Any successful O/O's here?

I have been pretty successful, I have owned several trucks, I have owned both new and used, my current truck is an older one that is paid for, as I don't really do long hauls like I used to anymore, I only run 4 or 5 days a week, unless I choose to do longer runs,

I haul for a company who specializes in one product, I get a very good deal on fuel which helps to keep my expenses down,

My company is incorporated, I have been smart with my money, I always pay cash for almost everything involving the truck, if I do use the credit card I always pay it in full every month, I have always had money put away for a rainy day, you never know when you may have a big repair, or when work might be slow

The way to make decent money is to get into hauling something specialized, something that no one else hauls

I personally don't like these lease operator deals (leasing a truck from a company), personally I don't think that you are truly an o/o doing that

 

In general I think that flatbedders do make more money than someone hauing a dryvan

 

although i am not yet driving, i have a friend in nc who is an o/o and is doing vey well. he is buying his truck on his own though, not through company lease program. he drives for sunbelt which seems to be a good co.

 

I'm not doing to shabby. I have a $1500 a month truck payment, $2000 a month in household expenses (rent, utilities, cable, etc), $500 a month in child support (to keep my license)....

I got a 2 year loan on a $33k 2000 Frieghtliner Classic XL.... I've broken the crankshaft, had the six pack replaced, Turbo, tranny work, 2 new steers and 6 drives, new brake job, A/C system replacement, and a tri pak installed....

Manage your money, stay out of the restaurants, keep rolling... work hard play hard.... I run completely legal and pick my battles carefully.... All of that and I've taken 9 weeks off in the last year. 3 weeks over the holidays, 3 weeks this summer, and 3 weeks when I broke he crank. Not to mention several full weekends and every 34 hour reset.

It's about self control and determining what is more important in life...

 

That`s good advise UnionJack.The key is self control and what your priorities are..:smt025

 

You hit the nail squarely on the head.When your out there controling what you do or where you go,it feels great.But when the breakdowns come,or your sitting for a load you start questioning yourself.When you start figuring up expenses then you ask yourself why did I ever leave being a company driver.But as for me,it was something I had to try.So far my head is still above the water with no major problems.I feel better doing it this way,but I have had some sleepless nights..:smt025