2yrs No violations No accidents what's next

What's that, like 32 CPM. Think about it like that (cents per mile) and look for dedicated account gigs that pay more. Honestly, though, it's a trade off. More home time almost always means less pay. Not always but the gigs that do offer really good pay and home a lot are pretty rare and there's usually a waiting list. If you are a good business person and have the liquid capital to invest and maintain while cash flow gets going and you develop the necessary business skills particular to this industry I'd suggest going for the O/O route. Given your degree I don't have to preach the business aspect - you probably already know but do consider that an operating ratio of something in the 90's is considered really good in this industry. It's just high daily operational expense so reserve capital is an absolute MUST. Think about 100 gallons of fuel a day at pump/ credit price. It's totally doable and in the end a really good O/O can make fairly better than a company driver IF (biggest two letter word in the dictionary) they are a good business person. The advantages are you are your own boss so you decide where to go, when and all that. The gross numbers are a lot bigger so that can help with personal cash flow if you know how to manage things and there are a lot of great tax breaks. The disadvantages are that you don't own the truck. It owns you. Do it wrong and it's your signature on the line of a huge note that if you default on can sink you into bankruptcy court real fast and drag a bunch of stuff you worked real hard for to the county courthouse lawn for auction. It's a big risk so your personal appetite for risk plays a big part in your return on your investment.

Either way I congratulate you on your driving record - keep up the great work there and best of luck no matter what you decide to do.

 

Hazmat/tanker you can take home over a grand a week, not gross.

 

UPS would probably be the highest paying local but from what I understand you have to work your way up to a tractor trailer with them from their delivery trucks(which Im sure they make good money themselves). Averitt Express has local and dedicated and they pay pretty good and have 2 terminals in Atlanta Metro (one on the west side and one on the north side). Theres probably several more Im forgetting but theres a lot around Atlanta to choose from.

 

Yellow Freight, ABF, R.L. Gator, Southeastern freight Lines, Central Freight, Conway all have local and dedicated and pay pretty good. You mentioned you have a degree in Accounting and Finance, All of these companies Ive mentioned have opportunities for advancement so if you ever wanted to use your degree, you could probably work your way into something with them.

 

Have you thought about hauling gasoline/ fuels etc. you can make good money too, home every night/ day. You just have to explore the Atlanta market. See if it will work for you.

 

All good posts ^^^^^. My question is , do you mind some hands-on labor. If not check out the food service side of the industry. Great money/benefits to be had in it. Home most nights , have a 3 to 4 day work-week (12 to 16 days a month ) . With that record , and the 2 years experience you'll be a shoe-in for most really good job opportunities that come available to you.

 

I'm surely no expert on being an O/O....never been one. But I'm betting that $10k , should be tripled before you make that "leap"....If you buy new....you'll also need fairly deep pockets too , if you decide to pay cash....6 figures deep.......

 

I am totally NOT trying to bust your bubble in any way but if I didn't have $20K liquid or at least $10K liquid with another $10K I could collateralize without asset purchase debt - I wouldn't do it. Maintenance escrow usually runs in the $25K range alone and you can't tap escrow in most cases. Some maybe, but not most. Undercapitalization is the biggest killer of most O/O's.

Not saying it can't be done and many have. Dream realization potential is proportional to the amount of blood sweat and tears you are willing to shed to fulfill it. I mean all three literally. Life is a trade off between time (physical work) and money. Give me enough time and money and I'll build you a ladder to the moon. Lacking full bank of both and you'll get a ladder that might reach the roof of the house, a high tree limb or maybe the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet. All depends on what's where and what you have to get there and most importantly;

You're determination, perseverance, resilience (sheiz WILL happen - hence reserve capital) and diligence pursuit to get there is what gets you where you want to be in life - or not.

What is lacing in capital will have to be made up with busted knuckles turning wrenches and fingerprinting freight.

I've heard China preach Hazmat Tanker so much I'm actually considering it myself. Just an idea.