Advice from owner/operators, what are your biggest difficulties?

Having enough backup reserve funds to go through the Initial year of bs to cover the costs of life’s lessons.

 

brokers raping you for being a newb, mechanics raping you for being a newb. Lack of loads because authority to new.


Until you pay your dues you will be the new fish on the block.

 

Insurance costs, truck cost or repairs if not a newer one. Like LoneRanger said... there is a steep learning curve on learning how to be, what to avoid, and what to do. It’s fairly easy to make money right now but things do cycle up and down. It’s almost a disadvantage starting when times are easy because when it’s bad it seems overwhelming.

Having said all of that, it’s very doable and go for it! Me personally, if i had to lease on to someone then I wouldn’t be in trucking.

 

Stay compliant.
Make sure the party paying you has a track record of paying and paying on time.
Remember that the government is your partner.
Resist the people who want you to add trucks and they'll keep you busy.

 

Power only loads on DAT. I don't haul freight but I'm sure there are other sources.

 

JB Hunt, Amazon, power only loads. But Amazon make sure you follow their schedule to a T until you learn how the local FC’s and Dc’s you visit operate.

 

You need to supply them more details. Are you an experienced company driver that is going out on your own? Or a new to truck driving industry and thinking because they are saying there is a "shortage." That'll be a good idea.

Not saying someone can't be successful. New to the gig. But usually the former makes it and the later fails.