Advice on starting an owner operator business

I wouldn’t worry too much about the details. Too easy to get overwhelmed and talk yourself right out of success. Do what you know. A Mobile Repair Truck is a Goldmine. I have a friend who is an O/O. He’s a Hustler. Works a lot. Always has. Just got his Mobile Truck all set up. Compressor, welder, bench, vice, power tools, tire tools, everything he needs. Jumped in both feet first. Been doing side jobs, while Trucking rates are bad. Goes Trucking 5-10 days a month. Already planning on buying a different one and setting it up. He doesn’t hesitate or over think things. He just does it. That’s the key. No big mystery. Dealerships aren’t providing Services very well. Often a 2 week waiting list, and overpriced parts are on 3 week or 3 month back order. It’s a joke. Same time many parts are available online, shipped overnight if needed. The work will literally find you with minimal advertising. Word of mouth is best anyways. Word gets around fast. I know a few Local Mechanics, every O/O I know also knows of them. I say so and so rebuilt my engine. They say yep, he rebuilt mine too. Another guy does ecm programs. Everyone knows him. There’s also a couple Large Fleet Services in Town. Plenty of work for everyone. I’ve known a few others over the years. One Guy does work for Local companies. Often has to turn down work. Another one who is gone now, practically lived in his Truck. Worked 20 + hours a day. Always greasy, lived like a dog. made a killing, till it killed him. Another, who does work for local Grocery/Dairy Companies. Maintaining their fleets. Checking tires weekly, repairing tires and doing mechanical repairs as needed. Not enough Mechanics that are honest and reliable. It’s hard work. Can’t find anyone willing to work hard. Just go for it if you have the energy and ability. Don’t work too cheap, and don’t give credit. The one important thing is to get set up as a S Corp, or Sole Proprietor, or ?whatever’s best for tax purposes. Don’t want any surprises from the IRS. The rest will depend on how much you can accomplish.

 

Man I’m here to tell you. If you are interested in being a business owner please pray about what you are considering. You can do very well in trucking and you can go bankrupt real quick. If you are not familiar with trucking I would recommend driving for someone first. If you are married with kids and haven’t been gone for days/weeks at a time. This business can cost you your family real quick. I’d love to sit down with you over a cup of coffee and lay it out. If you were family I’d throw some money your way and invest in a shop. If you have the knowledge to keep these trucks on the road you could literally make my bank account look like Monopoly money. Any body can buy a truck and start moving freight at any time. However this industry is lacking decent mechanics in a bad way. Please start a shop and help guys keep their wheels rolling.

 

Just about a year ago. 09 T660 with an 07 Mac 48' flatbed. 48 states, $1M cargo

 

This industry is lacking decent, AFFORDABLE mechanics. I think stealerships have the least knowledgeable wrenches around.

 

Mobile truck repair. Servicing breakdowns, o/o, and small fleets.