Is there a book where you learn to be an o/o?

2 words... Kevin Rutherford.

He makes his living off people that just don't know what they are doing. He has a show on XM midnight EST. Call in and it goes like this:
Caller: Hi Kevin thanks for taking my call.
Kevin: no problem. What can I help you with tonight?
Caller: I am constipated and need help holding my steering wheel. Its too big.
Kevin: you're in luck. Buy my book on how to stop holding your steering wheel and buy my scan gauge I made. You'll get a half mile per gallon better on fuel mileage!


Joking aside, if you really feel the need to, go to Kevin. My opinion, better info here!

 

I think the OP's request for extra resources outside the 'school of hard knocks' and this forum is within reason. Thank you for those who have shared.

PS.... Harley Charlie - Becoming a doctor does start out with and never ends with the use books I know what you were trying to insinuate, just sayin.

 

I wish I could help you I really do. Unfortunately there is no shortcut it is a learn as you go deal. Kevin Rutherford is great but there is only so much you can learn from a course or book. The guys on this thread who are being a little smart with you have really got a point.
I have a friend who took the trouble to look over my shoulder and still does. He learned the hard way and has passed on many things to me. He got his own authority and has made a success out of that too and is also watching me thru that process including buying a trailer.
Unfortunately this is a bit rare.
Much of what I learned / am learning is common sense. It doesn't have to do with being an oo. I just used sense and it worked. Here are a couple of absolutely vital things that I tell everybody.
Don't buy a new truck.
It is a complete waste of money. It will tie you to the vehicle in a dash for the title. You are married to it, so time off is an issue etc etc. That payment has GOT to be paid every month or the bank will take it back and many companies that you will lease onto will put you into bankruptcy while you are working your heart out.

Save your money, live in the truck, buy a used company truck and pay CASH!! One more time PAY CASH!!!
It is vital. No payments.

A $15k truck that is a older will actually pay you back big time. If it is old enough you wil avoid the stupid EGR issue quite legally, the bugs have been picked out, you will be paying cash for repairs instead of waiting in line for a warranty repair. Every day you are off the road in the shop is another day you didn't make any money. If the truck is under warranty the shop isn't making any money so you can wait while they work on somebodys truck who is paying.
An older truck is going to bring you experienced mechanics. If you buy new they are clueless, not their fault as everything gets thrown at a diesel mechanic for not that great pay. Few are scientists just guys making a buck. Every new truck is screaming for Bill Nye the science guy to figure it out. The mechanic can only learn so fast and he isn't exactly motivated.

Remember that whether you drive a $150,000 truck or one that cost $15k they will make the same money for driving on the same road.

It is a business never lose sight of that fact. The failures I have seen are often, not always, people who don't understand this fact. It is all very well being in love with the idea of being Smokey and the Bandit but at the end of the day the numbers don't lie. So govern yourself accordingly re maintenance, choosing freight, picking tires, making improvements to the truck etc.

Another thing I will advise in this oh so short primer is if you are going to buy a truck for any price make sure you have at least $20,000 in ready cash in a bank account, not a credit card a bank account where it can instantly be accessed. This is vital working capital. It is needed for fuel, maintenance and various fees.
If you do not do this and think you will make it as you go along you will fail. The treasure chest is NOT an option, it is extremely important. One problem and you will be out of business and filling in applications.

Try and avoid allowing any company you lease onto to provide you with registration. Get your own number plate. Companies try to lock you in with this ploy also helping you buy a truck, providing fuel at a discount and a million other things. It is all a ruse to capture you and put you in their debt. They will take thousands in bonds and have 45 days to pay you back if you leave. That is your money. Try to ALWAYS be in a position where you can walk in a heartbeat. Eat 8 miles per gallon and go home or to another company. Make sure in no uncertain terms that they know you are not broke and completely independant. If you don't they will subtley convert you into a company driver as you pay for everything. Always maintain a "I am the boss" gameface.


I can't write anymore friend. Each subject I have touched here is vast and you can't learn it on a forum. Start listening to Kevin Rutherford like it was a religious experience and you will learn. Good luck and if there is anything I can do for you PM me.
The comments in this thread are valid. These guys are not - for the most part - against you. It is just that it is like a massive ocean with a crreature at every side trying to eat you. They know this and can't articulate it but they are right. Become the master not the slave.

 

See those guys with clean clothes & shiny boots? They must make a lot of money. Heard they have a radio & everything. I want to be like those guys. 1964. Behind a store playing Army. Beyond Priceless.

 

Sorry I don't get it. Army? Store? Boots?

 

http://edmaclane.blogspot.com/2014/01/resources-to-learn-business-of-trucking.html?m=1

Let's not over complicate a simple question. There are lots of ways to learn. All good, some essential.

 

That's funny, that really is and so true!! I like Kevin but at the end of the day he is a business man and it shows. Buy my profit gauges, use my fuel gauges, use google chrome so I can get a kick back, buy my scan gauge, use one of the companies I recommend so I can get a taste.
A great guy, very knowledgable but - well there isn't a nice way to put this - in it for a buck. I listen regularly so how big a fool am I? I really like his show, it is the only thing worthwhile listening to on Road dog. Great post BigD_409