So you want to "own " your own company

Search for posts made by Pharmphail. I believe his thread was called "Instant O/O and Load Boards"

It is very entertaining as well as informative.

Best of luck to you.

 

Hey guys i just wanted to post a quick blog about my sons company, He has recently quit a major carrier to venture out on his own, he was a saftey manager at thier Ceader Rapids terminal, six and a half years prior to that he was a dispatch/operations manager for another major carrrier for 4 years. He has just started his compliance company based out of orlando, Fl and is looking for work. If it is anything compliance or tax related he does it. also helps with new authority (had mine in like 3 weeks). and Has a qroup of dispatchers to offer dispatching and load finding services. he is looking at getting his authority and may be leasing drivers trucks soon. so if anything sounds like somthing you need you can call him at 800-837-1081 ext102

Thanks for helping my son

 

rdr trucker,

if you are dedicated, plan your strategy for success,make sound decisions you should succeed, oh and don't give up!

There is a lot of negativity everywhere you go and some people smile when they see that you possibly could fail.
Remember in business, if you don't attempt to succeed at first, you have already failed.

Yes it will be a struggle, many unpaid hours getting started, after a while you will meet brokers that are OK to deal with and soon they will be calling you.

Suggestion:
Don't run cheap freight!!!!!, ex. .85/mile

As for insurance try Progressive, tell them you intend to run only within their 100 mile radius, this will keep your insurance premiums way down.
You can run over that 100 mile radius, just be very careful, Progressive does not need to know you out of their 100 mile radius.

Most company's will not hire you even w/your own authority until you had at least 6 months experience.

Best bet is to work for 2-6 small shipping company's/brokers ititially, then ask each company if you can use them for a reference later when you attempt to apply for larger company's , say Scheider,Landstar,Dart,etc..

Oh, by the way, try to find a low cost truck,mechanically sound to get started,forget about paint- looks-chrome.
Anything can be cleaned up.
Read on in "You want to own your own company" here.

hope this helps,

crusin

 

new O/O Quote:
Originally Posted by rdr trucker
just trying to get started went and bought truck right out of school want to do my own thing trying to get insurance anybody help with that which companys should i try thanks in advance



[QUOTE newly crusin ;1422538]

Oh, by the way, try to find a low cost truck,mechanically sound to get started,forget about paint- looks-chrome.
Anything can be cleaned up.
Read on in "You want to own your own company" here.



He already got a truck....

 

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=2413058
My pick for a used truck, They are not broke and don't cut corners on maint


Time to get signed on varies, make sure you supply them with every thing they ask for, and call and see what they are waiting for paper wise, don't wait for them to call.

 

I'm waiting on my authority to get finalize. I am thinking about going with jbh power program. There are several reason i chose them, I'm only going to stay with them for 6mo. Mainly to learn the business and see what is the rates out there. i know some people may say , i will be better off on my own. But if i do decide to go own my own in a couple of weeks. What tools do i need? I already have a laptop with a air card, a phone. I know I'm going to need a fax machine. What else do i need to start out? Positive responses appreciated

 

fax machine ? for office or truck ?

i do email all from my truck. printer is all i have.

 

Thanks for the info. Do you have your own confirmation sheets made? or do you use the one the shipper sends you? How do you track all your expenses?

 

First of all, let me send out a OORAH to my fellow Devil Dogs on the road. Secondly, I would like point out that I do not have my CDL as of yet, but am slated to accomplish that goal this fall.

In recent months I have been scowering the internet, talking to drivers and reading discussion boards for hours on end trying to line all the ducks in a row before I go hitting the asphalt.

My father drove OTR long haul for 52 years. He was recently forced to retire by doctors who wouldnt clear him just one last time. At 70 years old he still has a desire to navigate his way across this country using the roadmap instilled in his memory from the years of his service. He was never home, at least it seemed that way to us kids. he did make it almost every weekend. He did solo and team runs and also was a driver trainer for about 10 years. His memories are many and he gets emotional at times, when he shares them.

I remember going on the trips with him, I probably went on at least 30. And from them, my own memories....filling out a log book just like him, wearing matching cowboy hats and listening to him TRY and sing bluegrass. I even had my own thermos and was able to talk on the radio (until drivers got vulgar, then dad turned it off).

What I trying to get at is I would appreciate it if I didnt get ####y responses to my questions. I am not coming in here to ruffle feathers or act like I know everything. The fact is, I do not. And I have drilled my father beyond comprehension about my goals and although he told me "Son, dont ever drive a truck" he is more excited about my venture than I am. In fact, he has offered his companionship on the road.... well, he put it as, "...teach you how to drive the right way".

What I am aspiring to do is become an owner operator and build it up over then next few years and it my wife would like to, have her on and become a husband and wife team. She has never been out further west than Tennessee, south of South Carolina, or more north than New York. I think my enjoy it.

I know a bit about how this business works, credited to my father. but there are alot of thing I need answers to. And thats where yall come in.
I dont plan on buying myself a truck until I get out there for a bit. But I would like to know the following:

Best company for Onwer Operator Programs? (opinions of course, please provide insight as to why)

As far as OO, are their carriers who will provide insurance? Loaded? Unloaded?

My father mentioned a walk away lease..... any ideas? The internet has information, but as we all know carriers will top the BS with chocolate just to get you to bite.

What about a trailer? Does having your own matter?

In regards to driving regionally or OTR, which is better for OO?

Thank for your responses in advance! Please feel free to drop off any other information you think may be of importance for me. Be safe!!!!

 

so you decided to be a driver and an owner operator no less, well i don't think you could do anything better and the longer your at it the better it gets. sure your going to run into problems but most are minor and you ould not ask for a better life.

i am one and have been all my adult life and i wouldnt have it any other way, i have never like a company, i don't like to be at any body's mercy and if you drive for a company they will do whatever they please to you when they please , so ill drive my own i can't complain about telling myself what to do and i don't have to worry about being fired 3000 miles from home and having to find my own way home, nope no thanks id rather do it myself.

it's a lot of work but it's a good life i think you will enjoy it, be good to the truck and it will be good to you. it's a real adventure and it never stops.

to have your own trailer is a must if you want to make money, thats is just about all profit around 30 to 40 % of your revenue comeas from your own trailer, very little maintenence it just tags along behind you carrying money, the tractor although you have to have it cost you money you have to feed it every day, a company will charge you from 250 to 300 a week to pull theirs better to put that money in your pocket.

and yes there are company's that will furnish insurance for you i can't tel you which one's its been a long time since i leased to anyone i don't lease.

you picked a good Carree and i think you will do not just good but great it 's one long adventure and you will enjoy it .

good luck to you my friend , let the adventure begin, remember you never lose till you quit. southernpride