Why is it so hard to make money as a independent?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by jonjon_jon, Aug 31, 2014.

  1. Victor_V

    Victor_V Road Train Member

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    Every O/O who says, "What ever you do, don't buy a truck."

    Of course, then they start in on what truck you ought to buy if you're gonna...
     
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  3. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    I dunno either,.. Trump has gone from Billionaire to broke and back to Billionaire 3 times that I am aware of. Like him or not,.. gotta have some respect for a guy who knows how to make a buck.

    The only lid for how much I can keep is 100%. So the more I can keep the happier I am. I refuse to be humble in this business. I'm here to make money, not pay for the privilege.

    Hurst
     
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  4. SMOKENCHOKE

    SMOKENCHOKE Light Load Member

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    Ha ha ha LMAO ....HILARIOUS....I love this site....lol didn't know lot lizards had a MAINTENANCE FUND!
     
  5. *Five-0*

    *Five-0* Light Load Member

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    I've seen a few that clearly DON'T have a maintenance fund. :sign11:
     
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  6. freightwipper

    freightwipper Road Train Member

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    that's what happens when you sit on many loads :biggrin_25522:
     
  7. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    I remember many conversations like this. And if you care to spend any time listening to them talk about the business you will likely hear about all the ways that people are cheating them. Most of those ways are in their mind (broker keeps FSC, people don't pay on time, the Mega undercut my rate) and they never discuss (or understand) real business issues. They are a driver that bought a job.

    Now, talk to a business person that also drives a truck and see what they say.
     
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  8. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    skinny, pretty good except for the buying fuel part. the fuel part sounds like a guy fairly new who is looking at things from a week to week basis, on how much fuel money he keeps in his pocket each week and buying a bare minimum of fuel for each week or trip.

    when you start planning by the month or the quarter, you will buy fuel and fill up where its most optimum for you depending on your circumstance. you are going to use fuel whether on this load or the next, but it where it is best for you, not how how much you clear this week.

    get that figured out and you will have a great handle on things.
     
  9. YukonCornelius Ag Au

    YukonCornelius Ag Au Bobtail Member

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    I met a man who wants to get rolling again but has no $$$ to move his rig or a trailor to pull. I have ability to capitalze him. But there is a lot of risk involved. Would it be best to have him lease on to my newly formed company or pay him as company driver and pay him for his rig? any suggestions? Thoughts? Ideas?
     
  10. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Too much risk. In your shoes I'd pass up on that.
     
  11. YukonCornelius Ag Au

    YukonCornelius Ag Au Bobtail Member

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    rollin. i appreciate ur response, but why wouldyou pass? If you could basically be O/O with a placed driver why would you pass. I ask with all respect because on simple side it looks alright. put up money get authority plates etc then add a couple more O/O and make a small trucking firm. looking for more elaboration if you could.
     
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