Owner tractor only

Yes, but you been at it a while and have your niche. I wasn't implying that you couldn't make good money doing it, but seems to me like these guys complaining about rates, are doing load board stuff 100% of the time. Which means your subject to the market highs and lows. Im not saying what I do or what Ruthless or Diesel Dave does is the "Best paying work out there" it's just that we have our niche. I'm not subject to the market rates. I'm empty 50% of the time and paid round trip as if I were loaded. My profit margins have never been higher. Plus, I too pull customer trailers. I have three different types of trailers parked. One has to admit, loading off of load boards 100% of the time gets rough. Am I mis-speaking in any way?

 

And for the record, just because some of us will not agree on certain aspects of Trucking, I still respect what all of you do

 

No you're absolutely right. I do it 100% off loadboards and also crazy in most people's opinion I do it leased to a company as well. Being subject to drastic swings of the market is not easy street for sure but I like what I do.

 

I think there truly needs to be a mentoring program for new O/O and wanna be O/O's. And not just the publications from OOIDA or the snake oil salesman (I'm sure name doesn't need to be mentioned). Real life, on the spot mentors, ready to help whenever, however they can. A group of veteran truckers that's been through it, real world experience, and real world advice. Not just on a web forum, but by phone, or email. Guys that can also admit when they don't have all the answers. We can all learn together. We are competing against multi million dollar trucking entities, with endless revenue streams and connections. Maybe a group like this can bring along the noobs, like the old timers did back in the day, put them under a wing so to speak.

 

I've networked with several o/o on this forum in email lists and phone conversations. These o/o have experience across the spectrum from newbie to long time veteran. I try to help and encourage new o/o when I can.

 

You have a good point.
But in order to be under a wing, we had to prove we wanted it and we had to pay our dues. When I told my uncle and dad I wanted to start driving, they said great, you can start by cleaning those tarps, replace the pins in the binders. Oh when you get caught up, change the engine oil, check the trans and rears, while your under there go ahead grease it, adjust the brakes. Need to brake down a couple of those tires. In other words I had to pay my dues. Anyway after about two years of learning as much as I could about the workings of the truck & trailer. I got to drive, imo, it's easy to use a 550 hp 18 sp and pull 100,000+, try taking a 1969 ih 238 hp 9 sp( with a u 8-9) and pull a D-9-g, no jakes, I thought I was going to pinch the steering wheel in half. After many, many moons later it seems like second nature to pull od, don't get me wrong, I learn everyday.

 

I believe what the fellows are saying is get out of the seat and start knocking on doors, sell yourself, prove you can be counted on and stand by and keep your word