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

So you're the snowman?

 

drivers tearing up your stuff, lack of pre & post trip , dedicating your life to babystitting grown men instead of your family.
Buy a few trucks and youll get the point

 

Well for one thing, an O/O is competing for loads with large trucking companies. They can haul the loads for cheaper rates, and still turn a profit. They have all the angles figured out. They get discounts for fuel, tires, etc, for buying in bulk. They keep their overhead down using cheap labor.

It's like a mom and pop store trying to compete with Walmart.

 

This is the same old worn out line we hear all the time, just worded a little different. But why would you (the little guy) want to compete with a big company? Do what they don't, sell what they don't, and you WILL win.

 

No I'm more like this. The snowman is too nice.

 

It seems this sort of operation (specialized) requires way more investment. Which btw is what keeps "walmart size carriers" from jumping in on those.
The reg freight equipment as reefer/van/flat are where the competition happens.
Imho

 

Even with van or flat you have opportunity to do what others won't and what megas can't.

 

Most who fail lack two things - patience and basic math skills. It ain't rocket science.

 

yep priorities change, being leased with mercer and just having myself to worry about , I no longer calls while in line at space mountain in the magic kingdom that a 15' 3" inch high modular has been ran under a bridge in Jacksonville,fl and I got to eat a 28,000 dollar home section because they were off route .

don't miss it one bit, it all depends on ones definition of prosperity and success is.

when ya go from several trucks to one and from your own authority to leasing on, you simply got tired of everyones elses bull crap, and if ya got the business sense ya can do just as well or better without dealing with hired drivers.

it is a sign of business savvy and smarts to know when to make that decision. I am am like forty , got other things to do now. like following this one around and paying for her horsing around. I unloaded in Orlando back in march and dh up near Gainesville,fl to see her win grand champion, then unloading in durham,nc back in june and saw her win reserve champion.

 

If I found 5 guys that were great drivers , I'd buy each one a truck and the trailer of their choice . I would think a smart fleet owner would keep a good guy around for as long as possible. Steering wheel holders are abundant good drivers are harder to find