Trying to get started in this industry.

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by TWILLIAMS, Jul 8, 2014.

  1. Jul 8, 2014 #1
    TWILLIAMS

    TWILLIAMS Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Jul 8, 2014
    COLUMBUS, OHIO
    0
    Goodafternoon and thank you for allowing me to be apart of this group. I'm sure i can learn alot from all the experienced drivers. I'm a new owner operator who had no idea what it took to be a owner operator and went out and bought a 2007 international with the idea that I would hit the ground running. LOL. but now i realize after stumbling through the process that it takes waaaayyyyy more then just having a tractor. within the last 3mths i've attained my dot#, mc# and now im my own authority. yaayyyy. WRONG! I then realized that i need to lease or purchase a dry van trailer. can i get away with not having an air ride suspension? What loads should i look for if i get a trailer with out air ride suspension? i've been driving off an on for about a year but have had my license since 2011. but i had felonies and most companies wanted me to be 7 to 10 years beyond, so i waited. Now i'm 9 years beyond but i couldnt wait another year so i purchased a tractor and i'm going to try to make it myself or die trying. I'm in the columbus ohio area and would be happy to take ANY advice that would help me get past the bumps along the way.
     
    TWILLIAMS, Jul 8, 2014
    TWILLIAMS, Jul 8, 2014
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Jul 8, 2014 #2
    gummie45

    gummie45 Bobtail Member

    6
    2
    Jul 6, 2014
    Millbury, Ohio
    0
    Welcome TWILLIAMS,

    I am new to this forum but have been in trucking since 1971. Retired a few years back, but looking to get back in. Anyway to your questions:
    I also had my own authority since 1981. You do need a trailer and I would suggest air ride if possible. Until you are able to get in with a shipper (company) you will have to broker loads. There are always broker loads available, but be careful and check out the brokers very carefully. You can also lease to a trucking company and use their trailers until you are in a better position. I was leased to Landstar Inway in the late 90's (flatbed) and made good money. Being an owner-operator and running your business is a hard and never ending job, but it has its rewards. You'll feel like your just knocking your head against a wall sometimes, but don't give up. When looking for shippers, start with small companies in your area and give them good prices and EXCELLENT service. Word of mouth is your best advertiser.

    Wish you well
     
    gummie45, Jul 8, 2014
    gummie45, Jul 8, 2014
    #2
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  4. Jul 8, 2014 #3
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,752
    184,513
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Some companies won't load a trailer that's over 10 years old.
    I've seen them check the Data Plate for the manufactured date of the trailer.

    As gummie45 posted, might try going with a company that has their own trailers until you get a better idea of what it's all about and what you need.

    Landstar
    Farm2Fleet
    Paramount Freight Systems

    As for the felonies, there are at least a dozen companies that would have hired you for OTR even if you just were released from prison. Too bad you didn't find this forum sooner.

    OOIDA is a good website to learn the business end of being an 0/0.
     
    Chinatown, Jul 8, 2014
    Chinatown, Jul 8, 2014
    #3
  5. Jul 10, 2014 #4
    TWILLIAMS

    TWILLIAMS Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Jul 8, 2014
    COLUMBUS, OHIO
    0
    Thank you and i appreciate any and all advice that i can from you and all the experienced drivers in this forum.
     
    TWILLIAMS, Jul 10, 2014
    TWILLIAMS, Jul 10, 2014
    #4
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