Husband and wife team O/O

In a perfect world, the process would go something like this. First you drive for at least two years and learn the driving part while saving money and tracking all expenses. If you can't save at least some money you aren't ready to manage your own truck. Second you purchase a truck and lease to a company for at least a year. During this time you would take online business courses and save more money while learning everything you can about loads, rates and shipping lanes. If you can't find time to do the training while running the truck you aren't ready to get your authority and run that part of the business. Finally you would purchase a trailer and get your authority. You would have at least a month of expense money saved at this point. This is not much different than the process to get an Electrical, Plumbing or HVAC license. You need to work your way through the trade to insure success.

 

+1 for what BigJohn said. And remember this is a VERY high level plan. As you learn about this business you will see that a lot more goes into it.

What I would add beyond the saving is to also reduce debt. I think more business people make bad choices because they have a payment coming due. Great example is that I got home last Saturday and will not take a load out till tomorrow.

 

These are some great threads:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/146942-how-to-become-an-owner-operator.html

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/147854-what-would-experienced-o-o-buy.html

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/125507-what-estimated-operating-costs-o-o.html

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/148340-keeping-track-o-o-operating-costs.html

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/134211-no-experience-but-getting-authority.html

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/143100-rate-confirmation-question.html


http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/64679-my-numbers-o-o-leased-crete.html

In addition, all the docked threads in the "Ask An Owner Operator" section are great reading too.

 

You mean there's a chance she won't like the grimey hair covered showers and the fuel islands that smell like piss? But even with that she will love the intelligent chatter on the CB, poems and quality conversation all night long. Bliss.