Thinking about becoming o/o with challenger

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Neptune1231, Sep 24, 2020.

  1. Neptune1231

    Neptune1231 Bobtail Member

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    I've been working for challenger for almost 2 years now doing their dedicated Toyota routes and I really enjoy it. They treat me well and I make decent money because of the guaranteed consistent miles from dedicated routes.

    I've always wanted to have my own truck and set it up the way I prefer. Maybe even a brand new Pete 379 if I'm dreaming hard.

    For o/o's they pay 1.00 per mile with a 0.30 fuel surcharge so 1.30 per mile total I assume?

    They cover almost everything and you just pay for booking fees and a few other minor things.

    So if I drive 12000 miles in one month I make 15600$ minus about 6 or 7 thousand in expenses, I would still net about 9000$.

    Is this real and if so why doesn't everyone do it?
    Has anyone been an owner operator for challenger to give me an insight into it?

    Thanks.
     
    '88K100 Thanks this.
  2. '88K100

    '88K100 Road Train Member

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    Don’t any of the owner operators at Challenger speak English?:D
    Good luck if you take the plunge
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2020
  3. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    At $1.30 you'd be a lease-operator, I do believe.
     
  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I'm not very smart but that seems pretty low for trying to cover truck expenses AND live off of.
     
  5. NorthEastTrucker

    NorthEastTrucker Heavy Load Member

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    Earning $1.30/mile as a O/O can never be good even with 3000 miles weekly. I'd suggest looking elsewhere for at least $1.70/mile minimum or more. New Truck payments weekly $775 -$800, fuel, insurance etc. I've seem other companies where a driver could earn $1.77/mile with a $0.47/L CAD fuel cap or this one that states owner operators average $1.81/mile Top 20 Owner Operator Jobs in Milton, Ontario (with Salaries!) | Workopolis

    Always aim for the most 1st.!
     
  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    What expenses do they cover ?
     
  7. liner

    liner Medium Load Member

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    I don't know where you came up with those numbers but Challenger pays a lot more than that.The fuel surcharge varies with the price of fuel plus you get a good discount.As an example I just looked at my last statement and the cash pump price was $2.45 US per gallon and my cost was $1.82 , a savings of $.63 cents per gallon US .I've been an O/O with them for close to 35 years(semi retired now and doing Toyota) and I'm not saying their the best but you could do much worse elsewhere.If you want more info send me a PM.

    Oh and FYI they no long build a 379 Pete.
     
  8. liner

    liner Medium Load Member

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    A few of us old timers still do.
     
  9. Neptune1231

    Neptune1231 Bobtail Member

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    Hey liner. I appreciate your reply. Would you say that it's financially worth it to becoming an o/o with challenger or would it be better just to stay as a company driver? The numbers I got were from one of the recruiters that I asked a few months ago, how much do they pay you per mile if you dont mind me asking?

    I have about 100k saved up and i'm seriously considering this move. Would i be able to afford buying a brand new truck or should I just stick with a used freightliner in your opinion?

    I'm 26 years old no wife or kids with a payed off home so my living expenses are fairly low.
     
  10. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    I've heard nothing but good things from the owner/operators when I worked at challenger. The local owner/ops seemed pretty happy as well.

    However, I know one person who was in my training class who leased with challenger and she barely makes anything. All super heavy loads, and short runs. She told me she only makes $1000-$1200 a week through lease purchase. Although that was 2 or so years ago so it could be different now.