Going O/O Any info on Blair, TN Steel Haulers, or Mercer? I want flat bed

I am looking to sign on to Blair. I've been driving as a company driver for 16 years and ready to take the plunged. I guess I'm tired of being told when I can come home and how long I can stay. I know all the responsibilities that goes into being a O/O, and with my management/organizational training I had I'm ready for the challenge. I have to ask tho, to those who are now with them, or other wise, those with the knowledge. Should I lease their truck and trailer or buy my own first. I thought I would try leasing one of their trucks first for the 90 days before I make the decision. I like to think I would buy my truck as I get on board with them, but it might be wiser to leased on of theirs first. Any suggestions for me? As of now i am employed with a local company hauling eastern region, home every weekend. But I have a daughter in Houston I like to visit with a load to that area. I'm am on short term disability due to shoulder surgery, so I have time to search for that one special truck. Love to hear more about this company then what the recruiter will tell me. Thx.

 

Thank you. I did call and spoke with Gary Wagner, so far I like what I heard. And I am seeking a truck. I am trying not to get over my head but I would like to get a truck that has lesser then 500,000 miles with warranty, but I am concerned about the payment and if I'll be busy enough to make payments all all the other that is required and still brig home enough dough that'll make i all worth the debt. I like a Pet 379, or a kW W900. I'll consider a Freightliner Coronado. I've driver Volvo's and Freightliners for the past 16 years. I believe my best deal is to have a Detroit motor with at least 465 HP. The story I sold my wife the story that I'll bring home more money and have the option to when I can come home and if the revenue is up, I can stay home longer at times. I am tired of working for someone who tells me where I must go and when I can come home. As you know working as a company driver home time is like pulling teeth from a tigers mouth. I have no problem being out 2 weeks or more, I actually love it. But I have a large piece of property that I must maintain at home, coming home for a 2 day weekend I can not get the things dome and still have time with the family. All kids are grown and gone, but I have grand kids in TX, witch is one of the reasons I need to work for myself. Thanks for any input you got for me about the type of truck I need to get started with. God Speed

 

Yea, I thought that was high, I spoke with a O/O for Blair, and a recruiter. Payment of 400 to 450 a wk on a 2005 to 2010, and depending on mil. I rather purchase one on my own.

 

Thanks spyder7723, I like what you said and I kinda knew that should be the path to my success, purchasing a cheaper but reliable truck just to get started. yes, I know there will be some difficult lessons to learn which might be costly. O the other hand, I've been under the leadership and professionals as yourself. thanks.

 

'm going to take your advise and find me a used Columbia, any suggestions as to where I can get one from a fleet with good records?