Taking the leap - O/O vs. Company Driver

One thing I didn't see mentioned is that most companies require experience before they will lease you on.

 

The only way I know to go from student driver to o/o is you need your own authoritys icc # ins and all that other good stuff plus ins with no exp might be a little price best addv be comp driver for 1 year

 

Casey, i'd do what Black said, sign on to one of the better carriers Crete, Roehl etc get your six months in, then if you decide you like it get your own truck and lease back on to them for six more months, then after one year experiance ..with your own truck the worlds (roads) your oyster.

 

You wouldn't be able to lease on as an O/O without experience, sorry. Most companies want 2-3 years verifiable OTR experience as an O/O.

Good luck!

 

Casey I agree with Black and EnglishMark signing on to a better carrier and get your 6 months in as company to decide if u like it before getting your own truck.

To get your own Authority you need to shell out 300 bux for a MCC number, then a DOT number, and IFTA sticker. Insurance for driving Commercially is not cheap neither. Check into opening up National Account for your truck repairs with TA Travel or network of Truck Repair shops. Lord have mercy dont forget Towing a Rigg or the full 18 wheeler is very very expensive.


My truck of choice is a Kenworth, however make sure u duck getting in the cab, i've manage to hit my head a few time lol.

 

Here's a stupid question - say you get your authority, insurance, etc. How do you then market yourself or find loads? Do people generally just watch load boards and then call a number to be the first for that load?

Forgive the ignorance, but I used to drive for CRE and some people say that's enough of an excuse.

 

Dave_AL... First off, the stupid questions are the ones that don't get asked. Regarding loads, most owner/ops subscribe to load boards such as Internet Truckstop, Member's Edge, etc... No ignorance to forgive. You drove for CRE and got some needed experience.

Gas mileage is zero...nill...zilch... (they run on diesel) Sorry, couldn't resist.
Regarding mileage, it's going to vary depending upon the engine, transmission, aerodynamics of the truck and driver habits. A safe figure is 5-7 MPG.