I am a new owner operator with experience in hauling fuel, dry van and reefer as a company driver. I am located in Alabama. Right now all the local fuel companies aren’t hiring O/O’s. I am having a hard time finding a company that will have great pay and steady freight. I still have the mentality that all company’s and recruiters will lie and say anything to get me in the door. Which is rightfully true. I also have a buddy who has his own authority and he’s struggling finding steady freight and is considering going back to a mega. So I thought to post on this forum to get veteran o/o’s thoughts. Thank you for any thoughts and or advice.
Alabama is (still) a pretty big target. Can you maybe....just maybe...narrow that down a wee-wee bit? Cullman? Montgomery? Clanton? Mobile? Somewhere else? -- L
Yes....right now....and for the foreseeable future....the general freight market pretty much stinks. Not the best "sweet spot" ever to be an O/O. With that said -- you might give the following a try: Exxact Transport -- looking for O/O's or Warren Transport -- O/O drivers or I realize this one says company drivers -- but I do know this carrier to run a mix of company drivers and independents.....you might give them a try, anyway: Penn Tank Lines Special note: I have no affiliations with any of the above -- have never driven for any of the above -- and know no one personally who has (now, or earlier). Caveat emptor! -- L
if I was you , I will cancel my insurance , park my truck ( keep my MC active and I don't know how) and I will start driving for a good trucking company. Excellent pay, insurance , no recording my face. You will make more money than working under someone authority and less headaches, less responsabilities. Don't sell yourself short !!
You need to reach out and make connections with guys who are currently leased on where you’d like to run. Talk to them, not recruiters. When I was leased on pulling a pneumatic I knew what they made and where they ran because a friend of my brother’s was there. I decided to lease on where I’ve been the last 2 years because a guy that I helped get on pulling pneumatic came over here when his family needs changed and he needed a different schedule. Who are the companies in your area that do something that might interest you? What ones seem like they have things on a fairly dedicated schedule? Look the companies up on social media and see if there are any owner operators you can reach out to.
