Is this realistic for a new O/O

But how many of those loads were posted 18 times for the same load by TQL or other brokers of the like ... ?

Once you get established customers, they will be calling you to haul their stuff. Even if they can get it moved for a bit cheaper, your good service to deliver to their customer on time will make them sleep easy at night - and you will make the money.

 

BINGO !
But it takes some experience and know how to find that work. It can be done, just not everyone can do it.

 

A friend of mine bought a truck from Lone Mountain and leased on to Fed Ex Custom Critical. Landstar and Fed Ex are two great companies to lease on to. The best way to start as an O/O is to buy instead of lease, and then hook on with someone. More money to you, and you're not beholden to a company.

 

It's a pretty brisk learning curve. 3,000 trucks in Chicago and 1,000 loads - guys who survived the first year or so will get a load. The new meat will have to scrap around. Great advice in this thread. Decide what's important to you and your family, besides the money, look at your options, make your choice. About a reliable truck? Even the new ones may or may not be good to you. That's one of the big items on your list. Look caref\ully, and if you can, get with a shop you know, talk to them. Every sales outfit will blow in your ear. Last thing, maybe best for last - have some money.