Happier as a O/O or company driver

I am definitely happier as an o/o, among other things the most prevalent one is that I don't have to take commands from anyone. Nobody will tell me; go here, go there, do this, do that. Except my wife, of course.

 

plus you had taxes taking out from the start. these 1099ers thank they have it figured out. I'll just pay it at the end of the year.

 

This is proven knowledge in black and white.

Some people who know nothing about owning a truck will fast find out what starving is. Than need to pay taxes when you pockets are empty. First rule with owning a truck is the truck comes first. And time off means caring for the truck. Many marriages have ended for that reason.

 

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Meant to say. Have known people into the IRS for over 20000.00. Making payments + paying tax on what they are earning at the present time. It is a hard deep hole to dig out of. Owner ops and the 1099 club.

 

What taxes? A business losing money in the red doesn't have to pay taxes, our P.O.T.U.S. knows this quite well.

 

What makes YOU happier is a better question. I’ve met owner ops who hate trucks n trucking. They're not happy. I’ve met company drivers that can’t even get home on a certain day planned months in advance. They're not happy. Both paths can be lucrative and both paths come with a set of sacrifices.

I’ve met owner ops with a ton of money saved up, I’ve met company drivers with big chunks of cash saved up. I’ve met both owner ops and company drivers living pay check to paycheck. It’s all a matter of perspective and what satisfies you and what you consider valuable.

If you consider time valuable then making less as an owner op but being home 10 to 70% more might completely float your boat. If your in it solely for the money then you might find happiness in either route. Being a company driver will guarantee income, less risk. Being a carrier or owner op can put you in a position to make more in one week than W2 workers make in a month (sometimes 2 months),,, DEPENDING on how you learn your craft / business.

But bottom line is; nobody tends to be “happy” when they’re broke on cash. Be it an owner op or be it a company W2 driver. So to get a better handle on your question, seek out successfull and consistent influences from both sides. Because those guys will both be happy. Then it’s up to you to decide which one can line up with what you consider valuable.

 

I'm curious what you base this claim on as far as note/depreciation goes.

I will never understand. Trucking is a long term business. California and EPA have determined everyone should keep their equipment current. Current trucks are costly. $160k is not out of reason for a new truck. So to my way of thinking, if you don't budget for a 5 year payment on say $150k, and still make money and salary, then somewhere you're leaving money on the table.

But too many guys are claiming they're making great "profit" while not factoring in the ability to replace equipment with new every 5 years with cash.

 

Happier being able to call my own shots and do what I want. Work at my own pace and being able to sleep when ever I want.

Never liked being forced to chase endless miles and run at what ever pace a company dictated. I like my sleep and I like being home for more than a couple days at a time and getting home when I want to be home.

Hurst

 

You must be making good money as a company driver. As an O/O I make about 4 times what I did as accompany driver after all the expenses. And yes I do put away fo the next truck have a Roth IRA, and a savings account.