Why is it so hard to make money as a independent?

Brandonpdx · Nov 14, 2014

RSB34 said: ↑

you don't know how true that is. I hear way too many people say they want to buy a truck to mace more money. But have no idea how more money will happen.
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i suppose a good thing to ask yourself is if money was no object and you could buy any new or used truck or trailer you wanted and spend any money necessary to make it tits, would you do that or just keep the money and do something else?

dadnson · Nov 16, 2014

G/MAN said: ↑

I disagree that it is difficult to make money as an independent. Some independents do very well. Whether you own a retail store or a trucking company, not everyone will be successful. Some people have a natural ability to run a business, but most don't. You don't need to be an independent or own a truck to be successful. There are many company drivers whom I would consider being successful. I think most company drivers want to become an owner operator and some would like to get their authority and become independent. Being independent means greater responsibility. You are not only responsible for keeping up your equipment and making the payments (if you are financing your equipment), but you are also responsible for finding loads, driving and delivering, billing and collecting your money. Negotiating for the best rates is a critical aspect of being successful as an independent. Knowing your best lanes and freight trends is also helpful. Many owner operators and independents make the mistake of running where they want rather than what is best for their business. Those of us who run our companies like a business are those who make a good living. The ones who don't are the ones you often hear about who lose their equipment, home and pretty much everything they own. Some company drivers have a difficult time transitioning from being a company driver to running their own business.
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Thanks.......... G/MAN for your input and agree with your feedback, and advice you are giving truckers considering becoming independent ! In addition to what G/MAN is saying I would recommend contacting Small Business Administration to help you put into action what G/MAN is saying, SBA offers free help and tap into their free consulting to anyone thinking of starting a new business. Just google SBA in your area and call to set up an appointment to inform yourself of all they have to offer for FREE...!!!!!

I too, if i decide to get into this trucking business will consult people here as well as SBA to minimize costly mistakes NEWBIES like me will surely make unless we take G/MAN advice.

Thanks G/MAN !

Chinatown · Nov 16, 2014

dadnson said: ↑

Thanks.......... G/MAN for your input and agree with your feedback, and advice you are giving truckers considering becoming independent ! In addition to what G/MAN is saying I would recommend contacting Small Business Administration to help you put into action what G/MAN is saying, SBA offers free help and tap into their free consulting to anyone thinking of starting a new business. Just google SBA in your area and call to set up an appointment to inform yourself of all they have to offer for FREE...!!!!!

I too, if i decide to get into this trucking business will consult people here as well as SBA to minimize costly mistakes NEWBIES like me will surely make unless we take G/MAN advice.

Thanks G/MAN !
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OOIDA website is a good business website for the owner-operator.

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Why is it so hard to make money as a independent?

Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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Why is it so hard to make money as a independent?

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