Who’s in and who’s out?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Midwest Trucker, Jul 21, 2025.

What’s your status?

  1. Had my authority and I still do.

    33 vote(s)
    34.7%
  2. Had my authority and no longer do.

    4 vote(s)
    4.2%
  3. Leased on and still do.

    17 vote(s)
    17.9%
  4. Leased on and no longer do.

    2 vote(s)
    2.1%
  5. Had my authority and now lease on.

    1 vote(s)
    1.1%
  6. Was leased on but now have my own authority.

    3 vote(s)
    3.2%
  7. Had authority or leased on but now company drive.

    5 vote(s)
    5.3%
  8. I’m a company driver and wish to remain so.

    23 vote(s)
    24.2%
  9. I’m a company driver but hope to own my own truck.

    2 vote(s)
    2.1%
  10. None of the above but I’ll explain.

    5 vote(s)
    5.3%
  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Appalachia
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    If I were younger or if I could learn to haul heavy equipment or cars on someone else's dime that's what I would start doing tomorrow. I've said for years that if the spot market dries up bad enough that's what I'll do. It hasn't happened yet.
     
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  3. sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

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    1,361
    Dec 1, 2013
    Kootenays, British Columbia
    0
    Well said :cool:
     
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  4. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    It took my first couple years to figure that out. And it was a hard expensive lesson.
     
  5. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    It’s not all roses and sunshine. The pay is bigger, but so are the bills.
     
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  6. sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

    461
    1,361
    Dec 1, 2013
    Kootenays, British Columbia
    0
    I live in a forestry heavy region and thats kinda how I feel about logging. I wish I learned it on someone elses dime earlier on. Too little too late for me now, at least as an o/o. If my regional roll-tite deal takes a crap, Ill sell my equipment, close up shop, and go learn how to haul logs in a company truck. Or, run equipment. Or, put a driver in my truck to do whatever and quietly dispatch it from my phone in a mill pickup while staring at something for $35/hr to make sure it doesnt catch fire :D
     
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  7. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    I’d like to get a forestry mulcher and clear power lines for the power company. Spending all day grinding up trees sounds relaxing
     
  8. sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

    461
    1,361
    Dec 1, 2013
    Kootenays, British Columbia
    0
    Absolutely! Call me crazy, but ill bet that nets a guy more than a o/o whos miserable, chasing lousy freight and wont adapt a way out.

    What I've learned is those who are ultimately successful in trucking focus on today while being mindful of tomorrow, and that the guys who think in a box, stay in a box. No sense #####ing about rates or broker carrier imbalance. If it isn't working, take action. Move on, carry on.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2025 at 8:18 PM
  9. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    a bobcat mounted drum mulcher starts at $175 and hour. So I’d say so
     
  10. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Road Train Member

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    Jan 8, 2021
    Indiana
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    Freind of mine did that for a while. It’s good money, but beats equipment up super quick. He said he could really feel it in his back by the end of every day too.
     
  11. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    May 17, 2024
    0
    Trucking ain’t exactly easy on a back either
     
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