$$$$$$$ owner operator vs company driver ..

Lease might be different than actual owner op but here is my current trip
(Truck trailer paid off)
$19,800 gross
7119.miles
——-
Negative around 4K in expenses(haven’t done math yet just pulled up home) will update with take home $
And keep in mind loads are pretty bad right now (reefer van)

What I’m saying is do your research and if you can buy cash/ finance from dealer. Not from company

 

When ever anyone puts $$$$$ in the title, it shows they need to remain a driver.

IT isn't all about the money.

 

It’s all about the Benjamin’s

 

It is all about the money. Why would anyone be an owner operator to earn less than they could as a company driver doing similar work?

 

Money plays a big part of it. But I am with Ridgeline on this. Money isnt the sole reason. You'll wear yourself out in short order trying to chase the money. Company drivers do this and burn out after a while.

For me it has more to do with being able to operate how I am comfortable. Not being forced to chase miles and feeling exhausted all the time. Being able to head home on a moments notice. Being able to remain at home for as long as I can economically afford it. Being able to actually have a home life and enjoy my hobbies when home.

Hurst

 

Well, according to tons of people on this forum, they don't own a business to make money: they do it for freedom. I don't understand what kind of ####ing stupidity that is.

 

Hurst,
If you weren't making more than someone else is willing to pay you, operating the way you currently run, I would call you a fool. You have figured out how to have the best of both worlds. Operate the areas and time frames you want, and determine your own time off, plus earning probably 3x what a company hand would earn doing the same thing. That's how she's done.

I've managed to do the same thing. And work life is about as good as I could ask for. Do I do it for "freedom"? Yes. But I also make more than I used to as a company driver. And driving a comfortable ride, shiny hood....icing on the cake.

 

Oh absolutely brother,.. money, effort, self respect, its all there.

I was just trying to point out that I could work a lot more and make substantially more money if I wanted to work that hard.

I've found the sweet spot for me between being able to afford my lifestyle and still be able to enjoy it. So as a result,. I'm not going to work any harder than I absolutely have to.

Hurst

 

I'm just getting in to this. I've got to say the freedom outweighs the money, but just a bit. Of course I'm doing it for more money! The MOST money in trucking goes to the wise O/O. The most freedom in trucking goes to any O/O smart enough to not get suckered in to a lease purchase, a dispatcher you don't like, a money pit truck, etc.

My advice to the OP is to slow down and read here......A LOT! Talk to some owner operators. I've learned so much from 2 old guys I know who run small fleets that I could never repay them in $$$$$ if I tried. I don't think you are ready, man. I you don't know what you need in a truck or where to get one it's only just begun. That's the easy stuff. The harder stuff is having a bankroll enough to start, going through the process of getting your authority, dealing with the guvment and in the end getting paid.

Take it slow, driver.

 

I don't know why would some, but they do, failure as an o/o is a hell of a lot higher than that of a company driver.

Remember it isn't what you make, it is what YOU KEEP!