Can I get my own authority and haul freight without experience?

Wasn't trying to be discouraging but I couldn't resist the humor .

 

Not that there's anything wrong with being a company driver, but I am in a position to pay cash for my own truck and trailer, and drive on my own authority. If driving 340 days a year and making 40 cents/mile was the only option, I would never even consider it!

 

Great advice! That's exactly what I'm going to do. Before I buy anything, I will build time with a company that will help me build experience and get a firm understanding of the trucking industry. Thanks again!

 

Great advice! That's exactly what I'm going to do. Before I buy anything, I will build time with a company that will help me build experience and get a firm understanding of the trucking industry. Thanks again!

 

Great advice! That's exactly what I'm going to do. Before I buy anything, I will build time with a company that will help me build experience and get a firm understanding of the trucking industry. Thanks again!

 

Well if your that hell bent on this lol...and for record I still recommend against it I've been in the biz 31 years now and have been anywhere from rolling in money to flat broke ..feel free to PM me and I'll answer what I can .

 

Listen to these guys Op. I've owned 2 different businesses, both successful. The company I'm at now, I approached my boss and asked him how to be an O/O and permits and paperwork. I've been with them for just about 18 months and I want to go another 18 months before I start searching for a truck and actually pull the trigger. He says I'm ready now. I agree with him that I would be successful. I already talk to the brokers and customers and line up my own loads for most of the week, but I know I have much more to learn. I don't want to be losing money or breaking even I want to be making money.

 

Lots of good information posted on these comments. There is MUCH MUCH MUCH more to staying legal as an OO with Own Authority. If you still plan to do it download and get to know a lot of the information on the PDF I am linking to. Trust me you don't want to do anything in ignorance.

https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/carrier-safety/motor-carriers-guide-improving-highway-safety

 

Thanks bzinger. I have great respect for anyone who has put 31 years into their career! You are a wealth of knowledge and experience. My current occupation isn't all that different from trucking. As I said before, I fly medical flights (air ambulance). We deal with brokers, dispatchers, doctors, and case managers to get (people) moved from one hospital to another. Its all about logistics, much like trucking. I fly extremely long days (Example: Hong Kong, China to Houston, Texas),with terrible weather and crazy hours. I love what I do, but after 17 years of holding other peoples lives in my hands...literally, I am interested in trying my hand at something new. I don't want to go back to the hospital, where I would be trapped within 4 walls, clocking in and out like a drone (I mean normal person). I travel for a living, and shutter at the thought of being trapped in a building all day. Earlier in this post, someone said that only time will tell if I have truck driving in my blood. I think the fact that I am used to being away from home for several weeks at a time, spending 8-16 hours a day in a small private jet, and love the freedom that comes with traveling to all kinds of crazy places both good and bad is a decent start. I will definitely be seeking your advice in the future. Safe travels my friend.

 

I attribute high turnover to America being full of female private parts. Everyone wants to make money but nobody wants to work. I think the OP has a good head on his shoulders. I'm rooting for him!