Owner-operator with rental truck?

Hi all, I have an unusual question. I have a health condition that flares up from time to time, rendering me unable to work full-time, or at all, during those flare-ups. I'm exploring ways to work that are more flexible and can accommodate what's going on with my health. Obviously, OO has the more flexibility than company driver; I've had to quit three times over health problems.

I don't have the capital to buy a truck outright. I may not even have the means to lease a truck that is new and clean enough for me to use (I have serious environmental sensitivities), and even if I did, I don't know how I'd make lease payments during flare-ups when I'm not working.

The best option I can think of is renting a truck on a weekly basis, so I can just turn it in when I'm not able to work, and rent again when I recover. That would also take maintenance costs out of my hands. Is it even an option to sign onto an OO job with a rental, and with the possibility of missing a few weeks of work every 3-6 months?

I seriously doubt that I'm ready to get my own authority and run completely independently; there are just too many moving parts, and I only have about 1.5 years of experience. Although, if there was some way to package all the compliance stuff together in an easy way, I guess I could consider that.

 

That is the truth. I'm currently working part-time as a transfer driver (moving equipment) for Ryder Truck Rental, so I've seen it. HOWEVER, if I could get a truck in a timely manner, are there other problems to consider?

 

That's something I hadn't considered. I know of one recruiting agency in my area -- they connect drivers with permanent jobs at other companies. Maybe there are also some that do temp work.

 

Rentals are used as subs (at Ryder, at least), but they are also available simply as a rental. I believe insurance is included, but I could be mistaken.