Is it good to be an Owner/Operator ?

An O/O is simply buying himself a job. Would you hire hire yourself for an employee if you were the boss ? Being an O/O can be rewarding if you are a self-starter who has a little business sense and wants to work.
I strongly discourage starting out as an O/O. You need to learn a little about trucking before jumping into business of hauling your own freight.

 

How do you track these? A program? Or on your own?

 

I was a company driver for 10 years after being trained by my uncle(o/o).when I bought my first truck it was unusual circumstances , lasted 2yrs. location and family caused me to throw in the towel. relocated company driver for awhile and couldn't wait to get my own again. couldn't have it any other way, cant stand the thought of some punk snot nose tellin me how to do my job. have no company 401k,paid vacations, personal days, sick days etc..do what I want when I want(or when wife and kids want) best job ever.

 

That sounds great, congratulations for being a great business man and I'm happy that you also have time for your family (which some drivers complain about, since they're a lot of time on the road)

 

T
I mad my own spreadsheet using microsoft excel to track fuel, maintenance, expenses and revenu. I have my fixed cost such as insurance and truck payments and my variables such as fuel. It also includes incoming revenu. If you dont know your numbers trucking can be a trap as you are often paid many weeks after the work is done. If you just want to drive and enjoy the scenery dont buy a truck stay as a driver but if your willing to do the xtra work, enjoying the scenery is your bonus

 

Company driving is for: Polishing your skills, learn how to take care of a truck and save enough money for a down payment or a truck.

Pros of O/O, better money and freedom
Cons., non if you like hard work, money management and turning nuts and bolts once in a while.