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Can you make a decent living not working for a company?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Long, Aug 27, 2011.

  1. Aug 27, 2011 #1
    Long

    Long Bobtail Member

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    Aug 27, 2011
    Maryland
    0
    I noticed there are a few good websites out there that offer loads. I want to know if it is possible to use these sites as an owner operator to make a decent living without being tied into any companys.

    I had an excavating business for the past 10 years and have 7 years experience driving dump trucks and moving heavy equipment, but my business got hit hard with the bad economy. I am looking to buy an OTR truck and operate as an owner operator. While there are a few companies that appeal to me, I would love to take charge of my loads and trip planning if possible and not rely on a company to keep me going.

    If anyone has some experience doing this, please fill me in.
     
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 27, 2011 #2
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Deland, FL
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    If it were just that easy everyone would be doing it right?

    Find yourself a good company to drive for and then put in at least a year or two. While you are learning the ropes keep track of everything you do as if you were an O.O. and see how you do. If its worth it make your decision from there. I highly do not recommend just buying a truck and going over the road. Not to mention you pay hell trying to find insurance with no verifiable OTR driving. Make your mistakes on someone else's dime.

    You already have some good business background skills. So now you can concentrate on learning the industry and what it takes to make money.
     
    chompi, Aug 27, 2011
    chompi, Aug 27, 2011
    #2
    Long, BigJohn54, heyns57 and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Aug 27, 2011 #3
    Hussle Man

    Hussle Man Bobtail Member

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    Dec 26, 2010
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    I have to agree with chompi! I am an owner operator and it took me to work for four different companies in a three year span before going on my own. I'm glad I did so because I started from doing containers, to flatbeds, to dry vans before I went and bought my own reefer. I would have lost a lot of money if I had of bought a trailer first off without being sure what I wanted to haul.
     
    Hussle Man, Aug 27, 2011
    Hussle Man, Aug 27, 2011
    #3
    Long Thanks this.
  5. Aug 27, 2011 #4
    Long

    Long Bobtail Member

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    7
    Aug 27, 2011
    Maryland
    0
    I never asked if it would be easy. I have owned 3 Tri-axle Dumps and I know everything related to keeping them on the road, tags, stickers, taxes, insurance etc. What I want to know is this: Is it possible to make a decent living utilizing only those websites?

    I'm sure I have a bit of learning to do as far as how this industry works and I will most likely work for a company first. But lets for the sake of getting a response to my question, assume I have been driving for a few years and have the nessessary experience. Is utilizing the load websites a good way to make a living or would working for a company as an O/O be the better route?

    Thanks...
     
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    #4
  7. Aug 27, 2011 #5
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    Yes, if you have the money to purchase equipment, get authority and insurance and the capital needed to operate you can make a good living this way.

    Most try to find direct freight to increase profits. You have to be a good negotiator to do well with brokers. They almost always have more in the load than they are trying to move it for. The good freight never reaches the board.

    If that is what you want to do, read all the docked threads in the "Ask An Owner Operator" section. There is lots of good information in these. These are some good threads too:

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/146942-how-to-become-an-owner-operator.html

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/147854-what-would-experienced-o-o-buy.html

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/125507-what-estimated-operating-costs-o-o.html

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/148340-keeping-track-o-o-operating-costs.html

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/134211-no-experience-but-getting-authority.html


    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/64679-my-numbers-o-o-leased-crete.html


    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/143100-rate-confirmation-question.html
     
    BigJohn54, Aug 27, 2011
    BigJohn54, Aug 27, 2011
    #5
    DrtyDiesel and Long Thank this.
  8. Aug 27, 2011 #6
    Long

    Long Bobtail Member

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    Aug 27, 2011
    Maryland
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    Thank you BigJohn54, I will read over those posts. :biggrin_25514:
     
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    Long, Aug 27, 2011
    #6
    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
  9. Aug 28, 2011 #7
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Hopefully you will stumble upon a broker that isn't going to rip you off! They are few and far between.
     
    chompi, Aug 28, 2011
    chompi, Aug 28, 2011
    #7
    Long Thanks this.
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