Any canadian owner operators that does border crossing?

I live in Ontario and going to become truck driver trainee, i'll be doing border crossing to the midwest, my biggest goal is to become an owner operator in the future and I ask some staff at my workplace, it's better to be a company driver because owner operator has a lot or cost and which I agree, but other staff was telling me that the rate is ontario is low, so there no reason. When i was a student in the trucking school, my instructor was telling me his former student was getting $1,000 per load just cross from NY state and making good money. For any Canadian operator who does border crossing....Are you making good money getting loads from the U.S? ...is ir worth being an operator operator doing border crossing?

 

Hey, @TB John, got a package for this driver to make millions?

 

Don't need a million dollars, I need $100,000

 

Plenty of options, unfortunately all my trucks are leased. Looking for a couple more when prices come back down to earth. Meanwhile I'll just sit at home and rake in the big bucks.

 

I've been driving for a Unionized company for over 20 years and have 5 years previous driving experience elsewhere (over 25 years). I've noticed the disrespect even I'm today's times where allegedly there's a shortage of drivers and by watching the World's Global Supply Chain issue rise at the ports having a shortage of drivers we still get no respect from Company Owners & Managers. I originally registered on these forums to see other drivers opinions about Trucking from their experiences both sides of the border ) Canadian/American and realized this from the forum alone. There seems to be less risk takers here in Canada regarding the confidence to become independent O/o's yet I've seen hundreds of New Canadians doing it annually. For me, I can no longer take some yahoo non educated (no diploma or degree) Manager who knows nothing and was a previous employee telling me what to do. So becoming a O/o is my only other options. Yes, its going to be way more work and cost a lot up front from the Incorporated business registration, Truck/Trailer/Load insurance, fuel, decals (MC#, CVOR#, UsaDOT#, KYU# etc.), IFTA, IRP/PRP Plates, FMCSA Registration & additional 'Compliance' once owning a small fleet even if starting with only one truck. Yes, it will cost money also for additional Business insurance etc. So taking that chance with a plan 'B' (being Owner Operator for a company if load board rates don't average my default set rate limit). And super worse case plan 'C' a company driver again. Nothing is guaranteed just as we live life isn't either however, if you don't try how will you know? Don't get it twisted I make good money as a company driver but my mental health of listening to some yahoo younger manager talking down to me saying ' they can replace us all in a day' is ########! At this age and experience of driving (previously in the 90's being and Owner Op) I'm not going to retire with that crap...Sorry for the rant but I have to keep it real.

 

All the best in your new venture. No workplace that erodes your mental state is worth being at. Regardless of the compensation.

 

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I hope all your dreams come true,but remember new canadians live extremely cheap compared to you and me that’s why they can afford to drop the rates and live on nothing.My dad and my self tried starting up our own dump truck companies . My so called dads friends offer to sell us two of his dump trucks a 2011 and 2012 international work stars interest free loans . He provided the work we went on his fleet insurance used the same yard as him .problem way too many dump trucks around the gta and new canadians keep dropping the rates . i got out last year my dad just sold his 2015 international for 115k . My dad was spending $300-$400 a day in fuel because of the increasing fuel prices , that’s half his daily wages. Wasn’t worth it to us .My dad made $80k this asphalt season but spent $20-30k in fuel alone.I only see it worth be a o/o if you find a amazing company to sign on to or a very niche market

 

This is true. But I'm figuring even if the loads going out of Canada are less than $2.10/mile (average). If the backhaul loads can average closer to $2.90 to $3.40 (Cad) I can make up difference. Yes, its going to be a challenge however when looking at multiple load boards now there's a lot loads even in the South Western Ontario areas available going into the slow season.
(Example of one Loadboard)
All loads in London, Ontario (ON) 123Loadboard

 

That's awesome dude! best of luck, and I can't wait for updates.

I've lost the motivation to try it, and out west here things are still hurtin for the little guys. So thankfully I like what I'm doing now.

 

If you are looking for an opinion, right now, it's a bad timing.
Better to stay a company driver. And grow a thicker skin.
Costs are high, cut-throat competition, rates are low.
Shippers and receivers are controlling the market.
Not the carriers. I suggest to wait until Pro-business
governments are getting back in power, both in Canada and USA.
And wait for the Covid regulations to be 'phased out'.
They'll be gone, sooner or later.
I hope this helps you.