Learning the ropes from an O/O vs school/training.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Loving life, Mar 1, 2018.

  1. Loving life

    Loving life Bobtail Member

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    Good day,

    I have my CDL permit and was curious what input you guys would have for me. My goal is to become an O/O for myself in the relatively near future, as such the idea crossed my mind that I could learn from someone whos already been walking the walk to decrease my own learning curve while simultaneously learning the other aspects of the trade (repairs/maintenance/paperwork/taxes/negotiating rates/etc.). I understand that this is non -traditional based on my research but I feel that this could be a mutualy beneficial arrangement. I learn from a veteran who is succeeding at specifically what I want to do and (they/you?) get a team driver that will do things exactly how hes been trained to do them at a reduced cpm until Im worth more. I have my reasons for considering this over going to CDL school or going to a training company which is what most would recommend. Worst you can do is say “no”, only need the right person to say “yes”, so I’m putting myself out there.

    Im a 32yo male with no family or attachments, proud American, OIF vet, raised on a farm, mechanically inclined, Montana Resident, easy going and avoid drama like the disease it is. Just want to run hard, efficiently, safely and make $ while im at it.

    Cheers,
    Cameron
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Good luck; that's a tall order.
    www.OOIDA.com is a business website for the owner-operator.
    If you don't find an 0/0 that can help, then look at a training company anyway. There's two in Missoula with their own cdl school. Jones Bros. Trucking (flatbed) and Jim Palmer Trucking (refrigerated).
     
  4. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    Good day,

    I have my CDL permit and was curious what input you guys would have for me. My goal is to become an O/O for myself in the relatively near future,

    get some time under your belt before you go o/o lean the job learn to drive first then think about becoming a o/o. you can be thinking about it the whole time. track everything you can, track how much you spend in fuel. if you get tires put on the truck learn what that costs.

    learning the other aspects of the trade (repairs/maintenance/paperwork/taxes/negotiating rates/etc.).
    i am ezrider92356 on you tube link- Ezrider92356 i try to post a new repair/maintenance video every week when i can. there is also lots of great discussions you can read here on the forums to read.

    a team driver that will do things exactly how hes been trained to do them at a reduced cpm until Im worth more. I have my reasons for considering this over going to CDL school or going to a training company which is

    cdl school or company training isn't really a end of training. its really just enough to pass your test at the dmv. most company would send you out with a trainer for a while even after completing school or company training. your really be learning a lot for you first year. but you will start to feel like your getting the hang of it after about 6 months. but you never really stop learning. you can be out here a long time and still be learning how to do your job better.
     
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  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    What's a salt dog?
     
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  6. DSK333

    DSK333 Road Train Member

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    You'll never find that, driver. That's more like a family or husband/wife situation.
     
  7. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    Great videos you have there. That lt4 Jag looks fun
     
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  8. Loving life

    Loving life Bobtail Member

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    Mar 1, 2018
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    Chinatown: thats a good website, appreciate you taking the time to share that.

    Ezrider: thats all solid advice, thank you for your input, ill get looking at those videos. Youtube is running out of truck driving material for me because of how much ive been looking. Life is a learning experience afterall!

    Ridgeline: “salt dog” at least to me, means someone whos been on the ocean so long that the salt crystals have built up on them as they’ve been living the hard life.

    DSK333: if I never put myself out there id certainly never find it but I understand what your saying about it being personal. This way I have a chance, however slight. My grandfather has passed on otherwise id already have been on the road.
     
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  9. DSK333

    DSK333 Road Train Member

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    Can't blame a guy for trying. You certainly get an A for effort. Sorry if I came off as uber negative and/or pessimistic. I'm just one hell of a realist. Good luck!
     
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  10. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    I believe he's a Navy man.
     
  11. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I am just poking fun at him, he should be a marine.

    I only heard that term when I was working for the Navy only applied to Marines.
     
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