How to become a successful O/O.....

It kinda simple, you just need to make more money per mile then you spend or lose. If you have money you can buy a new truck and be in business in a couple days. Most people don't and try the lease purchase truck deal and lose on that because of the high payments.

If you real want to be O/O drive a company truck and keep track my of the expenses and see the numbers for yourself. It not easy to make a profit

 

You'll get all kinds of answers to this from reading and watching here. I'll give you one, not universal to trucking. Learn to speak, type and communicate as a professional. Judging by your post above you are doing a great job. I do not take people seriously who don't use any punctuation, can't spell cat (or more like don't care to try), etc. I think these old school values matter. I use them to weed out lousy brokers on a daily basis.

I know, I probably just sound like a crusty old know it all.

Second thing I would think of is managing time well. There's always something to do as an O/O. If you don't get stuff done with your down time at docks and off-duty time you won't have a life away from the truck.

 

My opinion would be to get a good company job with a full benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement package. You will come out ahead of being a Owner Operator.

It's such a rat race out here that when you add up all the time spent maintaining the truck, bookkeeping, finding loads, and everything else that goes into it, no it's not worth it.

This is a forum here. Not spelling/grammar class.

 

86scotty is right about the time management thing. That's not just for O/O, it's important across the industry. I know I have a problem with it because I always feel like I'm racing the clock or just needing 5 more minutes to get were I want to. On the ELD system it's all or nothing because it's all recorded and out in the open for any inspection during that 8bday window.

 

What is considered successful to one may or may not be to another person, there is a lot of different reasons people become an Oo and money is but one of them.
I know a mentonite OO that has paid for a sizable farm in KS, and a lot of equipment. he is fluent in three languages, very good with numbers and business, but can not read and write. He told me he had often wondered how well he could have done in life, if he would have had an education.

 

True, this is an open forum, and is open to all types and the opinions that come with such. That said, the old adage “ you only get one chance at a first impression “ The ability to communicate clearly is important part of making that a good impression. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are important to making clear concise communication. This is even more important in written form, you don’t have the things that come with spoken communications.

 

An important thing to remember. This is a business.
It takes all the work any business would take.
Starting with a well researched business plan.

 

Husband is a lease operator. I know a lot of people think it is a curse word, but because of his age, it is a lot easier for him. There are good weeks, bad weeks, some weeks you wonder what, esp with dispatchers and sales who have no clue. Company is a great way to get use to the racket, without worrying about the maintenance and fuel costs, and to learn the roads. Lease gives you more freedom on going what route you want vs what route they expect you to go, usually secondary roads vs toll roads. Eld's keep things in order better as long as you don't waste time, get sleep when you can, plan your day and stops.
It is a great idea to save up money in a slush fund for those low weeks, or if you take several days off at a time.

 

JonJon, I hope you read Expressolane's post above. You might want to go re-read mine as well, if that was directed at me. I didn't say it was a spelling/grammar class and I didn't pick out anyone's use or disuse of, in fact, I complimented the OP on a good start.

I sucked at spelling and grammar in school but that was a long time ago. I've learned what it takes to make a good impression and find good people to work with, and I've found they prefer that as well.

@389Trucker, what's your level of experience? JonJon makes a good point about the advantages of a company job, especially in this lousy market. There's a time and place for everyone and every type though. I did company for 25 years before I was ready to go out alone.