Pros and Cons of driving for O/O

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by dannyb148, Jul 13, 2020.

  1. dannyb148

    dannyb148 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jul 9, 2020
    0
    Pros and cons for driving for an owner operator right out of CDL School?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    12,582
    56,848
    Feb 15, 2014
    California.
    0
    The pros and cons would depend on who the O/O is hauling for, where he hauls and what he hauls.
    Can you give us more information?
     
    G13Tomcat and Coffey Thank this.
  4. dannyb148

    dannyb148 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jul 9, 2020
    0
    I'm not certain other than I know its a dry van. I guess I was just inquiring more on the pros and cons between this and a company for experience, pay and benefits. Sorry the question is so vague, just dont know too much about it yet.
     
  5. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,137
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    W2 or 1099 ???? I hauled asphalt for an O/O in a 6 truck fleet for 5 years; loved every minute of it. All W2. Wish he didn't sell. :(
     
  6. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

    3,393
    5,379
    Jun 11, 2011
    st malo mb canada
    0
    Con . Thrown to the wolves with no experience can be the biggest issue.. their are many great owner ops but just as many bad ones so do your research..
     
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
  7. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    17,737
    124,495
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    My biggest question will be on the training. When you graduate school, you will need training. Your bigger companies will be standardized (sort of) on their training requirements. You will have a contact person in the office to help you out IF there comes to be a difference of opinion between you and the trainer. Also, training pay will be set before you start training.

    With the O/O, you will have nothing. It's either his way or the highway. That means he can put you out on the side of the road at a whim.

    Are you cool with that? If you don't personally know the owner op, or know anyone who knows him, you are taking a big gamble.
     
    G13Tomcat and magoo68 Thank this.
  8. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,137
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Yessir.... guess I read over the 'right out of' CDL school part. Great points, both of you. Yeah, nope.
     
    TripleSix and magoo68 Thank this.
  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,353
    11,159
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    It depends on the O/O and how he operates his business. How many years he's been in it, how many trucks he has and their condition, does he have accounts or does he look for freight all the time. Ask him what kind of training he will give you fresh out of school. Who maintains his trucks ? If you can talk to one of his drivers also.
     
    Judge, magoo68 and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  10. Trucker T

    Trucker T Light Load Member

    52
    43
    Mar 9, 2019
    0
    I wouldn’t recommend it. Your going to make mistakes and get overwhelmed at times in the beginning. It’s just certain things that come with experience like backing, managing your clock, judging random situations. I don’t like the mega carriers either. Only my opinion but I’d find a good small to mid sized carrier to get your feet wet with rather then dive right off the high board. Take it slow, learn. The first couple of years are about learning and not killing anyone, including yourself. The money and better job opportunities will come but everything in its time. Rushing can get you in a world of hurt.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.