Are you happy you are an Owner Op?

It gives you pride and better self esteem, if nothing else. It entitles you to say things here too! Ha ha!

 

Happy most of the time. Semi truck ownership does have it moments..like anything else. Have owned one since 1980. Usually, or should be more freedom, and more money. More paperwork. The more you can do yourself, (paperwork and mechanical) the better off you will be. Like has been mentioned..less debt, the better.

 

Been an owner operator for 43 years. 2 stints as a company driver, one for about a month, teamsters benefits, home every night day cab. HATED IT. 2nd was for about a year with Penske Logistics. Good company, just prepared to be a robot, just like Walmart.
If you have problems with authority, are mechanically inclined, and are willing, at least at the beginning, the first 10 years or so to put the truck first and almost everything else 2nd you will have a shot. Don't have that level of motivation? Keep driving company trucks.

 

Are you going to lease on or get your authority?

 

Yes.

 

No been owner since 1980. Truck i currently have is a 2001.

 

If you’ll be leased onto a mega carrier, no worry. They have cheap mechanics on their yard(s). The shop labor at Stevens (in Dallas) was about $75 over a year ago.

If you decide to buy a truck, it’s never too late to learn. I have 3 years working on my truck, and I’ve learned so much. With the help of this site and YouTube, you’ll beef up your mechanical skills in no time.