Has your reason changed over the years?

 

Initially, I did it to make more money. Once I started my CHR/TQLesc brokerage (as some dirtydawg calls it) I realized IT was bigger than just what I wanted. Now it's more about satisfying the customer, the drivers and the staff, and the wife and kids. Of course making money is still the bottom line. I asked this question because I meet more and more O/O's who want the money, but they dont want to satisfy the customer or be a team player (and I dont mean take a screwing....for the team). So I ask, why did you become an owner operator? And has the reason changed over the years?

 

I think that I initially got involved in this business because I enjoyed driving. My Dad always had trucks of various size. At this point I think one reason I continue is that there is less stress than some other things that I could do. With all the aggravation it still offers the opportunity to earn a decent living, although it is becoming much more challenging to do so. It was much more fun when I first started. I don't enjoy it like I once did. All the regulations and so many states that continue to see us as an endless money tree have taken much of the fun out of the business.

 

I'm looking to GET INTO becoming an O/O, because, as a recent school graduate, living on South Florida;

A - I'm finding it REAL DIFFICULT to even get an offer for hire because of my location.

B - Am really not interested in running teams, as most companies that DO hire newb's want you out with a "trainer" for an extended amount of time - and then want you to either team or lease.

C - I'm used to running my own business, keeping my own books, filing my own tax reports (in my last business, sales tax, unemployment, etc.) and don't find the record keeping requirements of running under my own authority to be "scary".

D - I want to have to opportunity to set up MY TRUCK, as MY HOME (since I'll be pretty much living on the road at least the first year or two with no "established homestead") and don't find the flexibility to install what my "personal comfort desires" require in a company vehicle.

E - I'm just a headstrong idiot who wants his CAKE and EAT IT TOO - and because of A-D above, will likely end up DOING THINGS THE HARD WAY and starting out in this industry as an O/O...

There ya have it. Those are probably the top reasons that come to mind for wanting to O/O, there are a number of more subtle, less important factors also - not worth mentioning here...

Rick

 

Wanted to since I was a kid.
I like Caterpillars.
I like trucks.
I like wrenching.
I liked driving back then. Too much traffic and ugly trucks to look at nowadays.
I like to do what I want when I want.
My toy is also my living.
Hate working for someone else.
It ain't rocket science.

 

Come on folks, I need some answers. And I have another question in another thread.

 

Honestly? I don't know...but i'm glad i did. And it's not even the money, tho i'm making some profit on top of regular wages, it's freedom to say "NO". I run on my terms, than again, you should make money, to be able to do so. In another words;- freedom gives you the money, money give you the freedom, if you got my drift.....