Is it viable to be a solo owner operator?

There you go! Now you are thinking! Cosmetics and chicken lights do not make you money. Find an old truck, not to get around the ELD, but to get away from the EGR/DPF/SCR BS. You have time, find one with a fresh in frame, a Series 60 Detroit, or older Cummins CM-570 or N-14. Make sure it has good rubber, at least a years worth and go make money! The truck will need repairs, but they will be minor, most you can handle on the road for little out of pocket expense. Then get some tools together for your down time to work on the truck yourself. Learn it, learn the systems, learn the mechanics. You do this to save money and keep that truck rolling. Take it to a dealer, and they will be throwing expensive parts you do not need at it.

 

I have to say that's not really true.

I had less hassles when I was on the road with the state enforcement people than the megas. what you don't understand is how the carriers are rated and how they get flagged for more inspections.

Right now I looked at my fleet stats and see we have 3% of the fleet going through inspections in December.

 

I can count the number of times I have been pulled into a scale house on one hand. I have always worked for small outfits and or myself. Keep the equipment clean along with the dashboard. That is my secret. started driving in the 80's...

 

I agree not to spend your money on a shiny truck with a lot of Chrome, but whatever truck you drive must be presentable.

An older truck that has good tires on it and is clean inside and the paint is one color that especially looks good from at least a distance is good.

A dirty beat up looking multicolored truck will attract bad attention from DOT, and the public in general.

And when you have a nice clean mechanically sound truck that has a reasonable paint job on it, you feel better about yourself driving it also.

Take pride in yourself!

 

Well 38 years of trucking and as company driver of large company with benefits to driving for small 1 to 10 truck O/O’s! I have had DOT and MC #’s since 1997! I started without a trailer just power found I made nothing but the company made out. I bought a trailer and worked 10 times what the law allowed and made a little bit of money bit needed to find good brokers. Good Broker is an “Oxymoron” after a few years spinning my wheels I began running for “cheap and heavy” they continually kept me loaded and I made some decent money but just when I thought I was getting ahead something would happen! Blown steer tire on I 95 or something 500 here 1000 there and what do you know back to broke. But they had freight! The problem is they know the cost of operating and that is all they want to give you!
Hold out for a good rate never sit too long ,unless you are at home. Move into good shipping lanes. Try to load to good shipping areas and set your rates accordingly including deadhead miles!
Remember brokers mostly do not own trucks We do! Put away as much ad you can to cover daily costs and even more for unseen expences! Pay yourself a teasonable salary and keep it separate from company money! Never mix the two. Cpmpany might become your retirement if you are lucky! I will not talk about divorce etc that will take your lifes work; except work on your life “keep her happy and with you as much as possible”! Good Luck and enjoy your Freedom! I am happy just mot wealthy in the bank!

 

Good grief, seriously? It's cost to fill up divided by number of miles. So 900/2000 = $0.45/mile.

 

What was that all about ?

 

So, to add to the question:
Can a O/O hauling for 1 carrier make money at $1.23 loaded, .80 empty when fuel is paid by carrier, not O/O? They pick up insurance as long as under their loads.

 

So basically your only major expense is equipment maintenance? Doesn't sound too bad.