Being an owner operator do or dont

I give this thread and what Southernpride put in it a big thumbs up. i am looking at hitting it on my own early next year and its nice to see someone say that it can be done and to go for it. I know it can be a very tough business to get into but it does get old hearing every owner op out there saying dont do it,dont do it,I can do it but you cant,dont do it. Thats all you hear. Nice to hear a positive spin on it once every now and then.

 

We've been owner/op's for close to 9 yrs now. Driving (husband) for almost 21. There is so much to learn, things we'd do differently now, but the main thing is it can be done. Way I figure it, those who say it can't would say that about anything, just too much negativity and we all know there's enough of that around. Whatever happened to that ol' "can-do" attitude that was the hallmark of being an American?

 

Some folks have bad luck and that never helps. In my book, you have to make smart decisions on equipment and do what you can to keep your operating expenses as low as possible. Sometimes easier said then done when unexpected things pop up. I'm bound and determined to make it!

 

I'm bettin that you will

 

This is one of the threads I save to read for last.
It's nice to read something more positive and optimistic. Lots of negativity out there, some deserved, some not so much. I think it's human nature to relay a bad experience before you relay a good one. You get out of it what you put into it.

 

The first rule of becoming an OO is use spell checker. The second is to have 40,000 in the bank and put 20,000 dn on a new truck and trailer and lease to a reputable Co like Jones, Watkins-Shepard or Keen. You can make it hauliing reefers or dryvan but it pays less. Keep impeccable records and write off anything you buy for and use on a truck and I mean anything, inclucing a toothbrush, bluejeans and polish. Write the truck off over 4 years and trade it off, keep it polished, it should still have some warranty left and be worth a dn payment on another. Run 130,000 mi a year and have a plan if you are sick or hurt.

 

Although I agree with your concept in basic terms.......


WHY do the majority of truck drivers get hung up on running massive amounts of miles????????

 

Because most don't go by the motto of "work smarter not harder" like they should.

 

being an o/o is like being a ceo of a bank,it's all about the research.

 

I think some of the advise that may be taken as doom and gloom is far from it. I have told folks that now is not the time to start, not that they can't do it, just that when they say they only have enough money fora down payment etc they do not have enough to sustain for a few months till they get those decent accounts that start paying the bills. In these economic times and the lack of freight, that is good advice, not a scare tactic. When I started, freight was moving much better, fuel was through the roof and I laughed at everyone who said fuel would put them out of business. Honestly I would gladly have those days back vs our current lack of freight. I made good money and it was alla bout business, my costs went up, I only took runs that paid those costs, now we have been forced to cut every corner there is to cut and then some to afford to run the average freight out there. If I had all new trucks, I dont think I could make it and that is a fact. All of my equipment is used and in great shape because I too value my tools as they are the provider of my livelyhood. If I see one of my trucks on the road, I look it over, inside and out and believe me, ask one of my drivers what happens if I find the inside of the truck dirty or unorganized.... I take it as a personal disrespect to the job and industry.