Want to go owner operator

i would check with the strictly o/o companies that will be your best bet.. you may find yourself still doing a refresher course and having to get some recent exp..

 

ok per your wishes I won't say it but I can't help but think it.

as an O/o for over ten years I will tell you i have never seen such a rough business climate.

 

You're not nuts! There are a lot of good opportunities for an O/O if you are willing to take the time and do a lot of research. If you will run your operation like a real business nerd, you can do pretty good.

Just don't rush into anything. There are a lot of good used trucks out there and you can make a good deal. There are still good carriers that are financially sound that are willing to take an O/O. And don't be gunshy of those carriers that have company trucks. If the carrier has a large percentage of O/O compared to company trucks, it is not an issue. Check out a carrier real well.... who is their customer base, financials, etc. Don't overlook regional stuff. I run only upper midwest regional and I do as well or better than those that run 48 and Canada. Plus I get home for all holidays, weekends, and family events. No time to goof off when I am away from the house, but the reward is being home regularly.

Make sure your financial condition is up to snuff. Don't stick your neck out too far in getting a truck and getting a business off the ground. Expect the unexpected. No matter the truck, you will probably have a fair amount of unexpected repairs to make in the first couple of months to get all the kinks worked out and make it a reliable truck.

Don't let others scare you out of jumping in. Just be cautious. If you got your act together, you will do just fine. You won't get rich, but you will do all right.