Starting new as O/O

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Learning the game, Jun 1, 2019.

  1. Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    Hey guys, I've been contemplating on becoming an owner op for the past 2years and I've done quite a bit of research. I'm getting tired of my day job which, I've been at for 20years, route driver for a major snack company, I choose not to say. So with that being said here's my plan , pay for a private school that covers at least 160hours of training, get my cdl, buy my own truck, lease onto a carrier that allows me to pick my own freight from any open load board.Do you guys feel this is a good route to take,? Or do you recommend I work at a company that takes new cdl grads?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Go with a company that takes new new cdl school grads first.
    A new cdl grad going right into being an owner-operator will discover a money pit; a big black hole sucking the life out of you.
    @Ridgeline can fill in the gaps.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Where is your location; we can recommend some good companies that hire new cdl grads from your area.
    In 2 or 3 years, you'll have the experience to further explore being an owner-operator.
     
    Texas_hwy_287 Thanks this.
  5. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Get your experience in, then go to work as an employee with good benefits for a company like Walmart, Old Dominion, FedEx or the like.
     
    Western flyer and Texas_hwy_287 Thank this.
  6. Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    How much experience do I need? And what the starting wage for a new cal? I hear guys say like 50k, but my day job now I make 75k, this is the reason I want to start as an O/O , mainly because I have a friend that's telling me I can make $75k easy with my own truck/trailer. Even If I run from Cali to AZ.
     
    Bakerman Thanks this.
  7. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    Tell him to loan you the money to do it, see if he thinks it’s a good idea then.
     
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  8. Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    I heard Wal-Mart is a good company, but hard as heck to get in, but like I say, that's what I heard. Then I talk to O/Os that say they'll never go company, when they can gross over 200k, and net over 100k after expenses, and still have the freedom of being there own boss. Plus you get the benefits of all the write offs when you incorporate your business
     
  9. Learning the game

    Learning the game Light Load Member

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    C'mon now, why will I need him to loan me the no ey when I have my own?
     
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  10. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    Work for a company for a year at least before going on your own.
     
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  11. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    This is how people get in trouble. People say, "You can make X dollars running Y routes." Did you ask him how long he's been at it? If he has customers? Good relationships? Here is the truth: majority of folks don't make it as O/OS. Especially these days. From my educated assessment of the industry, you will make more money driving someone else's truck. My thing is, if you're already making 75K, well above the average pay in the trucking industry, what makes you think this is the way to make more money?
     
    Dino soar Thanks this.
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