Positive Owner Op stories???

First thing to do is determine what you want for an operating area. I had a friend that was permitted for 4 states. That's not an error. He was permitted for Ark. Mo. Ok. Tx. He did real well. New O/O think they have to run coast to coast and border to border. Just ain't so. I think this is one of the big mistakes new people make. I permitted for 26 states and did pretty well myself. You could fill a gym with stories and opinions on equipment,insurance,products,etc but it really boils down to what do you want to do. I owned and operated my own and wouldn't trade it for anything. I sold out due to health issues and I can truly say the only part I miss is the driving. There's something very gratifying about looking at a truck and trailer and knowing in your own mind that you own it. At least it was that way for me.

 

Biggest thing is don't get in a hurry just to be an owner op. I wanted my own truck for years becauase I hated being a company driver. For the most part, the money people are making running their own trucks didn't impress me enough to take the chance.
Eventually, something came up that felt right. I am glad now that I held off until I found a gig that made it worth the risk. One more thing I learned the hard way:

Everyone says to buy the old, reliable truck, don't waste the money on a newer truck with a bigger payment. If you know how to work on it, that's probably the way to go. I do not know how to work on trucks and did not take that into account. If you gotta pay someone to work on the truck, may as well get a newer truck and put that money into the truck payment instead of mechanics pocket.
Side note: If you decide on the old truck that will need wrenched on, I got a 379 for sale you'd love.

 

this is a fabulous thread. i have been thinking the same thing. success stories from o/o's is something i dont here too often, even though im sure it happens a lot more than i think....

 

The complainers are on here because most of them did it wrong. Some of the guys that get on here and post their settlement amounts are not making much more then a company driver. I'd be complaining too. When you think about it, o/o is probably easier then starting a lot of businesses. How many businesses can you buy for the cost of a truck? A buddy of mine owns an auto parts store and the land it's sitting on alone is worth 6 figures. 6 figures can get you a nice tractor-trailer. That doesn't count the building, inventory, salaries, etc. that he has to pay out. And he's not bringing in as much as a good o/o can.

 

The truck may be easy to buy (anything is) but the paperwork, permits, book keeping, filings, repair bills, insurance, licensing, etc will quickly test your patience, your sanity, and your wallet.

I'm not a complainer unless things are off the charts. But I have to say this about being an owner/ operator. It has to mean more to you than just money. There are times when you won't make more than a company driver, and you'll always be dealing with 5 times the hassle in doing it. For me, it means not having to run when I don't want to, and not having someone else forcing their decisions on me.

On the best days, you'll make decent money. On the worst days, you could be losing your butt. The worst days are what the O/O has to prepare for on the best days, and this is something company drivers don't have to give a second thought (other than saving in case they can't work).

I've been a company driver, and I know alot of them. Most of them are great company drivers, but would I recommend O/O to them? Probably not. There are too many decisions to make every day, and too much responsibility to account for.

Overall, you've got to be a great saver to be in this business. As an example, instead of eating at the truck stops, you've got to self-contain and feed yourself. If you don't, you'll be spending money instead of bringing it home to the house. A $50 microwave, $200 inverter, and a $150 cooler/freezer will pay for itself in a month, and most grocery stores have enough room to park a tractor/trailer as that's how they get their freight.

O/O is not a get-rich scheme, it's about calling the shots and doing it your way. It's about making do when you have to, and making it happen no matter what. If you don't have the money, the experience, or the basic knowledge of trucks, don't do it. There is nothing wrong with being a company driver, and there are some good jobs out there. I live in a remote neck of the woods, and honestly I just got tired of being told to run it like it is, or go home and let someone else do it.

Am I positive, heck yes, but I'm also under stress and decisions that most people just don't have in their lives. It makes a difference in my life when I want to park the truck and relax at the house for awhile (if I can afford to), or if I have to come home for an emergency. If it was all positives, everyone would be doing it

 

In every form of Life you do have the Negative Sayers. It what you do with the information that you learn on here. Do you take it as no you can not do it? Or You know what not to do?

Owning your own Business rather it a Cabinet Shop, Trucking or a retail store there is always a risk. Some may do well and some will crash and burn. You have to decide on your own to go with your plan or not. To take the risk or not..

Am I glad I went O/O? Yes, I have seen the good bad and Ugly in the year I been operating my own truck. I had made money, and I've lost money. Made a few food moves, and made a few bad moves. But when others say do not cause of the Bad Economy, I say Go for it, if you can make it now in the BAD TIMES, you'll do great in the Good Times. Anyone can make money in the Good times of course, but the Good can do it even in the Bad Times.

Not able to work on the Truck your self? Get in good with a mechanic that will offer a good price to do the work and get the truck to him when ever you can. I try to get my Truck into mine every time I am home, fix what wrong and make sure it will not leave me stranded. Sometimes you will get stranded and have to deal with an Shop on the road, but it part of the Job. New Trucks not always run perfect but you do have the Warranty to fall back on.

But to be honest I hate seeing all the Negative as we see, Times I want to ask them did they need their diapers changed. (But it would only start a FIGHT)

 

I agree 100% with grimesjm1's first sentence. Sadly this board has become pretty much nothing more then a whine, complain and blame site. And pretty much anybody who posts something positive gets put down. (they are a troll, the exception, lucky etc etc etc). But then again, I guess the folks who are making a good decent living have better things to do then post on here and be negative all the time.

For me, I have been a o/o for over ten years and have made a profit EVERY month. I am leased to one of the "big evil companies" that many on here seem to hate so much. But I get home every other weekend (or more), none of that being gone for a month at a time crap. I do get paid every friday, I don't have to search the load boards, call brokers , try to get paid from brokers etc etc etc. I don't have to deal with IFTA or permits, I just wait till they are avail and pick them up at the nearest terminal. (and if I am missing one, company gets it for me). I got prepass (which I pay for) and ezpass (company pays). I get fuel and tire discounts. I get paid loaded and empty miles (with fuel surcharge on BOTH), I get layover and detention pay. Could make more money as an indy? Maybe, maybe not. I don't have to pay for and maintain a trl just the truck. I also don't have nearly the stress (or bad attitude) that many indy's seem to have (at least the ones who post on here. I don't keep cb on or hang out in t/s so I don't hear them there) I'm just the guy who makes a decent living while only working 10-12 days at a stretch and taking 3-4 weeks vacation a year. (gotta get my scuba diving in)

 

i've been off the last 3 weeks because i'm between equipment right now. i made decision to pull my unsafe equipment off the road. i take delivery of new equipment next week. i spend the evenings drinking a lot of beer and reading this site and responding. i've noticed that a lot of the people negative about o/o's are in here all the time posting how it doesnt work. my question is why aren't these people working? when i pick up my new equipment i will disappear from these boards again beause i will be WORKING. if you got time to sit online and gripe about how bad trucking is, you aren't working hard enough.


BTW...my wife is due in May. Little girl!!!!!!!!!!! So when I'm gone in a few days, don't worry, it's cause im out making money. i'll talk to ya all in may when im off again for my first kid!