looking to get into trucking, owner operator maybe?

lot of $ at 1st. Bobtail insurance, workers comp. just to name a few. Fuel cost, Tires...Lots of things. I would get your exp for a few years or so and then maybe do O/O. You need to learn the business before you jump into something.

 

I too think the best thing is to work for some one else and learn on their equipment/dime. But with that said you've got a cdl-b right? Every think about a straight truck local expediter type job? How about a regional one? I see them out their all the time and they gotta be going somewhere! It would be a way of getting "out there" and ALOT cheaper than going the "big rig" route and you can still get to sleep in truck stops

 

I had the chance 14 years ago to own a dump and work for the guy I was driving for at the time.
I kick myself now for not doing it. It was one of those chances that do not come up very often.
If you get in good with some gravel pits, asphalt plants etc you should be able to find something. Many of them hire owner op's to haul there material when they are busy.
You really need to have several options though. Unless the company hires O/O for all the material then you would need to find multiple people to work for to stay busy. And to try and get winter contracts as well if you live in a northern state.
In many area's this is not hard work to get into, if you know the right people. It is not cheap to get started though.

On the expedite end there are several. Check the threads. Panther comes to mind though.

 

O.M.D. - Get your class A license, work for someone for at least one year, and while you are doing that, talk to many owner ops and do research on these boards. There is money to be made, but you have to be a good businessman first and foremost. The more you specialize, the more freight pays. Doing your own thing with a dry box van will have you competing with all the "big boys" out there. They can cut rates and leave you to bleed to death slowly. Research trucks, engines, companies, types of freight etc. Do not be in a hurry to be Billy Big Rig. Those that get in a hurry end up broke, with bad credit, and their new large car in a repo lot. Go in armed with all the knowledge your head can hold. Yes, it can be done, but do not get in a hurry. Good luck to you.