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Who is looking to expand?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BigBadBill, Mar 6, 2014.

Page 1 of 8
  1. Mar 6, 2014 #1
    BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

    4,599
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    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    Based on the general negative attitude on TTR I would have thought that most O/O's think this is the worst business in the world to be and they are only doing it because they can't figure out anything else to do.

    But I was surprised by several recent conversations with O/O's that are looking to expand and add trucks in the next couple years. Anyone else besides me thinking about this?
     
    BigBadBill, Mar 6, 2014
    BigBadBill, Mar 6, 2014
    #1
    Northern Lights Thanks this.
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  3. Mar 6, 2014 #2
    dhooks

    dhooks Light Load Member

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    Jun 25, 2012
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    Would definately like to, like mos t things in life finances dictate so we will see.
     
    dhooks, Mar 6, 2014
    dhooks, Mar 6, 2014
    #2
    BigBadBill Thanks this.
  4. Mar 6, 2014 #3
    Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    2,657
    Dec 10, 2008
    Upstate NY
    0
    Im not looking to expand but thinking of going back out on my own again as an O/O in the near future. As far as the general negative attitude in trucking, after doing a little research I think its not just trucking. There is forums for just about any business out there these days and its funny how a lot of the comments mirror what is said on here but pertaining to that field of work. I think its just tougher being a small business owner today in general than it use to be.
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2014
    Derailed, Mar 6, 2014
    Derailed, Mar 6, 2014
    #3
    BigBadBill, FLATBED and Ukumfe Thank this.
  5. Mar 6, 2014 #4
    FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    6,665
    5,501
    Sep 14, 2008
    Back behind the Wheel and out of the OFFICE
    0
    Looking to add 4 additional trucks this spring to the fleet as well as upgrading 4 older units
     
    FLATBED, Mar 6, 2014
    FLATBED, Mar 6, 2014
    #4
    BigBadBill Thanks this.
  7. Mar 6, 2014 #5
    osumike33

    osumike33 Light Load Member

    233
    66
    Jun 10, 2011
    Middletown, OH
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    Want to add possibly two owner operators and one more truck before the end of the year, actually just got clearance with the insurance company for the o/o since I'm still fairly new. Business has been so good looking forward to slowly adding to the company. Question is how much I and in the future, my wife, can do without adding staff, which I wouldn't want to do, at least not as I'm thinking of it now.
     
    osumike33, Mar 6, 2014
    osumike33, Mar 6, 2014
    #5
    BigBadBill Thanks this.
  8. Mar 6, 2014 #6
    RGRTim

    RGRTim Light Load Member

    168
    119
    Aug 28, 2013
    Greenville, TX
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    I hope to have things moving good enough to add another truck by the end of the year, time will tell. It almost sounds like your asking if O/O's and small fleet owners are optimistic about the future?
     
    RGRTim, Mar 6, 2014
    RGRTim, Mar 6, 2014
    #6
    BigBadBill Thanks this.
  9. Mar 6, 2014 #7
    BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    4,439
    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    I have found it funny that people that are in any industry as a business owner would be so pessimistic. A lot of it feels like the people that won't get back in the market until the prices go up and run when the prices are down. Buy high and sell low. But we should all know the time to invest is when the market is down.

    Years ago I posted that I don't want to see the economy to come roaring back. I want a trickle back. From the trucking side this keeps the people that I can't even hope to compete with from making investments in growing fleets.

    Now a lot of the shifts that have been happening are putting capacity into the market without fleets increasing. But on the other side, the shifts in inventory levels are putting a strain on the capacity. And when you look and the decreasing length of haul because of the increased use of inter-model and new regulations we are seeing a decrease in utilization of fleets. And when you have double digit increase in truck expenses with flat rates it is making it important to be very strategic in how you expand.

    The upside for a smaller player that understands the changes in the market is that they can capitalize on the partnership opportunities that the larger carriers are creating. I think it is going to be harder for the old model of getting your own authority and just running in targeted markets.
     
    BigBadBill, Mar 6, 2014
    BigBadBill, Mar 6, 2014
    #7
    Ed MacLane, Steeleandsonfarms and FLATBED Thank this.
  10. Mar 6, 2014 #8
    BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

    2,847
    1,592
    Sep 23, 2010
    Beaumont,Tx
    0
    Best thing I did was sell off all my trucks and fire everyone....I don't wish being a fleet owner on anyone!!!!
     
    BAYOU, Mar 6, 2014
    BAYOU, Mar 6, 2014
    #8
    Offender, 281ric, BigBadBill and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. Mar 6, 2014 #9
    ReeferOhio

    ReeferOhio Medium Load Member

    596
    557
    Nov 29, 2010
    Ohio
    0
    I am looking to add capacity in the fourth quarter. Any business is tough in today's world. Unless you invent something trendy, you have to work hard, provide a great service or product, and never give up. It all comes down to attitude, management, and common sense.
     
    ReeferOhio, Mar 6, 2014
    ReeferOhio, Mar 6, 2014
    #9
    BigBadBill and ibdbird Thank this.
  12. Mar 6, 2014 #10
    dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

    2,856
    4,032
    May 26, 2011
    everywhere, man
    0
    I'm enjoying the built in profit margins and freedom of the one man / one truck idea this year ! lol, much respect for those who are managing several trucks though. After trying it myself I gotta tip my hat to you.
     
    dannythetrucker, Mar 6, 2014
    dannythetrucker, Mar 6, 2014
    #10
    281ric and BigBadBill Thank this.
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