I'm kinda sad... is being an Owner Operator really that bad?

I got pulled over on SR 49 south of I-80 last week for 58 in a 55... didn't get a speeding ticket but I got a log ticket and a free level 2 inspection.

He wrote me up for 11 violations... the three light violations were bogus as all the lights were operable. Wrote me for broken slider retainer clips on the trailer suspension. Missing step on the passenger side (and noted a rule that only applies to cabovers).... a real picky young dude. I'm sure we will meet again.

 

Hi everyone like robm I want to b an o/o am 22yrs live in Miami fl it's tough down there for a company driver an mabe for o/o but everybody got diffrent luck an lifestyle,I have no bills,kids,gf,just friends that take good care of me.lol...am young motivated,willing,hard worker..my thing is go hard or go hme,am real good at saving an budgeting my mOney,by the next spring or summer am thinking about gettina kw w900 with 50k save 25dwn an da rest for back up for any emergencys,I kno the first couple months will b slow because am new to it UNTILL I catch on..u cant realy understand about bein an o/o unless u in it for ur self (ur advice are very helpfully)it's ups an dwn in everything u do in life so why not go tru ups an dwn for U not to make somebody else rich.........I wud realy appreciate ur reply's....Thank u drivers

 

1.more thing am thinking about haulin flatbed but we kno fl is known for reefer....wat u guys think

 

alot of sod farms down there,

they use flatbeds...............

but it pays poorly !!

 

Thanks for the reply but do u think it's a good idea to get a kw w900 an put 25k?or wat is ur advice to me my post?

 

To be honest.....Now is not really a good time to become a owner operator. Freight is slow and the rates, for the most part are down, might want to wait a bit and see which way the economy goes after the election.
Florida might work with a step deck, from what I hear, rates aren't all that good but would work to get you in the system till your ready to come home.

 

Rates are down???? May want to look at what you are doing. I have van guys doing better than $2/mile with better than 500 mile average length of haul.

Never, NEVER base anything with regards to business on what is going to happen in an election. Actually, all the people that have no clue about investing and business are the ones waiting on these silly things. Professionals look at what is happening in the economy and sectors and NOT what the talking heads on TV or press releases from politicians.

Many factors play into why this is a good time. But you have to look at this as a business and understand what is happening in this sector of the economy. Plenty of things happening that will allow you to leverage yourself to get the better rates.

Best news is that many of the 2008 contracts are being re-negotiated this year and mega carriers have seen costs increase 25%+ (not including fuel). Contract rates are the driver for spot market rates. We are in the beginning of a 3-year "reset" on contract rates. And shippers are already issuing guidance in the market that they expect to see significant increases.

 

My average on the month of March is about $2.15 on the hub loaded/empty. 6000 miles on the month. Still have a few days left in the quarter and some good freight lined up. Spot is up big time from what it was Jan/Feb no problems at all getting top dollar in the right places.

There is never a bad time to own or buy a truck but only if you run it as a business. In fact, when talking heads are all poo-poo'ing the economy and unemployement is high. There really is never going to be a BETTER time to own a truck. Cash is king if you're not leveraged to the hilt you are positioned to make really good money. I've said it before and will say it again, many millionaires were made during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Many millionaires will be made in this current depression. These are the folks who have capital. The weak players who borrowed to the hilt got wiped out or are in the process of being wiped out - goodbye competition - competition that never had any business in the game to start with. Freight will always need to be moved economy up or down...

 

Aint that the truth bill about the talking heads on TV.....

 

BTW, we are doubling down. Plan on going from 6 to 10 trucks by May/June and 20 by end of year (was shooting for end of summer but harvest may slow that down).