Need advice... Pulling the plug...after 2 weeks?

Hey G/MAN, well, in this case, it looks like no news is NOT good news. I don't mean to be nasty, but judging by the tone, this person found out the hard way what O/O was all about and it will probably take them years to recover from this major blunder. I was an O/O for almost 5 years, and I loved it, it was the zenith of my career, but I did almost all my own work on my trucks and saw people fail because they would rather be out on the boat, rather than pulling the fuel pump off, or spending a weekend changing a clutch. It ain't for everybody.

 

I pretty much assumed that the op sold the truck at a loss, since there have been no further posts. If so, it is a shame. Things happen when you own trucks. Sometimes, you get lucky and other times you don't. I would not want to give up after only a week or so in business.

 

In fairness to the OP, who was only half the team and was willing to keep going, perhaps in the big picture it was best that they sold their truck (only taking a small loss) and went back to their previous jobs.

Something spooked the guy during that first long OTR haul. Whether it was the truck or the magnitude of the responsibilities of being an O/O and living in a truck for weeks at a time, at least he had the sense to say "this isn't for me" early in the game.

 

I've owned my truck for two weeks. First day out pulling 48k liquid bulk up a hill I broke clamp holding air charge pipe between turbo an air charge at 40 psi, talk about scared. Spent the next few days worrying about what's next, but getting better. It scary to become a owner op an if you think it's easy your crazy.

What I have learned is a dealer will spend 3k cleaning an covering up problems on a truck before spending 1000 to just fix it. Also if they know there is a problem with truck they will service it so if you have samples pulled they will come back good cause it's all new oil. I'm sure people will disagree but I would buy a million mile Schneider truck with a egr detroit all original before buying a dpf/scr truck. There isn't a load in this country worth that headache.

I wonder if they bought it from a MHC dealer? Sounds like a truck they would sell

 

I for one also think you pulled out a little early, but I understand why and respect the decision made. I just have a question. Why not go get your CDL? You already have the passion and you already had the hardest part down. Even though the pay was less than good for a O/O, you were still okay with it since you were going to use it as a stepping stone. I personally don't think you should give up. If being an O/O wasn't for him, that's cool, but maybe it is for you. Since you were the one that wanted to persevere, I say you owe it to yourself to at least contemplate the idea. Then if you don't succeed, then well, you gave it all you had. But as of right now, I'd personally still feel like I could have made it work, or at least turned over a few more stones to see if it was possible. I say you keep on reading/learning/asking questions while simutaniously getting your CDL and give it a go for yourself! In either case, I do hope that you'll at least be happy going back to the regular job. Best wishes.

 

I think after one trip he realized he didn't want to spend every minute with the GF and he decided to save the relationship LOL.

 

being a o/o has lots of good and bad points, its not for everyone. i think they learned that lesson the hard way. and probably should have done a little more homework before jumping in head first. i think they probably still could have made it work. but i think they just realized it wasn't for them, and working for someone else was a better choice for them. (my assumption)

i think its foolish for someone to go in thinking there truck they just bought will not need any repairs off the bat. even with having multiple inspections by certified mechanics and dyno tests and oil samples ect. id still plan on a few repairs when you first start running a new used truck. and if you get lucky and don't need any great but if not you were expecting it anyway.

prepare for the worst hope for the best, go in with eyes wide open.

 

By the time you get it set up the the way you want and fix all the stuff that you didn't know was ready to break you'll be down $10,000 if you're lucky. Closer to $20,000 if you're not.

 

Team couples that make it work fascinate me, as they are doing something I never could. I don't want it for me - being single suits me perfectly, but I'm still fascinated and impressed by those that can do it and be happy.