O/O questions

Hello all

I am new to the forums here, I am 46 yrs old and have been driving since I have been 16 yrs old. I have done everything from hauling heavy equipment to hauling LPG, I have always worked as a company driver. Well I am starting to think that I want to drive for myself, I am located in New Jersey (south jersey). I have an opportunity to buy my own truck and try it out, I am looking at getting a decent day cab to haul intermodal (containers). Kids are all grown and out of the house and the lady has a GREAT job.

I don't need to get rich, just make a living, I am currently employed now but want a change. Also want to be home every night except the occasional night or two. There are several companies that are hiring O/O in my area.

(I have read the posts on the forums on getting started on your own)

My questions are these......

1- DAY cab or sleeper?

2- Own plates and insurance or use their program and why?

3- Am I crazy?

Please post your thoughts?

 

Thanx RWD! Just getting my feelers out there, I was thinking about the plates and insurance...... you hold your own destiny meaning.... you can work anywhere.

I currently work for a construction firm, I run from Jersey to the NE (PA,NY,CONN,RI,MASS,etc...), I have a run tonight to Mass. I keep telling myself "you can do this for yourself dummy".

The way we want to set this "venture" up is, she owns a larger portion of the business and she will do the paper work and I will drive. She is college educated and very good with numbers and paper work. Our credit is great and have funds available to get started.


Matty

 

Thank you to all that replied, I will keep you all posted as to what decisions we make! I called around and spoke to a few companies about being an O/O with them, some didn't want to give me the time of day, but a few were really interested!


Matt

 

Hello all
Here it is one year later..... We decided to wait a year to go out on our venture. We worked like a mad men and stocked as much cash away as we possibly could. I also took this year to ask a lot of questions from any owner operator I could find out on the road and meet as many "contacts" as I possibly could. EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW WAS RIGHT AT MY FINGER TIPS, JUST HAD TO SEARCH THE TRUCKERS REPORT! READ READ RE-READ!

We are ready to make the move, here is a little bit of info on our status, my better half has a great job of 20 years and she will be staying where she is at (steady income, medical benefits, etc..). I am going to do the driving while she does the books (we also have a CPA hired).

Over the past year we put a lot of things in place to get this going (lawyer, LLC, CPA,etc..) I have the work lined up, just now starting the truck shopping. I am still working as a company driver up until I hit that key in my own truck for the first day!

The truck shopping is kinda fun lol! You get to meet all the salesman and all the BS lol! I know what kind of equipment I need and I want.

I also wanted to add.... looking back a year ago if we would have made the jump into O/O land we would have folded.... by that I mean... We didn't have a clue, now with a year of planning we are much more likely to succeed. We are still sticking with our plan to stay local, moving containers and dabble in the sand and stone.

Will keep you posted on things to come, THANKS to everyone who has posted on this forum for the great reads and education!

Matty