New Owner Operator Question

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by CDG209, Nov 8, 2018.

  1. CDG209

    CDG209 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 8, 2018
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    Hello,
    Little more info on me to see if maybe it would give a better understanding of my situation.
    My name is Chris. I am a new 22 year old owner operator in California. I bought my own semi in August of this year after getting my CDL back in Dec 2017 and working with UPS Freight for a little over 6 months. I decided to quit my driver position at UPS in hopes of increasing my income and having a bit more control of my career. I bought a single axle 2013 Volvo VNM in August and worked the Grape season here in the central valley of California for the 2 and a half months. The season just ended about a week ago and now my question is where would be the most beneficial path for myself to take. With some of the money i had saved and the 2 and a half months of work in the grape season i was able to pay my truck off and have around 10K to invest if it came down to buying a trailer or other equipment. Any recommended companies by other drivers that stay in this area of the Central Valley in California? Seems like at 22 years old many companies hesitate to hire even though i have my own truck. Still very new and unfamiliar with many aspects of the industry so any advice or help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you for your time and help.
     
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  3. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Have you looked into running cans out of the port?

    Although you’ll be somewhat limited with that single axle
     
  4. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    That single axle will limit your options, especially on power only jobs. I hear UPS is about to strike. Perhaps shuttle trailers between their terminals during the strike. Otherwise get yourself a pup trailer and start looking at the load boards. There is always something to haul in California.
     
  5. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You're going into that time of the year when all the ag hauling starts to shut down.
    The competition for single axle freight of any kind is going to be huge because of so many trucks sitting idle.
    When all those trucks are idle a lot of OOs wind up hauling cheap just to try to stay in business. They usually go broke.
    I'd look at hauling sand and gravel for one of the ready mix outfits if you decide to keep your single axle. That's cheap too but you can survive if you're frugal.
    A better bet would be to get a three axle tractor and look into hauling containers. Again, it's cheap freight but you can survive.
    Whatever you do, don't fall into the lease/purchase trap that some of the big outfits offer.
     
  6. GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    Oct 21, 2017
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    Get an older flat bed. Make it road worthy & run the load boards for partials. Baically flat bed ltl. Or a class 8 hot shot. Get yourself a car trailer & you could play in their yard.....just ideas
     
  7. Daycabinit

    Daycabinit Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2016
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    How close are you to Lodi? I know a company that has work for that single axle hauling pneumatics most of the work is in the bay though pm me if your interested
     
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