Start out as an Owner operator

I've always wanted to be a trucker. My plans are to enroll into an accredited reputable driving school. Upon completion of training and after obtaining all of the licences and required doucments, I will purchase a new rig such as a Pete 379 or an International Lone Star and sign on as an O/O with one of the national firms. After beating up on the truck for a year or two, my plan is to trade it in for a new rig to avoid the maintenance and reliability issues of a rig that has been driven by a newbie. What would be the criteria for success for somebody pursuing this path? WHat are the pros and cons? Is my plan even realistic given that I do not have any industry experience?

 

Be a company driver first (at least 1yr). That way you can see what you are getting yourself into. These trucks do not handle nothing like cars and the general public does not respect them either.... just my $.02 advice

 

not as easy as it sounds buying a truck requires really
1. good credit or some green on hand.
2. alot of companies want u have to 6 months to 1 year of expierence even for leasing on to them
3. again u need money to stay a float ( freight is slow)
i'll let the rest of the guys chime in cuz i know they will

 

I dont think any trucking company is going hire o/o without a min. of years experience.Not sure but most as far I know you have to have at lease 1 or 2 years experince as a driver.But whatever the case my be you should get at lease a year experience with as a company first.I havent been in thuckin world that long but as far I know you need experience first before you can get hire as a o/o.Some people get into truckin and then find out its not for them.Also its cost more money to be an o/o.Like one wise trucker to me once, get some miles on your belt before you even think about being a o/o.

 

Dude you wanna buy a pete 379 or lone star off the bat? Lol, that's a nice plan but most people who start out buy a truck that's just enough to get the job done such as a shake. I myself start out with a freightshake century then when i saved up some money got myself a t600 sole that after a while and now i got the best imo lol.

 

This old retired DOT official seems to remember a song made popular and sung by Frank Sinatra in this regard. The refrain stated "High hopes..... he's got, high hopes..... he's got pie Apple Pie in the...... sky hopes".

 

Driving truck is not always what people think it is. Go drive for a big company for a year to see if its for you. This is not an industry that you want to learn the ins and outs of on your own dime.

Being fresh out of school with no experience you will have a very hard time finding financing for the truck, an insurance company to write you a policy and a company to sign on with.

Your also located in a bad area, the northeast tends to have the largest amount of trucks sitting trying to get out of the area and with volume and rates being down you will be fighting to get a load.

 

The plan is possible but......


1) Why do want to be O/O instead of company driver?

2) Buying new may not be best because:
a) If you buy new, it would be best (financially) to keep the truck running as long as possible. After 2 years, it's just barely broken in.

b) Used is almost always better (financially) but you gotta know how to fix a truck.

i knew a guy(was safety person at one of my old companies) who became a O/O with his own authority straight out of driving school. He hauled produce(had connections) and did very well financially.

 

Do what you want. ANYTHING is possible. I Bought my first truck after 2 months, cuz Driving for the man sucks. You sound like youve got the cash, so go for it.

 

If you have the money, go for it as Crotts said. Here are some break downs in costs from a friend:

A good Pete 379 can be had for 25-29K
Insurance will be high as you are a green driver: 12K a year if not more (they require you to pay every 6 months or everymonth)
Authority and IFTA: 10K
Trailer: 10-15K

I am guessing based on my figures you will need at least 60 and a miantenance account. Also, for this mx account take out as much as you can for the mile if you get an older truck.

KH