help!!! i am thinking of becoming an owner operator

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by iamthenewguy, Jul 5, 2011.

  1. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    I was going to make this same point. I was looking at the TP while getting MT and older, higher mileage trucks than what I bought are at same price or more.
     
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  3. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    I'm not as pessimistic as some about the economy and the state of trucking. Most of the data shows that rates on the spot market are stronger than before '07. Many reasons for this but one of the biggest is the switch to smaller inventories and increasing demand for just it time suppliers. This levels the highs and lows as well as increases the opportunity for "hot" freight. Stress over elections is always going to be here and reality is that unless one party has complete control we will continue down the path of grid lock like we have.
    With that said, starting in this business without capital is very difficult. You have not room for errors. If you can't save and pay down bills in current situation then income loss just from starting-up is going to kill you.
     
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  4. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    Well said Bill. Anything I post regarding government admitadly comes off as negative. But as much as I hate posting negative opinions, there is a realist basis behind it.....like watching big brother in action for several decades. But now under the current comunist direction this country is being lead down, I think it takes much more consideration before a guy just plops down the minimum down payment on a truck and tries to go O/O.

    I am really trying to stay within the rules here at TTR, but never in any if our lifetimes have we witnessed such a total destruction of the America as we once always assumed would be there for us.

    The jist of my posts , is consider everything including where one thinks the economy is headed not just 2 years from now, but 10 or more. If a guy wants to go buy a truck today and lease on with mega carrier inc, yeah he will probably make enough money to get by and subside short term.

    Its where we will all be in 20 years from now that has me worried.

    In an attempt to close on a possitive note, I like seeing drivers show interest in wanting to own. Itself tells me the American spirit is still alive and I feel eveyone should enjoy the same opportunities the rest of us had.
     
  5. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    Very well put. :biggrin_25514:
     
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  6. iamthenewguy

    iamthenewguy Bobtail Member

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    i agree with you about our government. that is actually how we moved to kentucky from phoenix. arizona had been invaded by both mexico and california. it got so liberal you couldnt drive 2 blocks without seeing a toyota prius or "smart car". the day after our commander in sleaze got elected i woke up angrier than sin and told my wife "thats it, we're moving backwoods to the bible belt" and 6 months later here we were. dumped my job, our business, our house, just brought the kid, the dogs and my big plasma tv.
     
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  7. iamthenewguy

    iamthenewguy Bobtail Member

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    i used to run a hot dog stand business in phx for 2 years and managed to net 40k in the declining economy. that was on top of my other job. i delivered pizza 30 hrs a week for 6 1/2 years, my worst year i made 55k and showed 20k on paper. i guess ive always been used to working hard and for long hours, but im also used to getting paid well for what i do. right now i am making about 1/3 of what i made a couple years ago and i feel so violated. the local jobs in my area are even worse so thats not an option either. this is why i am so tempted to just jump on board and become o/o
     
  8. Calve

    Calve Light Load Member

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    You could have a great paying company job that gets you home when you want, give you plenty of miles, treat you like family and has the newest equipment.

    I offer this mantra.

    It's better to rule in hell, than serve in heaven.
    Ps. MY Sig says it all.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2011
  9. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    I don't think there are as many of these kind of jobs out there as some people think. As far as the above mantra, i for one would be ever so happy to serve in heaven.
     
  10. iamthenewguy

    iamthenewguy Bobtail Member

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    are you offering me a job? i'd like more details.
     
  11. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    The glitz and glamour of the O/O life style can be alluring. What with all the groupies, free drinks, all night parties at the Playboy mansion and the drugs. Can't forget about the drugs.
    But that can all come crashing to the ground when you wake up and realize you don't have enough money to repair your truck. Big trucks take Big money.
     
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