owner op... or back to marine corps?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by freedomisntfree, Dec 5, 2010.

  1. freedomisntfree

    freedomisntfree Light Load Member

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    fontana, ca
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    There are many threads on this subject but i need a little tailoring from you experienced owner ops.. I thank you for taking the time to read my thread.

    I am a US Marine Corps veteran... had an outstanding plan after 8 yrs in to go into business with family construction company in 2004. Construction got insanely slow and i started driving to make ends meet. I now have 4 yrs experience as a company driver (2 with Schneider, 2 with small coast - coast company... mostly team). I work for an owner operator now. I do all the Prev. maintenance (oil change, filters, belts, etc. ) myself. I just purchased a truck from my boss 98 international (detroit s 60). In frame rebuild should be finished next week, brand new Roadpros on the drives next week also, APU in good shape. IM GETTN TO THE POINT NOW FELLAS SO BARE WITH ME PLZ.. I want to put my truck to work in the best place i can with what i have basically. I would like to get some higher security loads since i have a security clearance that i might be able to put to use. Im not better than anybody else i just need this to work for me and make up as much money as i can before i look at my options in going back in the marine corps.. I am 33, single no kids, loyal person, very clean drive record.. The truck is still leased on to the company under bosses name, if i take it off they will not let me put it back on due to the year of the truck. Next week is crunch time, do i stay under my owner ops account or pull it out and take my chances somewhere else meanwhile.

    A few other questions some might have answers to or opinions....

    Any company recommendations besides the usual Landstar schneider etc..?
    Would it be a wise move to put a team on the truck while i attend school?


    Thank you for your time and patience..
     
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  3. q in sac

    q in sac Light Load Member

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    Jul 12, 2010
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    Set some goals on what you want to accomplish. Me, I would run under him for about a year get the necessary experience. And save money to go own your own.

    You have a lot of things to think about. Are you business "minded"? Because anybody can drive a truck and preventive maintenance a truck. But if you don't have the "business skill set", then you will FAIL!!! So need to develop that "business skill set".

    So do a lot of research and ask questions. May you be successful. :)
     
  4. I'd stay leased to him. You've got a truck that sounds like it's got a lot of life left in it. However, you'll have a hard time trying to lease that '98 to someone else. If you know the freight where you are running now will make you some money, I'd stay put and run the truck under him and get the experience you'll need to move on.
     
  5. bugsy siegel

    bugsy siegel Light Load Member

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    Jul 14, 2010
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    I did ten in the Navy and really wish I had stayed in and finished up 20 or more.

    I think this decision is something you have make on your own, but it sounds like you are already pretty set up in this field - might as well run it out!
     
  6. SheepDog

    SheepDog Road Train Member

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    "freedomisntfree",,,,I really like that screen name. I am an Army Vet and currently still serving in the TN ARNG. I too am at the crossroads of weather to re-enlist or get out. I will have 8 yrs once my ETS is up but man, I love this industry. I have done two tours to Iraq, I definetly feel I have done my part and there is no retirement in the Guard that is worth doing another 12yrs for. Now, if I had a regular 9-5 type job, than maybe but I love trucking and I feel really confident that I make a better retirement in the trucking industry than I can in the Guard. Now you are talking about Active Duty I presume? I don't know how many good years you currently have but if you are half way there at 33 than 10 more will get you a retirement. I assume that the Marines are like the Army in the sense that you can start drawing as soon as you retire? The Guard you have to wait until 62 to draw...sucks but oh well. At anyrate, do what you feel in your heart is best for you. Research your options and make the decision my friend.
    Thank you for your service and God Bless you

    SheepDog
     
  7. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    A "98 Int'l won't exactly have drivers beating down your door to apply for a job. Either keep it where it's at, sell it, or park it and return to the Corps.
     
  8. Jarhed1964

    Jarhed1964 Road Train Member

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    The longer you stay out of the Corps, the tougher it will be to get back in. I stayed out 16 years and went back in at age 41. It hurt. BAD.

    :biggrin_25523:

    Seriously though.... if you intend to go back, do it now, knock out that last 12 years, then take your retirement check on the road with you. Or use your clearance with SOC or some other contracting company. You'll bank a lot of cash that way if you want to use it. Just some thoughts.
     
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  9. rickybobby

    rickybobby Road Train Member

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    Same thing i did.. I was a grunt in the usmc 0341 , from 1987 -1991, and i went back in the NC National Guard in 2007, at the age of 39. Was in Desert Storm and i just got back from Iraq march of this yr. If i was you i would double dip, i would stay in the reserves and and drive a truck on the side. You can have the best of both worlds lol
     
  10. mc8541ss

    mc8541ss Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't give anything for the 20 I had in when I retired. Really comes in handy during a slow down of the economy.
     
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  11. freedomisntfree

    freedomisntfree Light Load Member

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    Oct 4, 2010
    fontana, ca
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    Hey thnx a lot gentlemen.. for the great input. These replies have been going to my bulk folder for some reason. Lots of great opinions n info. I agree with all of you so far. I'm going to run this thing for a few months as a team with my brother , while gathering some info on higher security spots like Jarhed1967 mentioned. Driving while in reseves is also something I had thought about but too, much easier to go active duty from reserves than a fallen off contract veteran. I thank all u who posted and will respond as soon as I get some good coverage.... I use my cell phone for internet most of the time. Enjoy the rest of ur day and drive safe !!
     
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