Owner operator in the Chicago land area

I am almost to my 12th month as an O/O.

On paper I look very successful. My gross for 9 months of 2014 was phenominal. But covering expenses, insurance premiums, maintenance and repairs. I netted barely $51k for myself. The rest went to stay rolling.

I've learned much and hope to continue much the same this year, except much more efficient. Many things I didnt do or learn about until later in the year. Still learning cost cutting techniques.

So much to learn in this business in order to sustain profitability.

Hurst

 

Takes money to make money. It's rare for anyone in any business to just turn a profit right out the gates. Might take 2 or 3 years and lack of cash on hand to get thru the tough times is what does most startup trucking companies in. Also anyone can move freight from point a to b. The average rates paid to typical solo o/o reflect that. Truth is most o/o are really only worth about a $1.50 a mile or less. If you don't specialize it's a hard way to make a living. What it ends up being is you make everyone else a living. By the questions you (op) are asking, the way you are asking them it's clear you don't have much experience in trucking. You're not going to get it from a book or off the internet. Yes there can be great money in trucking but for most it is just marginal, ordinary, not really worth it at all. No-one just gives the money away out here just because you show up with a truck. More often than not they take advantage of your ignorance and pay you peanuts.