My dad has been a truck driver since 1992 and he recently came into possession of 2009 Cascadia and Reefer trailer. Equipment is completely paid off and he asked me to look into becoming an owner operator. So after nights of reading I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface as far as his options go. I don’t think he is thrilled with the idea of getting his own authority as the cost seems high to get started and he is unsure of his abilities to get loads. During my research I came across the possibility of him being able to lease his truck and trailer to a company and theyll cover the cost of insurance and get him work. Is this correct? I’m sorry if I sound like an idiot, I’m just trying to help my dad make a good decision. He loves being a truck driver and was so excited to have his own truck as he never expected to be able to have one. When I listed off the cost of getting started and some of the hurdles he would have to jump over, he was clearly sad about it. What would you folks do if you were in his shoes with your knowledge?
Thank you for any advice given.
Advice for Father
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Anvilbri, Jul 15, 2018.
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Too Lateskellr, stwik, spyder7723 and 1 other person Thank this. -
Why doesn't your dad come here and ask questions, if you are not directly involved, it may be prudent to have him base his questions on his experience.
James122, buddyd157, stwik and 1 other person Thank this. -
Everything in your post says for him to sell the truck and trailer.
He never expected to own his own truck? Getting a truck is easy. It's knowing how to manage it and make money with it, is the difficult part.gentleroger, buddyd157 and spyder7723 Thank this. -
Oxbow, Just passing by and Chinatown Thank this.
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Come on guys, it's a simple question, and we've answered it here hundreds of time.
Yes, it is common for O/O's to "lease on" to a carrier, who takes care of the paperwork, the government stuff, and the loads. There are many variations of that model: some companies do just about everything, including maintenance and repair on the truck, and even have "forced dispatch". That's really close to being a company driver while having all the financial risks of an O/O.
On the other end of the spectrum are "dispatch services", who essentially do little more than provide loads, or choices of loads, and the O/O's do the rest.
From the way you word your question, it sounds to me that your father is not particularly business minded. That really is a red flag. Being an O/O means you have to run a business. To be successful, you have to run the business well. It's a lot more than just buying a truck, driving and getting paid.
Secondly, a 2009 tractor is a 10 year old tractor, and 2009 models were built in the period where the new emissions regulations of the EPA were coming faster than the ability of the engine manufacturers to make it work. Lots, LOTS of serious problems. MANY O/O's were put out of business by these problems.
My advice is this: if your dad is not (now) business minded, business ready if you will, then don't become an O/O now. Sell this truck. It's just a truck. There's trucks for sale on every corner.
Now, if he has a dream to become an O/O, he should start working towards that. Take a book keeping course at the local community college or on line. Save up for a serious business startup fund (even leasing on, $50,000 is not too much, not counting the truck). Learn about the different ways carriers treat lease operators. Learn about what kind of freight pays the best. Learn what certifications and endorsements (HAZ, TWIC, passport, etc) allow him to move into better paying segments of the industry.
Then, when he's ready, buy the right truck (and trailer if he chooses), and have a high chance of success. Good luck.Oxbow, jamespmack, Just passing by and 1 other person Thank this. -
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