Any successful or happy lease operators out there ?

I think that it takes a certain mindset, and 5 year plan, to be an LP.
We certainly didn't look to become "rich", or even CLOSE, by being an LP.

But,it does give a certain amount of freedom, and more income, than a company driver. As an LP, we are considered O/O by the company. We can refuse loads, go out of route to visit family (as long as it won't make us late for delivery/pickup), take time off WHERE/WHEN WE want to.

When this truck is finally paid off, then come the REAL head-aches of being an O/O...get our own authority?And if so, we have so MANY things to do, and purchase.
OR, just lease ONTO our current company as O/O?
OR, sell the truck, and/or use it as down payment on the truck we REALLY want?

Bottom line is, that as an LP, we have more choices, and more potential to become our own TRUE employer, than being a company driver.

My 2 cents.
Judi Kay

 

I am very happy as an L/O, much happier than I was as a company driver. And I only have a year left on my lease.

One of the largest considerations for me while making the decision was freedom of choice. I can refuse loads I do not want, I hate the east coast. And the biggest of all is it is my responsibility to ensure that I'm successful, not my companies.

If you have drive, and a good head on your shoulders and you pay attention to what you are doing; especially controlling your costs, then you can make money as an L/O or O/O.

Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, and many folks forget that. If you can realize that and put good operating practices in place then you can do well. You will not get rich, no one gets rich driving a truck, but you can and will do well with the right attitude and discipline.

 

Bravo, very well said, especially the first sentence. This is the biggest malaise afflicting this nation, which may, unfortunately, lead to its downfall. Everybody and his dog is aware of his rights and freedoms, but nobody cares a hoot for the concomitant responsibilities.