Or, Wanting to become one?

There are a lot of misconceptions and illusions, regarding the freedom, independence and earning potential.

So, This is the question of the day...

 

Just finished my 3rd week as an owner operator and grossed $14,900. Right now things are tough as I am trying to find a good way to keep records. I have had repairs since I bought a used truck so that eats into profits.

I run reefer so the gross does not include lumper fees and pay for unloading that has been done myself.

I can not really give you my opinion yet as I still have that company driver mentality still, but so far it is the best move I have made. I will say that it is not for everyone. It's hard work and you have to be ready for it, both physically and mentally.

I will tell you you if you can't handle stress, don't do it. If you are afraid of change, don't do it. If you do not have any sort of backing, don't do it. I have been fortunate enough to have a few friends who are owner ops with their own authority and have been able to get very good paying loads with no problem.

Do not jump in expecting to get rich and do not jump in with out any sort of backing or any kind of connections. I have been lucky enough to have both. Jump in to expect the same money you are making now or even less. At least for the first year.

Right now is a dangerous time. A lot of big companies are going out of business but if the O/O are smart they can survive. The friend I am leased on to has been in business for 22 years and the other friend has been in business for 18, running 3 trucks. Both make very well livings. The friend I am leased to had grossed $250,000 the last 3 years by himself and projected to make $262,000 this year.

My advice, if you don't have the backing and the contacts, do NOT do it. If you have to lease a truck, do NOT do it. If you can not figure out a way to live for at lest 2 months without income, do NOT do it. And make sure you have good credit, because if you don't you will get f(%ked.

It is not as easy as most if not all think. You don't just call up a shipper and say I want to haul your freight. I am fortunate enough to have people to keep me sane & who have good, established accounts with both shippers and brokers.

That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth. Oh and buy a truck with your wallet, not with your coolness (if that makes sense). You can make the same money with a cheaper less cool truck as you can with a cool truck. My dream truck is a KW900 studio but I bought a Mack cx613. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

I do it because I want to drive trucks, screw broads, and get money, just like Hawkjr.

 

As soon as I saw the question that was going to be my answer. Then I scrolled down :sad:

 

I do it because I like to be in charge of my own destiny

 

Destiny called. She said you aren't in charge because you're still gonna die. Change that toughguy.

 

I was on unemployment, and buddy of mine, who was too, convinced me, that we could make a great deal of money. Cause everybody else does....
:lol: :wink:

 

My first week as a O/O

Truck shut off going up the mountain on I15 going into California. Got towed to the Cummins shop in Las Vegas $900. They replaced the oil thermostat $47 for part and $500 labor. Had to stay in hotel in Vegas for 2 nights while waiting to get truck fixed.

Got load unloaded and reloaded and was heading out of California and AC quit. Drove the rest of the day with the temp in the cab at 109 degrees. Found a shop the next morning to look at it. Replaced the compressor and recharged the system. Total bill $800

Truck ran great all the way home. I got to the last turn before I was home and the truck wouldn't downshift. Stopped at the stop sign and it went into neautral and wouldn't shift into gear. (Freedomline Auto) Towed it to the Peterbilt dealer this morning $400

My net off the loads was $2300 and I spent $2700+ so far on truck.

If you don't have cash for repairs don't even think about buying a truck.

 

You gotta be quick on the draw. It helps if you have plenty of time on your hands because you aren't driving trucks, screwing broads, or getting money. :lol: