26 yr old O/O beginnings

I started when I was 24 in 2008 with a 1991 T800 and a 1996 GD. Ran intrastate and did some warehousing for a local machine shop. All these years later have worked up to 10 trucks, 16 trailers, and a brokerage. Stay mostly Midwest, NE, some SE, but also run to the SW now. 15 employees counting my wife and I.

Boy has it been a rough road at times but also a rewarding one. This business can be very stressful and brutal. Chew you up and spit you out with pleasure. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. My 4 yr old son already says he wants to be a (my companies name) worker when he gets big like Dad. Priceless. We’re building a new house on a big property but let me tell you, we lived in a tiny tiny house for the first 10 yrs. You gotta sacrifice to make it work. I could go buy all kinds of brand new stuff but I drive a 2000 F-350 and wear old ### clothes. lol It’s all about the big picture vs the instant gratification of what’s right in front of you.

Good luck.

 

Positive attitude, positive energy is 90% of success.

 

What do you think the next 6ish months are gonna be like? What's your plans if stuff goes sideways?

 

What are you looking to do sir ? Or ur happy with where ur at , just sharing ur experience ?

 

Rates will be higher then we’ve ever seen through mid January and then if there is a 46th President on Jan 20 then I’ll be worried about a shut down 1st of February. If no shut down then the gang buster rates will continue.

If there is a shut down then it’ll be similar to the last one. Some will go broke, some will make it just fine. I make sure and have good cash reserves and I don’t factor my invoices either. This keeps money flowing more freely over time. Utilize existing relationships if you can and make it through it. They can’t keep us shut down forever.

Something to remember when things are bleak and companies are dropping like flies... the harder the down time, then bigger the upswing. We’re experiencing it right now. Be prepared and then hang on, be smart.

I thought the same thing, like where is the question? But, I think he’s just reflecting and wondering what other peoples experiences are. I related on getting an early start with old equipment and running local.

 

The election is already over guys. lol.

 

Look someone else that doesn't understand the difference between the popular vote and the electoral college.

 

Let's not let politics ruin a perfectly good thread. We don't allow political discussions in the main forum.
If you want to talk about politics here's the link...https://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/forums/politics.131/
The password is thickskin.

 

Good post. Im worried about what next year has in store for us. I think we're in for a tough time. I run flatbed which I think is gonna see a significant downturn. Maybe it'll thin out the glut of people who jumped into it which drove down rates by guys who have no idea what they're doing.