New Driver as a O/O

Insurance will be prohibitively expensive as a new driver with your own authority.

Your best bet is to do the schooling and get your cdl that way. You could then use your tractor and trailer and sign it onto whichever company will take you as a new driver and o/o. It is not guaranteed that you will do better as an owner operator than if you are a company driver.

 

Hey ToppDogg, a little off topic, but which school is it that you're attending that has a few month waiting list? I'm in Southern WA, about to take my CDP tests to get the permit out of the way, and didn't even think about there being a wait to get into any of the schools. I suppose that gives me a bit more time to collect the capitol for the schooling should WIA grants fall through.

 

Credit---no bearing on insurance premium since insurance companies usually don't run your fico when determining your ins payment. IF you found an ins co that will write you a policy, that's only a PART of the equation. Your customers will expect their freight to arrive damage free on time. Learning to drive while building professional business relationships is something very uncommon. Operating your truck and trailer and learning how to operate "for less and less" is a learning curve that takes experience. Cumulative fatigue will eventually set in, how will you handle a level one DOT inspection? What happens when your engine codes light up the panel as you crest a 6% hill loaded and your customers are expecting your delivery in the morning when a crane, that costs 2,000 an hour, will expect you to be there? How will you react to seeing someone die right in front of you?
When your tire pressure drops, does that increase or decrease your profit margins? Business tax implications are a major area that can put you out of business alone.

Being financially solvent is great, making sound financial decisions will serve you well in the trucking business. I've been an owner operator and trucking company owner for a long time. I learned how to "operate" a tractor trailer with the mind set that I will, one day, own my equipment. I made that mile stone many years ago. Today I'm leased on with a large flatbed company because I cannot operate the entire business and drive the truck at the same time. Several of us have been down that road, and we choose to give up 25% to let the "company" book our loads and process paperwork, among other vital functions.
Hope this helps. Best of luck.

 

Hi,

Lets see, your 51, you got money, a job, I am sure a decent home, friends, and I can only guess a whole lot more in your life. And you really want to give all that up, just to be a trucker? And I don't mean your going to lose any of that, but trucking is a life style, not the same 40 hr a week job that your blessed to have.

As nutty as this sounds, with the amount of time and money I am assuming your willing to invest in trucking, why not try being a pilot?

I am sorry if this is sooooo off topic or the questions you asked, but...why not lower your expectations, aspirations and try being a company driver for a few months? Trucking is driven by the economy, flat bedding is a very difficult form of trucking, (I know I did it when I was in my 30's, now I am also in my 50's). Owning a truck is great, but sometimes driving one and living day and night in one, isn't.

Well ask yourself if this step towards trucking is going to have you or cause you to burn your bridges with your current job? Is your current job recession proof?, not too many people are all that optimistic over our economy for next year.

If it were me, I would focus on that perspective, what is flatbed and heavy haul freight like now, and what will it be like in another recession? How much competition is there for freight? If there is freight, what kind is it? Have you tried tarping yet? if not you should just to see what those 100 lb tarps can be like to apply.

Well good luck, on what ever you decide. I hope you didn't mind my thoughts and differing perspective on your questions.

don

 

In 2008 I started my own trucking company as several larger carriers were going out of business. I did that the same reason firefighters run IN to a burning building as many others run out: I learned to operate when fuel was over 5.00 a gallon and freight was almost non-existent in many states I operated. Not long after I went into business I was offered a freight lane that paid over 5k a week. I never looked back; I was able to payoff my truck and trailer and purchase another separate rig. That big house KW you see as my avatar is my truck: completely paid off and running strong with 1.7 million on the clock. Success breeds success. In my off time, I hang around other successful people, like my Brother BJ: He makes close to 500k a year self employed in the NDT industry.

I'm college educated and operated under my own authority for several years. If you want to become a true professional driver, there are no shortage of good paying loads. Remember: trucking isn't about creating a job for yourself, it's creating a stable future for your family (if you have one) and your future. I've been in the industry for over 3 decades. I was around during a time when drivers used to stop for another. While those days are gone, perhaps you may want to surround yourself with successful owner operators who have walked in the shoes you are trying on?

 

Wow, quite a powerful post, my compliments to you sir!

Yes I own my own truck, free and clear. Been a driver now for over 20 yrs with only I figure 5 left till I retire and become a snowbird in my rv. And honestly, when I seen this poster, a guy in his 50's as I am, thinking about getting into this industry as a O/O and as a flatbedder. ???? duh? haha

I admire and respect your perspective, and your post.

As you, I have seen the best of times, and the worst, or so far what have been for some, the worst.

This isn't the same America as it once used to be. Trucking is not as it once was, and will never be again.

To me, assuming that the poster had what in reality was a decent job, living a normal good life. Then why would anyone in their right mind want to give up all that, or risk losing so much, on a whim to be an O/O flat bedder, with no actual real life experience, and in these economic uncertain times?

I see so very many coming into the trucking industry with nothing, and hoping to rebuild their lives. And I wish them well, but I am sure you'd agree, that for so many that try, there are again, so many that fail.

Just thoughts my friend, and nothing more.

don

 

No it isn't the same America it use to be..everything has changed.

Trucking is harder.
But you can be successful..you have to really want to make it.
Plan and save before pulling the trigger.
Many come into this with little to no money and think they can make it.
Some do but most don't.
Have a business plan..don't just figure you can run and make it.
It takes patience,dedication and hard work.
Take advice anywhere you can get it..but make YOUR own decisions.
You should never jump before you're ready..even then you should be hesitant.
It's dog eat dog out here but it always has been..now there's less scraps.