A Driver wanting to learn

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by driver3161, Aug 26, 2011.

  1. Aug 26, 2011 #1
    driver3161

    driver3161 Bobtail Member

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    I`ve always been told there is no such thing as a stupid question.I`ve been driving for a long time i have always had the itch to own my own truck, Im 47 i have been making about 56,000 a year.with the company i`m with .Ihave a chance to buy a nice used w900 i dont really want to quit my job.they don`t won`t put on o/o.Can a driver make any money doing part time work. at least a small truck payment.If i have my own plates, bobtail ins,Will companys hire you on under there cargo insurance.If there was a way to make this work, what is the best way. Thanks for any advice..
     
    driver3161, Aug 26, 2011
    driver3161, Aug 26, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 26, 2011 #2
    d o g

    d o g Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Your idea doesn't sound very feasible to me. I've heard of guys buying a truck and putting a driver on it, but keeping their own driving job. That idea never sounded too good to me, either.

    You could try buying the truck, but keeping your job until you were sure you had it fixed up and really roadworthy. Get all of the work done on it while you still have a source of income. Of course, there will be some things that you won't find out about until you put it on the road, though.

    In my opinion, it's either in or out. Be a company driver or be an owner-operator. I just can't see how you can do justice to either your company job, or your own truck, if you try to do it part-time. But, I could be wrong. Maybe somebody else will chime in with some better advice for helping you make it work.
     
    d o g, Aug 26, 2011
    d o g, Aug 26, 2011
    #2
    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
  4. Aug 26, 2011 #3
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Word that.
    I don't see it happening. If a company pays things for you in order to run, they're going to want you to run for them most exclusively and full-time more than likely.

    I think most every company driver should aspire to be an owner operator, but in your case, I think you're better off staying where you are at. You sound pretty happy and satisfied in your current situation.
     
    Gears, Aug 26, 2011
    Gears, Aug 26, 2011
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    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
  5. Aug 26, 2011 #4
    DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

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    Also, if you own a truck that someone else drives and you drive your own truck, you are now an employer, just like the one you work for. You better bring your A-game to that stadium or you'll be yanked in the first inning and sent to the minors.
     
    DenaliDad, Aug 26, 2011
    DenaliDad, Aug 26, 2011
    #4
  7. Aug 26, 2011 #5
    DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

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    Absolutely. You have seniority, a pretty good income, a certain level of security, and you are familiar with "the territory." Owning your own truck takes all that away. You have to learn the business part and that learning curve is pretty steep, with sharp dropoffs on all sides.
     
    DenaliDad, Aug 26, 2011
    DenaliDad, Aug 26, 2011
    #5
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