Grouchy too!

Actually, if one is smart about how they operate (with a bit of luck as well - but doesn't everyone need that?) you can make a good living as an l/o at Prime. I know enough folks who are l/o's who are making good money (better than company types) that this isn't the "revolving door" that those of you on the outside paint it to be. Since none of the naysayers here actually have been Prime l/o's (not to be disrespectiful, but this is how I see it) all you guys are doing is blowing smoke - and you know it.

Granted, with lower payments that purchasing a truck brings, an o/o's potential profit is larger, albeit at greater risk. Plus, for a newb, jumping right into the game as an o/o is quite an added risk.

Personally, I don't see it as being right for me - just as you don't see it as being right for yourself. That's fine. Being a l/o anywhere has it's risks, as does being an o/o. I've talked to a lot of o/o's who agree that starting as a company driver makes good sense, and they also agree that some experience as an l/o isn't a bad idea either before owning. Leasing a truck doesn't have to be an end-all approach to the trucking business.

Just out of curiosity, how successful are the solo operators at this time? Are they still getting good miles, good enough to turn a decent profit?

I'm not putting down being an L/O at all and hope I'm not coming across as I am. As you pointed out I have never done it and have only limited information to look at.

To the contrary I would like to see the person who said "The Math Gets Done" show me the other side of the equation. So far I only have half of the math. (other than the fact he can purchase a truck for less than 100k)

I think the abaility to walk away if it isn't working out is a huge benefit. How much is that worth? You can't do that as an owner.

Like the person with the wise Penske plan said it doesn't cost him anything to have that plan but it sure does as soon as he needs it. The more often he needs it the more it costs. Now you're making a truck payment and a rental payment. That's gotta hurt. Especially if the truck is down often or a long length of time.

My plan if I get hired is to go company for at least a year and most likely more. I won't entertain running my own business again until I know that business inside and out.

L/O or O/O you gotta be nuts at this stage of the game to wanna even consider that option.

I suppose it would be good if you had nothing in your life and just took to the road.Live on the highway...Kinda like people living on the water..

But if ya got mortgages,kids,a wife,cars,friends,hobbies and something home that resembles a life then NO WAY...

People will tell you alot on here that ''it's the way to go'' ''i am making the big money''....It's all b/s...

The guy who is making the ''big money'' is the person who hauls ''direct'' for his or her own customers...Anything else is just ''getting bye''

Also we have to consider a very good question?what do you consider ''good money''...Start there...What do you need to have to live ''your lifestyle''

How many trucks do I need to replace my $118k a year pharmacist's salary? If anyone can answer that I'd appreciate it!

1 will do it....lmao

What is a pharmacist doing reading trucking boards in there spare time? LOL, I know a couple drivers who are now truck drivers and I met a retired airline pilot who now drives truck. I'm just curious on your story. Did you drive before or interested?

OTR may not be for you. I certainly don't like being separated from my family. But I have to support them. And since a certain administration decided (without my input) that my career was "a tradable commodity" it's the best option I had - beats the #### out of retail, and I'm sure glad at this point I didn't get pulled into the mortgage rat-trap.

First, Prime pays l/o's and o/o's on a percentage of linehaul revenue, and 100% fuel surcharge. For them it's not the miles. That being said, there are a lot of solo's struggling right now. I know a number who have gone to training or teaming to suppliment their income. That's a reflection of the economy, not whether l/o or o/o is superior. In a good economy you can make money with either. And if you look around, any o/o who is boasting about how much money they're making right now is full of it!

On the company side, we're doing okay right now. Being kept loaded, and making our miles. Okay is not great, but that's better than a lot of others.