Pros and cons, O/O leased/authority

Have you been a company driver yet? What experience do you have driving wise?

 

No and zero!

What is your problem gokiddogo?

Didn't you know that anybody can be an o/o? It is very simple and easy all you have to do is have the desire and a right foot, and a computer to sign in on a message board ask a couple of questions of people who you have no idea if they are giving you correct advise or not.

Who do truck drivers think they are?

Everyone can conquer this industry from whatever they have done in their life.

Do you have any experience? What kind of question is that? Don't you know that insurance companies are lining up to give a person with ZERO experience $100,000 cargo insurance coverage and $1,000,000 Liability coverage.

DO NOT QUESTION THE OP .... He has this thing figured out

 

I would reccomend buying a truck and leasing on with a good company to get started. There is alot to learn when running a truck and it is very helpfull to be with a good company that can help you get on top of things and learn as you go. As you get a handle on all the administration side of things such as operating authority, IRP apportioning,IFTA taxes etc you will see just how much a company can take care of for you when leased on. Operating under your own authority means you will be a common carrier and you will be responsible for keeping all your licensing, permits, insurances, taxes etc current as well as finding loads and negotiating rates as well as driving and maintaining the truck and trailer. Being independant is alot more complicated. I would reccomend buying a well maintained older truck for cash and having a reasonable amount to cover start up costs and maintenance untill your first couple of settlements come in and leasing onto a good company to start with. Then give it some time and save your money , maybe buy a trailer and run with that as a leased op then in time you will know if you want to go independant or stay leased. In my situation I am doing better leased on than as an independant as I am with a good company that pays above average mileage , covers all expenses except fuel maintenance and IFTA taxes, and has lots of work available to keep me running consistently. Hope this helps, keep asking questions if you have more and i will do my best to answer them based on my experiences.

 

Meh, dont worry about those kind of posts. My wife and I have been researching O/O for the past two years. I do not have any driving experience as of yet. But the desire has always been there as my father ran long haul for over 50 years. I was hoping to see some goo feedback in this thread about the best company to lease on with when the time comes. Its not something you can rush into as you have made it clear you already know. Good luck and lets hope to get some more good info in this thread.

 

Best company to lease on with is one that offers consistent miles, good compensation, good driver/company relations and communication, respect for the driver and understanding of the drivers needs ( hometime etc). I know plenty will say " yeah right in a perfect world" but honestly this comes down to the experience people say to gain before jumping in as O/O. If you are still getting into the driving side of the industry and have minimal experience, half the point of gaining experience is to expand your horizons on the companies out there and what they are like. Look around, ask other drivers from different companies how they like it were they are. Look at the equipment , if it looks like decent equipment and the drivers are happy with the company then its probably a decent company. It takes a bit of looking around and keeping your eyes and ears open before you will get an idea of the better companies to work for. Its hard to just throw company names out here on the forum but you can definately research on here and see what others are saying, but be warned, there's more negative than positive! I am a new O/O so if you guys have any questions just send me a PM and i will answer it best i can based on the experiences i have had so far.

 

If you have enough desire to succeed you will find a way to make it work. I am glad to see that you are taking your time and doing research.

 

Company Lease Pros: Always loaded, cheap payments.
Cons: They cut you miles down so you can just about not pay it.
P.S: I'd lease one from WTI.

Owning it pros: You get a little more respect from new guys. No pay sharing with company. You can shut down whenever you want.
Cons:
Payments.(My advice is to get it used, your wallet will thank you in the long run.)
Fuel.
Maintenance.
Harder to find GOOD loads.
More visits from Mr. Diesel McBear.