Do i go totally independent O/O or lease on first as a car hauler?

In the last 27 years I have not once been left without a hotel to sleep in, but I do know people that have been without a room. When shutting down due to bad winter weather you need to do so earlier than you might otherwise like. Sleeping in a hotel has its issues too, but getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom is my top reason i prefer a hotel. Having a shower feet from my bed is my next reason i prefer a hotel. You have to plan ahead and certain times of the year you might not be able to stay at your first choice, but it has worked for me. I always call and make a reservation usually hours ahead and when I stay in an unfamiliar part of the country the Coporate Lodging Consultants, app on my iphone is very helpful. The app is much easier than looking thru the book and an atlas to figure where to stay. I stay on the company card now, but I had my own CLC card when I was paying the bills. When you figure the cost of idling 10 hours at roughly $35-$40 plus engine wear, the average hotel is not much more and in my opinion is worth every dime. I had to have the truck running all night to sleep good no matter the outside temp. It's not for everyone, especially drivers who run HOT!

 

If i ever went back to being a O/O i wouldn't get a truck much older then 3-4 years it becomes a headache with break downs and lost revenue.
Id also not buy another sleeper you make more with a daycab including getting the motel room at night.

Far as a motel ive never had a problem not finding one,just some will not have a room when its bad outside or some type of invent in the area always call ahead a day or so.
but the daycab will get more on thats $$ then a big sleeper and i wouldn't go with a highrail either i drove one for four years and i owned 2 i would never go back to that,

Far As Lease verse being full blown O/O i run my own authority and all last time .IF i did it again id go with someone else that will have freight in the area you like to run year round.
When your a small O/O you will have slow times and times with nothing to haul unless you bottom feed.

 

Semper fi,


I came across thispost and had to just ask a quick question. Sorry if I derail this thread, can't send PMs yet. I'm looking to get into trucking after I retire. I am currently a Gysgt and just went over 16 years. I'm itching to retire at 20-22 years so I can start a new career in trucking. In your opinion, should I stay in as long as possible to collect a bigger retirement check or jump on out and retire. I should be debt free by the time I come up on 20 years. I currently have a wife and 1 kid. And she supports my decision. My dad and grandfather was truck drivers and being a truck driver has been a dream of mine since I was little. Any advice u have would be greatly appreciated.


respectfilly


big gunz

 

Big Gunz, finish up the 20 or 22, then you can pick, what you want to do. A friend of mine (retired Air Force E-9 pay ). Runs hot shot works when he wants to. Heck you get out run as company driver flatbed ( still in shape ) no investment, a lot of Marines in trucking.