Is it ok to start out as a O/O

Just drive someone else truck for the 1st year and keep your eyes open for a cheap truck that needs the type of repair you can do yourself.

 

no,that would be like asking a truck driver to fly the space shuttle. b safe out there

 

I started as a O/O 33 years ago and it worked ok for me .
Was it the best way to do it ?
Probably not .
I will tell you is not the easiest way to do it .
Every lesson you learn comes right out of your pocket and you don't ever forget them !!

Like anything else some make it from day one and others will never make it .
I think if it is what you really want then go for it !

I have only driven 2 trucks that I didn't own in 33 years .
For myself I have to own my truck I can't be just a truck driver .
My butt just don't fit a company trucks seat LOL .

 

I think you should drive for someone first. I know you said you have been around trucks, but the trucking lifestyle is not for everyone. Also jumping right into an owner operator position I think would be a bad idea. Get some experience first. Good luck.

 

you can have an expensive learning curve

 

Work for someone else for at least two years and look at everything from fuel cost, maint, insurance, to load boards. Spend time on the internet researching total O/O companies and what they offer compaired to you going it alone. IMO L/O companies are just plain thieves, stay away from the devils sales pitch. There are tons of things to look at in trucks from types to motors, transmisions and cost to buy. Spend the time on this and don't get in a hurry. Know what you want before you start looking. Good luck.

 

Modifier: You will have an expensive learning curve. That's because you swallowed the whole apple all at once. You can do it, for sure, but you'd better be determined and you'd better have some cash on reserve. Driving for a year, then jumping in you break up the learning curve into merely difficult bites. All at once? Go for it, and learn from your mistakes!

 

Experience is the best teacher...you will never know how to do n e thing until you actually do it..so I say go for it and learn as you go

 

Getting a CDL and learning to drive is only a small part of becoming an owner operator,,you need to learn a lot about business,,contract law is important as well as financial skills. drive for someone else a year or two, save your money and learn not only how to safely operate a truck but learn as much as you can about being a self employed businessman,,this will increase you chance of making it as well as help you earn more money,,take your time,,you have many many years ahead of you so slow down just a little.
You say your are a good mechanic,,but have you ever heard of someone that buys their first box of tools and then opens a repair shop?
Make a plan,,work towards your goal, line up some shippers or freight and carefully run the numbers ..

good luck, drive safe