What exactly is the stuff you want to learn before becoming o/o?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by elamigowapo, Apr 17, 2019.

  1. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    So, if you make $5000 1 week, $7000 the next week, you'd go home the third week. Sounds like a plan.
     
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  3. elamigowapo

    elamigowapo Light Load Member

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    Obviously not!
     
  4. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    You'll control your time...? Your truck will control your time, ALL the time. Never, never, ever think you're 'ahead'. Always budget both your time and money. Learn mechanical stuffs and buy lotsa tools (tax deductible tools ). Jump in with both feet, half-assing anything is bad for your wallet. As an O/O, never take more than 34hrs as time off unless you have 2mos of bills in the bank, (trucking is full of unexpected expenses). Be ready and willing to get dirty. Be humble enough to admit you don't have all the answers but proud enough to find (at least) some of them for yourself.
     
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  5. elamigowapo

    elamigowapo Light Load Member

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    Thank you
     
  6. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

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    You need:
    1. Driving skills. You need to know what your doing and have enough experience to get insurance at a decent rate. From what I have read you’ll need a good 2 years as a commercial driver with a great driving record.
    2. A good accountant to help you set up your business and handle payroll, tax withholding, etc.
    3. A good truck that is a good fit for your operation.
    4. Cash reserves for emergencies.
    5. Decent paying freight.
    6. A good work ethic.
     
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  7. dispatcher69

    dispatcher69 Bobtail Member

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    i have seen to many of my companies drivers run out after buying a 'nice' 'cheap' truck that needs 'some' work. Do not skimp on the sale of your truck and trailer. i would even call out a tech to run diagnostics and give the clutch and other important features a look before purchasing your next truck . alot of people buy older trucks PRE DPF system thinking its a fantastic way to bypass the bog of modern emissions . but neglect to factor in the age and wear of fuel injectors plus transmission issue depending on model.
     
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  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Midnight has summarized a lot of what's being said here in a very good and concise. BUT as I said in my last post, the work isn't as important as the other things. Those things are very important, especially number 1, without the experience in the seat, it is hard to sell yourself to even a carrier. Once you lease with a carrier as an owner, they will provide the work for you until you move onto a carrier that allows you to find the work.

    I don't have anything going with Mercer but I do know some who went there and "graduated" to Landstar to make good coin. I would think about getting into any company for a year or two, then start planning on what your next move is after year three or four with LS being a goal, they are close to being independent.
     
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  9. elamigowapo

    elamigowapo Light Load Member

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    Hey man what’s your take on trucks becoming automated soon, I’m afraid I might of gotten in to the right industry at the wrong time. I hear within 10 years they won’t need us? Will automated trucks affect o/o’s?
     
  10. Snow Monster

    Snow Monster Medium Load Member

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    Put in five years and get as much experience and learn as much as you can before you become an O/O, get to know the industry, make some miles and put some cash away to start your business.
    Become mechanically inclined, develop a safety minded attitude and an eye for details, hang around with seasoned owner operators and learn from them, hone your driving skills, pull reefers, decks, trains and anything else you can, experience is key to success, the more you know the less likely you are to fail.
    If you don't know how to cook the books or you're too busy working and maintaining your operation, hire a good accountant.

    Happy trucking.
     
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  11. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    That would be what is called a pipe dream. There will always be a need for drivers.
     
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