How to become an Owner/Operator

Ah ok. I've seen a couple companies that I've worked for had extra numbers that they had no trucks assigned to and wondered why they'd do that. Figured I might get a jump in the business that way. Guess I'll stick with the get a cheap rig and sign on with someone till it's paid off plan.

 

That is a false statement. It's not the number's shipper's/broker's look at, IT'S THE SERVICE THAT YOUR GOING TO PROVIDE !!!

 

First couple months can be the most difficult. I have one that I talked to that wanted 1-year, a handfull wanted 6-months and the rest that cared wanted 1-3 months.

 

When I got my Authority (2009) and started on my own, I never had an issue being a new owner operator. Never once did a broker ask me how long I've been in business. As long as you have the proper insurance and paperwork, that's all these guys cared about.

 

DD, I wish this was the case. If so, I would be able to make more money. Many brokers could care less about anything other than being able to get the cheapest rate regardless of safety rating, time in the business or quality of equipment. The few that do care tend to pay better and provide better service.

 

I wonder what the unintended consequences of doing this would be with big brother. You would be a new entrant and have to undergo the new entrant audit after a certain time frame and well....what exactly would you have for that audit? I would bet the officer / official who comes out to do the audit would be very unhappy.

 

You could get into a Freightliner or International for less money than a KW or Peterbilt. I would look for a midroof or perhaps a condo. I prefer a midroof, but the condo might help deflect some of the wind around your reefer. A condo is mostly wasted space. I would want something that has a good turning radius. The hoods need a lot of room to maneuver. A long hood is usually heavier than a short hood. If you go with a KW or Pete you may want to consider one of their more aerodynamic models. Hoods tend to burn more fuel and cost more to purchase. It really comes down to what is important to you. I have had extremely good service out of International. I have owned several different brands of trucks. I don't see a lot of difference in the price of parts other than those that are proprietary. All trucks have some proprietary parts. Some feel that they can purchase parts from Freightliner for less than other brands. I have gotten parts cheaper from KW and International than at truck parts stores on some items. It is a crap shoot. Sometimes you can get better pricing from parts stores.

I would look for gearing and fuel economy. With fuel around $4/mile a 10% savings on fuel is a considerable savings at the end of the year.

 

Thanks G/MAN. You covered the Owner/Operator thing that I tried to cover in my first paragraph. After re-reading the mess I wrote I edited it out.

In addition, I just learned from another forum member that I would most likely need Texas Intrastate authority to run around in Texas. I was unaware that Interstate authority didn't give you Intrastate authority. That was why I left that to the professionals.

How many states require or offer Intrastate authority? Anyone with information about a state/s, offer up your information. Anyone know about the state of Missouri? Is there a website or do we need to check each state?

 

Based on the mixed information on age of authority, I'm thinking two things.

One, the broker used has something to do with it naturally.

Two, I'm wondering if they have tightened up a little following many going out of business through the really tough times the industry has seen the last few years. I'll bet they have been left hanging and have seen a high number relating to new operations. Just a thought.