Thinking I might need to go back to OTR

Maybe that's why it's cheap. Still, sometimes we do what we have to do.

 

The main broker I work with will only accept A rated. I picked up some beef in Houston and they included their invoice with the bill. I got a shock at the wholesale price five pallets was nearly half of my cargo insurance.

 

Noble, and something that has to be done at times.

Having the ability to step into the role speaks to your position.

Many others can only offer “Well, I wasn’t in a position to help when Dad got sick”.

 

I’m sorry. However , I get upset every time I read someone asking if there is a good company to lease for . I ask myself... come guys don’t you read that there are a lots of people saying that they were screwed by those companies. Those companies are taking advantage of them left and right . Those “o/o end up returning their trucks.
I guess , that is the reason I answered the way I did . I’m sorry if I was harsh .
Take care and good luck bro.

 

I am familiar with the OP's history, glad to see him back. I have been an owner operator continuously for 43 years. It would be prudent to keep in mind changes in the last 10 years that have had outsized impacts on the industry. 3 in particular are listed:
1. The owner operator model of yore usually involved buying a used tractor, leasing to an established company. That has changed, new DOT numbers are issued at the rate of 134 a day, approx 34,000 per year. That influx, combined with rate information on the internet has made the marketplace extremely competitive, with many participants willing to haul for revenue unheard of just 5 years ago.
2. The used tractors available to you are much more complex than what you may have experienced the last time you were in the industry. Maintenance costs are likely to be a much larger portion of your budget. The single most common repossession now takes place while the truck is in the repair bay, owner unable to pay the bill and just tosses the keys to the finance company and walks away.
3. The additional regulatory burdens(ELD's, CSA scores etc) are having an effect. Parking of course in almost a crisis in many markets.
Can you make it? Yes. Are the returns going to be what you expect? Probably not. If you have some things going for you, mechanical ability, relative financial security(low or no truck payment) and a good location in the country for freight lanes, or don't care if you stay out for long periods of time these are 3 important variables. In my experience finding a good company is a crapshoot. You have to stay with them at least a year to find out if it was a good move, and that could change instantly. Just ask any Celadon driver.

 

Wow! That's a lot!

 

@Studebaker Hawk good post!!! Where did you get the 134 day/ 34000 a year numbers from?