^ themselves...I felt like such a cheap dirty whore working for them n... is worse then that, getting screwed some how to do free work or work dirt cheap for those Bas$%&....point is, now I have the right to tell someone to go F themselves n still have a job, unless I wana fire myself!

I did a long rant on this subject...many will remember maybe he-he....so no need I see in repeating it.

 

Thanks for all of your thoughts. After much research and consideration, I am going to bite the bullet, put in the time and work for someone for many of the reasons posted above. Knowledge, experience, safety, ability to get jobs with experience, ins. etc.

As I thought back, when I first started in the Financial Industry, I did not do it on my own. I had a mentor and someone teaching me, showing me the ropes along with helping me gain much needed knowledge. All the research and reading in the world still does not compare to getting out there and doing it.

Regardless of what anyone says, I think hands-on is the best.

Again, thanks for taking the time out of your days to help answer my questions.

 

Molson,

I think that is a wise choice. I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages in your particular case. Remember to take your time! The knowledge you gain as a company driver will serve you well. When you decide to become an O/O, the transition will be much easier and less stressful.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. As evidenced by this forum, your fellow drivers are always willing to help and answer any question you may have.

I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Be careful and stay safe.

 

Molson, good thinking... get a few miles under your belt grinding someone else's gearbox, then when you get your own truck, it will thank you for it! Best of luck and enjoy the road.

Steve: You and I need to go to the hill and I'll show you the thrill. Now don't think I am talking gay sex here... 8) Now, if I can just find a load out of Timpie, UT I will be a happy man...... :wink:

 

lol...Yup, I would do it. I'm a risk taker for sure. I'm sitting on my butt till Sunday morning then heading out to Colorado Springs. I'm taking some of Jimmy Buffets stage equipment after his concert Saturday night. I guess something happened to a truck. Not a bad run, 2,000 miles, $1.90 per mile and NO TARP!!!

 

STeve---that's a cool load! Good on ya! I got a good load down here to no-man's land, but having a little trouble finding a load out. Sitting and looking right now on Internet Truckstop. Hope something will turn up today.

Well have fun on the way to Co Sprgs...

 

Molson: I am glad you moved your search for info to this forum. I knew you would get good advice and info here. I don't post here often (if ever) because I am NOT an O/O, and am not quite ready to get serious about being one. I've learned alot just following you around! :wink:

For instance, I didn't know things like that a company would not give you a contract easily without experience. And I've only recently learned that your insurance would be much higher and perhaps "restrictive" as to where you could run.

My MAIN point was that you had the financial resources to take it slow starting out, and could afford to make mistakes without going bankrupt. However, after thinking about it, and reading some of these posts, I have to ask myself, "WHY lose money just because you have it to lose?"

There was a valid post, though, about having your dream dashed by a bad trainer or other experience. I'm sure you have the sense and patience to know you only have to "ride that out" for awhile and know that your time will come.

I still think SOME of my ideas were valid (like learning from another O/O working your truck,) but those were just possibilities. As "normal," the NORM opinion is STILL the best way!

I wish you the best, too! And I look forward to reading about your progress and decisions!

Hobo