Before I commit, what would the Seattle area be like for an O/O home base?

I dont think going owner op and straight to own authority without any driving experience, wanting to work part time off the load boards with a dry van in the pacific northwest is going to be a very profitable venture , but im not saying it cant be done.

Like i said, your best bet is to start researching small companies that u could lease on with in that area . that is going to be ur easiest path to profitability, as they will already have the freight for you to haul. There is alot more to this business than meets the eye. Good luck

 

I wanted to send you a PM to say thanks, but I can't seem to do that on this board.

Signing on with a small carrier is exactly what I've read that most truly independent (i.e. no exploitative purchase lease agreements) O/O's end up doing to stabilize their earnings, but I have some commitments - especially to my elderly parents - which won't allow me to be away for too long. However maybe I could find a company which would be able to keep me local. I will keep my eyes open (if I go ahead), network, and perhaps make some calls. Thanks again.

 

No problem. Check out some companies that work out of the ports there in seattle/tacoma/Olympia ... That should keep u closer to the house . and enough freight to keep busy, especially right now... Now the money part of it, i have no idea , im not sure how that side of the market works, but will give u another option to look at

 

I should add that my experiences out there were only on proprietary load boards. You might see better results on a public board. Also keep in mind, shorter runs means more runs, which means more time spent loading and unloading, which leaves less time for spinning the wheels. But there are trucks that drive 50 miles per day and bump 15 docks and still turn a profit, so it can still be done.

 

I'm sending you a PM. Been doing what you're planning to do for the last few years, and it can be done. It requires some careful planning though.