Success as O/O.

Experience, you learn from the school of hard knocks.

 

There is no right or wrong answer as to which freight to haul.

What type of trailer do you have? Van, Reefer, Open deck, RGN? What do you have the most experience with,.. thats probably where you should start.

As for rates,.. again,.. thats something you need to work out. Break down your fixed costs, estimate how much time the run will take, factor in the percentage of profit you'd like to make. That is the rate you need to take.

I like to base my rate on time = money. My equipment is paid for,.. I already know what my fixed costs are.

Soooo,..

Lets say there is a 35,000 lb load going 500mi. Factor in loading and unloading time. The commodity will usually determine that for me and if it needs tarping or not. Factor the travel time as you pre plan your route,.. to include fuel stops, rest/pee stops, Safety stops to check load. Any tolls? Permits? Is it going to another good freight area,.. can you pre-book another load before you get there? Or will it be a dead area that you need to dead head out of or take a cheap load to get out? Put all of that together,.. how much is your time and effort worth to you?



Hurst

 

That is what you do not do.

I assume you are asking the question without a cdl and being on the road. If this is the case, the absolutely first thing is to get rid of the idea of BIG bucks with a truck and be a driver for a few years.

 

Well it like this if you a former burger flipper then anything over min wage be good, if your a retired CEO then any thing under a million be bad ,if your retired military
y with pension you already have income and you are already a paid tourist just trying to get where you want is the goal.
If you have a new truck ,new house, a new boat,a new motor cycle, and e
a ex wife you can not make enough u less you have direct customers both directions and never break down.
I determine after I make $12500 I deserve a week off sometimes that 6 weeks some times that 2 weeks. Do you know what your fix cost will be or do you even know how to figure that?
Do you know what kind of rate you need to make a profit ? You know how much fuel milage you need to make that rate?
How much muck work are you willing to do and how much time are you willing to spend doing it and how much time are you willing to not see your family and freinds to do it?
Are you willing to kiss everyone's as to get to thar
t point.

 

To the OP, every thing you would like to know is in here. Use the search box above. It's all in here. Your question has been asked just about every new member come on here. That's why your getting some sarcastic replies.

 

Lot more to being a O/O than steering and gearing... choose wisely. The search mode here can be a great freind.

 

read the Double Yellow thread. lots of good info in there. Start with that, THEN ask questions. The Blair & Gretchen thread is helpful too.