Coming home solder wants to know if it is still possible to Be an O/O

Hi: I am a 51 year old Kentucky Guardsman NCO coming home from Eastern Afghanistan in about 1 month. I am an experienced driver and already have a beautiful Kenworth I had bought just before we got sent here last year. I have had my Class A license, with everything, Hazmat, Passenger, etc. and am an experienced heavy equipment operator and driver. But I have not yet driven my new truck as a real Owner Operator.

I am hearing all kinds of horror stories that it is impossible now to start as an O/O. That there are no good loads, and guys are going bankrupt left and right. The big companies are pushing you out! etc....

This has been my dream while I have been over here getting shot at, rocketed, mortored, and everything but the kitchen sink thrown at me. They would throw that but they don't have indoor plumging in the mud huts here.

Is there a chance for this dream to be a reality, what is the best way to get started. Should I be looking on some of the load boards, or try to get on with a O/O company like Dart?

Any news, advice, experiences would be great to hear.

SSG BuzzlighyearKY
FOB Salerno Afghanistan (5 Miles from Pakistan)
Home town Danville Kentucky.
Truck 98 Kenworth 550HP Cat, 18 spd, 86 inch sleeper

 

First off ...... THANK YOU...... I mean that whole heartedly Staff Sergeant.

In answer to your question starting off as an owner op is very difficult. There are a lot of pitfalls to look for. Think of an owner op as going thru a hot lz. there are a lot of land mines and snipers sarge. If you are set on going that route hooking up with a company like dart etc.. would be the safest way to go about it.
Do your homework and cover your rear on all accounts. Be safe Sarge and once again from the bottom of my heart and soul THANK YOU

 

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Based on what I'm reading. You've got things under control at the moment. Payment etc etc.

If you can hold for a short while, after you get home. IE Let it sit for a few more months. You should be okay.

Last year we skimmed some of the weaker companies off. This year, we'll cut a bit deeper. Once the playing field settles. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to make a decent living.

Patience is what you need right now.

 

I too want to thank you for your service. What you guys do is ultimately the most important job of any American. Thank You!

The way I look at it is that I can't do anything about the economy. Someone else screwed that up. All I can do is make my decisions based on what circumstances face me on a daily basis. I have to be smart, not only when times are bad, but when times are good. I don't buy chicken lights, get my rims polished, rent lizzards, gamble or do anything that is going to jeopardize my family's financial well being. Again, that is not just during the bad times but the good times as well. That is how I intend to weather the storm this time, just like I did last time. Make good decisions, pick the right loads, don't throw my money away on things in the Chrome shop that will not produce income and get home to a wife who loves her trucker. I am not getting rich right now, but I am being patient and getting good loads now and then. I'm not going home much right now, but I will eventually as things start to straighten up, and it will. My opinion is get your butt home safely, spend some time with your family, get your truck ready to go and follow your dream. Be flexible, be honest, be safe.

 

Sgt.
Thank you for your service.
rag

 

Thanks for the info. My plan was basically that. Come home, be with the wife and dogs, and chill until the end of the year. Then start to drive. I guess I need to do research before I start taking loads, as the old days of getting them from my brother who was a broker are gone. He bailed when fuel sky rocketed. But at least I know it is still possible to make my dream.

 

Good plan there sarge, Get home safely Thanks again

 

1st of all TAHNK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY and we look forward to your homecoming. just hang in there and the rates will come back up soon, Our hats off to you. Just come home safe

 

first of all thanks too for your service. I'm canadian an it ain't just the us your fightin for. Your out there helpin us all. Like all have said get your ### home safe an take your time an hook up with a company that will promise you enough to cover the bills for now an be picky when time gets better

 

I posted some pic's for ya all, if you would like to see what I do over here!
Check out my Album in my profile area.