Start a Hotshot or Semi O/O Biz?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by sventvkg, Jul 17, 2020.

  1. sventvkg

    sventvkg Light Load Member

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    I have been researching my butt off and there are pros and cons but all things being equal at the end of the day which one would you start? I know guys who do well with both but what's better in this economic climate? Small and nimble or bigger?
     
    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    In this economic climate, if you have a steady job, keep it.
     
  4. sventvkg

    sventvkg Light Load Member

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    I do not. I have always worked for myself and my business has been deemed "non essential" I figure people will always need essentials delivered. I'm not much for working for ANYONE else.
     
  5. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Have u seen the rates for partials
     
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  6. sventvkg

    sventvkg Light Load Member

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    Yea, looks bad! Enclosed high end auto transport appeals to me.
     
  7. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    If you dont have experience. Do not mention auto transport to insurance company till your established a few years. They get weird and expensive about hauling cars.

    Get a few years in working for someone in the line of trucking you think you like. As a employee you can afford to change jobs. As a owner, it's a very risky switch to a new market.
     
    tommymonza, roshea, Svmuel and 3 others Thank this.
  8. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    Find high end auto dealers, collectors, buyers etc. Find a special area that you can service better than anyone else. Having business experience is more beneficial than anything. You may have contacts that may help you. Example I met a guy who was in HVAC for a long time. Somehow he went out of business. He had a pickup and a tag-a-long trailer and went to his former competitors offering his services to move their product. He already knew shippers and knew the rates they were paying. I do not know how it worked out for him as I met him at a pickup location in Atlanta. Now he was loaded only one way and I told him about the load board. Hopefully helped him.
     
  9. sventvkg

    sventvkg Light Load Member

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    I don't think I can take the financial hit. It's just not enough money starting out working for someone else and again I'm just not used to it. I have the means to buy my own rig and equipment. That's why I was hoping a happy medium would be to lease on in the beginning.
     
    Lite bug Thanks this.
  10. Mid-May Trucker

    Mid-May Trucker Road Train Member

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    Cdl a Hotshot with no debt
     
  11. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    Yes you can earn while you learn. Most people who inquire like you did have no clue. Try to find a company who has their own freight and possibly brokers authority. Not one of the Big Boys but a smaller company who has been in business a while. IMO you will be able to learn more. Also read the broker section on this forum. You can learn negotiating skills from a o/o position. Read the different sections as they all have something to offer.
     
    sventvkg Thanks this.
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