CBT, I know about the buyer beware. A very good friend of mine buys and sells used trailers and the price reflects kind of a start-up "gift" from one VERY sucessful trucker to a good friend. I haven't yet priced the liability, motor cargo, work comp., etc. (I still have yet to fully understand all of the business end) yet, as I am in the process of gathering all of my information and forming my plan. I plan on continuing on with my current company to try and gain more experience and learn more of the paperwork aspect of it. One thing I never do is dive in headfirst without knowing how deep the pool is. I appreciate your willingness to help and will definitely bounce some ideas off you and pick your brain in the future. For now, back on the road. Got a load to Detroit then a backhaul out of Valpariso. Thanks again.

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2007 Kenworth T600 - 475 C15, 10 sp. (Company Truck )
2004 Chevy Cavalier - 2.2 5 sp. (My 4 wheeler )
1993 Chevy Suburban - 5.7 Auto (G/F 4 wheeler )

"Anyone who would trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both and deserve neither!" - Thomas Jefferson

Nightwind, What do you mean by cut throat business? When people start talking about screwing someone else or the negatives of a business venture it sure would be helpfull to know specifics about your experience becuase you sound like you have knowledge that we could all learn from.
Thanks..

Well it's pretty simple. Trucking companies survive on moving freight, the more freight they have the more money they make. They have sales people out every day calling on major manufacturers as well as the Mom and Pop companies that may only have one load a month. Each company tries to find out who the other companies clients are and what the other company is getting from a customer as far as rates so they can under cut that rate. Each company has something different to offer the shippers and receivers as far as service. Back in the 70's in order to get in trucking you had to either be part of an existing company or buy an existing companies hauling rights.
Look at trucking like Wal-Marts compared to Kmarts or some local store. Every customer is looking for the best at the least price. It's all about dollars and cents. The mega fleets got to where they are by out pricing and out servicing the other companies. The Owner Operator can't provide the same services as a bigger company because their expenses are more simply because they don't have the buying power that the larger ones do.

You have VERY ROUGH IDEA of the freight industry, AT BEST. If you believe that shippers and brokers go SOULEY on the best rate, well then my friend then you or someone you know=w are cutting your own throats!!!
I can direct to at least 3 local companies consisting of no more than 3 trucks who garner a rate that would make a large trucking outfit turn green with envy!! Bigger is NOT better! This is where as an O/O you should KNOW your freight lanes!!! And, please drop the "conditioned" attitude at he drivers door!
Just to prove a point, I just recently booked 3 loads for one truck at a rate of $2850 per thousand miles ( reefer for 1 and dry for 2 based on 525mile one way) received contract. These same loads where then offered to an O/O running under my authority for $1200 per load.(by the way this was with him calling on his own to find a load, with a "need something to run" mentality & attitude) Basically what I am getting at is... Go about this in a certain manner and you can/ will get a damned good rate., Know your lanes. Know the freight volume in your lanes. Know the truck volume in your lanes. and React!!! Accordingly!! Leave the .88cpm to 1.15pm for the wannabes and large companies. (I can assure you the big companies are not going to touch the 1.15 pm rate or less!!! just look at the dots avg operating cost based on the big companies. Their avg op costs are hovering around $1.45pm, so where in the world do you think that less than a dollar #### fits in????????
Be smart!!! Knowledge is power!!!!!! Dint believe me? Check my friend out.

My reply if you had taken the time to read it, was in response to this post by Sunnyside which I have inserted here.

Frankly Carolina_Beaver_Teaser, I'm not impressed by your knowledge or manners and I don't think anyone else here is either. We try to help each other not criticize or be rude to each other. This site is all about helping people not making points.
Please if you will, tell us how long YOU'VE been in the trucking industry and what your experience is. According to your profile you say you are an O/O and a broker. The BROKER part explains your attitude. If at any time, you have a problem with any of my posts by all means contact the staff. BTW that was a cheap shot at posting a link to some brokers site. Thanks go to the staff for removing it.

ok everyone, I'll try to make this short as possible. Started driving in 1982,by 1987 was an o/o. Then in 1995 to 1999 drove entertainment bus (stagecoach) In the winter of 1999 I was fortunate to land a job with Chrysler corp. working as a fork lift driver. But I think this job is gonna be gone for me with a possible buyout, (I know it's a joke, buyouts, good pay, but we won't go there now) So anyway I'm thinking about getting back into trucking as an o/o. but I've been out for a while and not many companies will hire me. I can go work at a friends company but not sure I want to do that, I like ranger landstar drove for them with my first truck but don't think they will take me.
Anyone have any recommendations or should I stay away from owner op period,

You'll have to do what ever it takes to get your experience back and then you'll be able to go back to Landstar.

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My rule is: Never work for friends or have them work for you or with you, it's a fast way to end the relationship.
Same applies to family.
You'll have to get some experience and how you do that its your business. I'd try the state, county or a company that has their own private fleet. You could go through driving school, some offer a refresher course for a nominal fee.
I won't say that it's a bad idea to work for an owner operator. Just remember that some don't have benefits, workers comp, they won't take taxes out and if they have a major expense you'll be the last one paid. You'll have to decide if they have a break down if you'll get paid.
Use the FMCSA to look them up and get as much info as you can. It won't be much but it will tell you their safety record, insurance types and coverages, how long they've been in business and if their authority has ever been suspended. If it has that's a red flag to me and I'd be asking why.
Good Luck

The information you provided is extremely helpful, but what do you think about a first time O/O signing up with one of the major trucking companies as a lease/purchase; will the whole process be just as involved or do these companies offer as much help as they advertise.

Nightwind; Thanks for the info,but since our last post, I found a small company in ohio that runs where I like to run The pay isn't the best but their o/ops I talked to seemed happy there and they stay loaded. Went to talk to recruitment and I was upfront with them (always the best thing to do by the way) and I told them my situation and they want to hire me when I get a buyout with Chrysler and get a truck ! Happy Trails! Showoff