Is being an Owner Operator worth it?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Randy0980, Aug 29, 2016.

  1. Randy0980

    Randy0980 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2016
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    After everything taken out, is it worth doing it? Or is it better to just be a company driver?
     
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  3. DezTrucking

    DezTrucking Light Load Member

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    Aug 29, 2016
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    Really depends on what your business plan and goals are?
     
  4. CruisingAlong

    CruisingAlong Medium Load Member

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    Much much better being an owner operator as long as you have good cash flow to handle the abs and flows without stress.

    I own pre-2006 trucks and knock on wood, they've been very reliable money making machines.
     
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  5. CruisingAlong

    CruisingAlong Medium Load Member

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    Tampa , FL
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    If cash is tight or you're easily stressed, stay a company driver.
     
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  6. againstthewind

    againstthewind Road Train Member

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    shouldnt the question be is it worth it to be told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it,when to take a day off, when to work, when to take your vacation, where to go, and when to go home and all the meanwhile not getting paid for half of what you do anyway. ive come to the conclusion that the only thing companies do is pay the bills and make everything harder than it should be,so i guess if you cant manage your finances as a company driver then you wouldnt manage them running a business. but what do i kno im a company schlub
     
  7. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Unless your a UPS guy making 95k or a wally world driver , yes.
     
  8. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Humboldt, Sk
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    For several years as an owner op I knew several company drivers that did a lot better than I did. But over the years I have turned that around quite nicely. The bigger thing for me was always more freedom when it came to booking time off. And being able to just get things fixed when they needed to be instead of going to an approved place and waiting for people to get a p.o. taken care of.
     
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  9. Mr. Premium

    Mr. Premium Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2016
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    Cash money in your account will be a requirement to own, or a high Visa credit...

    The money? Not as much as you'd expect!

    The plus side? Nobody enters your truck but you. No longer will will you have to throw out garbage that another pig driver left in the cab.

    And no longer will your hammer or crescent wrench go missing.

    The profit margins are slim with owning... They really are.

    I pay $300/month just for parking, but it is secure... Even if I don't run the truck, parking must be paid! So does insurance...

    $20,000 if the engine blows. Have that credit.


    It's not for everyone.

    And if you're mildly retarded and cannot keep your paperwork in order for the government? Forget it...

    Revenue Agency can and will shut you down faster than any scale house can.
     
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  10. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    Getting the good paying business is the first step. Anybody can buy a truck and haul freight for $0.99/mile plus fsc.

    I'd say first and foremost, its about the lifestyle. I personally didn't like living in a truck OTR. And it take some serious business skills to get and stay profitable as a local owner operator and still have time for a life to live.
     
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  11. thejackal

    thejackal Road Train Member

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    detroit mi
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    Its barely worth it.
     
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