Taking the leap...

Multi Service Fuel Card is the one I used the past 3 months. Given to me by my carrier. They have a web site. I don't know if they're any good, you'll have to check that out. They do have an online directory of all fuel stations that accept their card. All the majors take it but not all the small mom and pops.

 

I agree 110%, why go down the same road for less money, especially if you have shippers that will keep you busy.

 

I've been happy. Going on my second month.. hee hee. so far, so good.

 

Cowpie1,.. i couldn't agree with you more! i have only been an o/o for almost 4 years,but i hauled my own grain and ran my own farm/dairy for 22 years and i can't think of all the times climbing under the tractor/trailer or farm equipment for greasing that i have found rust lines indicating loose bolts,broken parts,parts that are about to break or needing replaced.you don't have to be a certified mech.(which i'm not)to be attentive. and as far as money managment goes,i have found this simple rule works good,i don't spend more than i make. discipline. i'm not near as experienced as most of you folks on here,but i have found 1 thing in my life to be true every time when it comes to money management and that is this ''it is not the things i NEED that get me in trouble,its the things i WANT that get me in trouble''. IMHOya'll have a good day,great idea for a thread, oldwrench,we need more glass 1/2 full folks out here,thanks

 

Stuff like this really pisses me off! A few months ago, we had a driver down here in Mobile that blew a steer, crossed the median, and collided with another truck head on. Both trucks exploded, killing the drivers instantly. Why, trying to save a buck on a steer tire. I understand the need to be frugal with your money, but you don't skimp on steers.

As far as being an O/O, I don't think I could ever go back to being a company driver...and I havent found any companies worth working for! Besides, They don't want drivers like me, they want trained monkeys that can hold that steering wheel, do what you are told, and dont question anything......

 

I would like to hear from some owner operators that are not completely negative. I understand that with any business process there is going to be ups and downs and it will not always be the best of times, but there has to be some guys/gals out here that are doing good as an owner operator and are loving it. I would like to hear those stories... Tell me about your good times, good memories, and the great money you have made. Please keep all negative comments out of this thread if possible.

 

I'm not negative. I like running my own show. A huge responsibility comes with that luxury, but it's worth it to me. Right now I'm gelled up and probably won't get the truck and reefer started until Sunday. Yeah, that cuts into the pocket, but if your business plan is worth a hoot, you've planned for things like this.
I guess THE BEST advice I could offer to anyone considering becoming an O/O is to keep your overhead as low as possible. My truck isn't at all fancy but it was affordable and I had it checked out thoroughly before buying it. My plan was and remains to run this truck until end of summer when I'll be able to upgrade to something nicer. I saved and have no truck or trailer payment. I don't have my back against the wall like many starting out with high payments. I don't have to run near as hard. This is no "dis" against those that have payments or whatever.... I was just lucky and blessed to have some $$ in the bank. I've got some great memories in the short time I've been an O/O. I won't share my $$ numbers as that's between me, the wife and my accountant. I'm not a good example of your average O/O.
Those that have big truck payments and are doing a good job have my complete admiration. It's tough out there, no sugarcoating that fact.

 

Sry all... I actually meant my last post to be a new thread all together, i posted wrong... Sry...

 

I must have missed something.... Why two trailers?