How long before jumping to Owner Operator

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Zanadu, Feb 25, 2021.

  1. Zanadu

    Zanadu Bobtail Member

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    How long do you guys recommend being a company driver before jumping into becoming an owner operator?
     
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  3. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Depends on the person. Some people can go right into O/O and be very successful, others will suck. Need to learn how to manage a lot of things, money, time, stress. Again some people are fast learners some aren't. Being an O/O isn't all sunshine and roses
     
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  4. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

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    No, but seriously..........

    Might wanna work on getting a CDL first.

    Just "spitballing", here.

    Then learn the business of trucking.
    Start thinking about where you'd buy fuel if you weren't handed a "fuel solution" with every load.

    How will you find your way when dispatch isn't sending you directions?

    Pay attention to the freight lanes. Notice the loads that pay well.

    "Every time I deliver to that little plant in New Mexico, they always deadhead me to Kansas City. I wonder why?"

    Read the O/O threads, it's all been said overandoverandover........

    Type the title of this thread into the search box. I'll bet at least a dozen more come up.

    Full disclosure, I am not now, nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be, an owner/operator.

    One thing I'll tell you, no one ever mentions........

    Get to know the mechanics at your company shop. Bring them a box of donuts, ask questions, learn how the parts of your truck go together.

    Then, find out how much the parts cost.
    Or look on line under "truck parts".

    Price out alternators, starters, fuel pumps, batteries, fairings, etc.

    As an o/o, you'll be paying for it.


    So for the luvva Mike, just go get your CDL first.
     
  5. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    This is NOT a time thing

    It IS a financial situation and a very good understanding of how to run a business. Especially a truck

    Many think they are O/O’s because they have a lease thingy

    NOPE!!!
     
  6. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    Never for me. Owning a truck is not for everyone. It is a cut throat business. You can lose everything you ever worked for.
     
  7. Zanadu

    Zanadu Bobtail Member

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    You are 100% correct that getting the CDL and experience first is the plan. I only asked because for most of my life I have been self employed so was just curious what the typical timeline is. I have much to learn before but I always ask questions well in advance. Even if I decide not to go the owner operator route it is still good info to learn.
     
  8. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    My first company job when we delivered to Denver CO. They would deadhead us all the way to like liberal Kansas. When I had my own truck now I see why. Denver is empty hole on freight rates.

    Look and see how the company runs their trucks and you can see how they make money. Like they don't go to Florida very much. Because no freight coming out. You have to make your money going into florida or denver colorado.
     
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  9. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    There is no math available to answer your question
    Some people shouldn’t be home owners
    Some shouldn’t have kids
    Some shouldn’t be married
    And some shouldn’t own a business or run a truck

    I personally went from owning a different business to getting my own authority and truck right out of the gate
    Difference was I still owned my previous business so $$ wasn’t a necessity, I mean it was as I don’t work for free but if for some reason I sucked salt to get going it wasn’t a stress issue and I paid cash for my first truck with funds available for rainy days
    That was In 2008/9

    It will be different math and situations for each and every person

    Some don’t have extra cash. Others no business sense and those are two pretty important things to have
     
  10. Zanadu

    Zanadu Bobtail Member

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    No disagreement with you, just looking to learn what I can.
     
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