New owner operators

Can i have a Big Amen! It's out there,we just have to go get it!!!! The want and desire needs to be there, you will only get out of it what you put into it.....

 

AMEN!!

Ya GOTTA want it as Dino pointed out.

One of the best point Southerpride made was my favorite...."Keep your overhead as low as possible."

 

I'm working on getting stuff in line to buy my own in the spring. I was going to ask if you guys think the loadboards are the way to go, what one if so. Should I get my own authority, and so forth. I'm leaning towards getting my authority, makes wifey nervous, if you know what I mean. I grew up in a small family owned trucking company and always warned her that this day would come. I've been driving for the same co. for 11 yrs. and they screwed me hard this yr. ( still bleeding!!) I'm sure as hell not afraid of hard work, just stupid work. I live in the Northeast, so I know the freight is out there, really just want opinions on making a living by the loadboards. Thanks for any advice guys, ladies too!

 

I really like the post, southernpride. I have been an O/O leased to a company since 2004, and driven trucks (off the farm for pay) since 1993. I LOVE owning the truck. True, it's a little frustrating at times, but any job is. This way, I have more control and a little pride in owning something. It's a strange feeling to go from having a "job" to owning a truck. The truck is your livelihood. You can lose a lease, but as long as you have the truck, it'd be hard to lose the "job" you provide for yourself.

My next step is getting my authorities, which I am researching and looking into now. I don't want to jump right in over my head just yet. I'm doing good now, I just want to take the next step.

I've always been able to make a good living driving, and have made a real good living owning a truck. I'd like to further that and own the trailers, and more importantly, the numbers on the side. I'm trying to slowly line a few things up and when I do.....GOODBYE COMPANY I'M LEASED TO!!!

I can see how somebody could jump right into truck ownership without experience and fail, but others have made it. Conversely, I know a few guys with LOTS of experience who crashed and burned after purchasing a truck. Guess it depends on how bad you want it, like you guys have already said. It helps to REALLY love doing this.

When I got into trucking, people told me what a horrible time it was to start driving. They always told me about those "good 'ol days" and how they're gone for good. I went right on ahead and began driving at 18 (IN-state) and made more money than any 18 year old I knew.

When I bought my first truck, I was told I was NUTS! "Are you kidding? Have you not seen the price of fuel?" Again, I forged ahead and can't possibly understand why I waited so long. Best thing I ever did.

Now, wanting my own authority, I'm hoping it will go well, too. I just need to be careful and formulate a plan. MAybe I'm a little too cautious, but I want to do this right.

I'm a 4th generation O/O, and it's really cool to sit in a room with my Dad and Grandpa and talk about trucking with two O/O's who can tell me about those "good 'ol days" and what to watch out for and what about those days weren't all that good. Wish my Great-Grandpa would've lived to sit in that room. He moved grain with teams of mules and wagons before buying his first of many trucks. Sure would've loved to hear those trucking stories now that I'm an O/O, but he passed away when I was 14.

When done right, this can be a great life. It will eat you up and destroy you, too, I guess. I think any business is the same. Look at the restaurant business. How many of those have you seen come and go in the same buildings along your way over the years? What about car dealerships? They change hands or go out of business all the time. Name any number of industries, and you'll be able to find a long list of failure and success, guys who came into the business starry eyed about owning their dream, guys who are in it only for money, and guys who are in it because it's what they love to do.

You can be successful at anything you do, I suppose, if you really want it and are willing to claw, scrap, and fight your way through to the top. Trucking's no different, just seems to attract people for a lot of the wrong reasons.

 

I can honestly understand how you feel It's a pride thing

 

this is a interesting post and very true too