Successful OOs if you were starting out new, how would you do it?

When I lived in FL, I had an HVAC owner offer me $30/hr, full benefit pkg, and a used van and tools. Once I got my certs, he would bump my pay to $50/hr and would give me a new van and tools. The reasons I didn’t go for it is retrofit/repipes are absolutely brutal, because the 80’s housing boom resulted in the crappiest installs and construction one can image and I couldn’t see myself slow roasting in attics, everyday. Not every business and trade down there pays like that. It’s just an example of what’s out there. Union tradesmen are doing even better, if one goes through their training/journeyman process. Get legit. It’s worth it.

 

I was an ok owner operator, wasn’t getting rich but was able to put wife through university and raise 2 kids. Was an O/O since day 1 of my trucking career. I saw the issues coming in late 22. Got out went into trades. Haven't looked back ever since. Appliance repair led me into HVAC which led me into Boilers as a technician.

my current pay is as good as any company driver including benefits package and all the overtime I can ask for.

Just finishing up my second degree in the trades and continuing on to a Bachelor’s after that.

so within a total of 7 years I’ll be on par with most if not all O/Os as far as pay goes, around 2029.

Trucking now for newcomers is an entry level job. Those who were lucky enough to establish relationships 10 years ago will survive this downturn. But new comers? 99.9% failure rate if they don’t have big money behind them to spend on building relationships.

 

I really enjoyed being an O/O and made good money most of the time. Built a new house had a new shop for the truck and everything i wanted. Liked the independence. But I saved basically zero money. No 401k, no investments. Always said the truck and other assets were my retirement plan.
Now I have a really good paying job with a nice 401k match. But at 44 it's a little late perhaps..
I to would have liked to have done something in the trades. Electrician probably for me.. maybe a machinist

 

It's never too late. That first step is the hardest. If debt is little, it leaves you a lot to work with.

 

I've been out of the Owner/Op game since year 2000 and have not kept up with the changes.
Knowing what I do now, buy my own car hauler, and get my own authority.

 

44 ? To late ? I don’t think so. Try 65.

 

Pretty much the same story as you I'm 49. My older brother's (54) a machinist of almost 40 years now. They make ok money. I wouldn't trade what I do for any trade. I like trucking. Once you've been in it a few years and kept your record clean you can get a really good job. They're out there hiring even in this current market.

 

im doing this at 46 bud. So it ain’t to late.

 

I would have done it about 20 years earlier than I got in the Owner Operator Carhauling Business. I just retired officially today but in the last year while coasting I did $7,000 a week to the truck and $10,000 or so after the carriers cut when I hit it hard in my late 50’s. The young man (23 years old) who drove off in my rig today that wired $262,000 on Monday does $10,000-$12,000 a week currently. That is what youth does for you in carhaul. Brand new rigs are $400,000 but with buying mine he got a very well maintained glider with new rack, trailer and fresh in-frame.
Don’t even think about becoming a carhaul owner op until you work a year or so for a company first. CARHAULING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, but it was very good for me. Do your homework before entering this career because not all Carhaul companies share the wealth. Some companies are road jobs keeping you out for weeks while others get you home daily or weekly.
If you just want a good paycheck, but very little flexibility and don’t want the hassle of owning and operating a rig I second trying to get a Linehaul gig with a good LTL company. That said there is nothing like working for yourself when you make, save and invest good money.
Lease to the same carrier that you get your experience with is better long term than your own authority in carhaul.