researching need advice

You're only 23, chill, just hang where you are for a couple of yrs., get some experience, live at home and put money away. Most importantly, stay focussed, life will throw stuff at you and test you, girls are a good example, kids another. I had the same plan and somehow life changed it. If you get the experience, put the money away, learn the business end while someone else is footing the bill, you'll be miles ahead. Next, have reasonable goals, that W900 probably won't be your 1st. truck, unless you can find a used, lower mileage older one, they're sweet too! If you get the chance help out with maint. for your boss, that'll pay off for you in the long run, if your old man didn't already teach you. After you've got the money saved, some exp. w/ driving and the business end of it, take some small business classes at your community college and learn how to put together a business plan, do your books, etc. Once you've done all of that, if your still have that need that so many of us do, go find yourself that niche to fill and do it better than the rest. Like so many on here will tell you, keep your costs down, don't sit in the restareas and truck stops playing games, get up before all of your lazy friends, then you'll have a good shot at it. I've been a co. driver for way too long, it's time to get back to my roots and get my own, like the last 3 generations of my family. I'm sure you know from watching your dad, and your own exp., this ain't a walk in the park, but to be the one calling the shots is MORE than worth it. Sorry for the XL response, just my .02. Stay safe driver.

 

Is it because you want to be an O/O or because you think no companies will hire you?
Companies will hire you. I started at US Xpress with no experience at 21.
Slowpoke gives great advice, but if you're gonna do it, do it now. Before the babies come.
Do it right. Don't be a Pharmphail. Do your research, save your money and plot your course. I can't help you much, I've never been an O/O with a company. We went from company drivers to independents.

 

I was merely suggesting that he be sure that this is what he wants, in the meanwhile learning what it's like on the road. I did, after all tell him to stay focussed. To be sure before making such a large investment in error.

 

I started my company when I was 23yrs old and bought my 1st truck....but I was working for a big brokerage company since I was 18yrs old and had saved up almost 80k to get me going...and everything just kept growing...so its never too young to start as the matter affect the sooner you start the earlier you'll get to retire....Still I think you need to know some things about trucking business before you get into one...either its maintenance, brokerage, driving a truck etc.....brokerage was my big help and everything else i had to learn as i went along. Either way I wish you the best of luck on decision that you will make.

 

Lots more companies are willing to sign an o/o than a company driver with the same qualifications. That is; you can be younger, less experienced, have a slightly less shiny record. Because you are less of a risk to them/their equipment than a company driver.
I would recommend waiting a touch longer. Helps on insurance rates as well as what the others have suggested.
Bottom line is that dreamers always dream...some see their dreams as possibilities and make them happen.
Save money. Incorporate. Find a good company to lease to/get a good contract. Buy a truck. Work hard.
It can be done.