Yet another change is plans. Buy own truck, than lease on or authority????

1st drive a CO. truck you can get $ while learning more.

 

The simple fact you have to come on here and ask some of these basic questions should tell you. You are in over your head. Maybe if people would learn the business b4 thinking they can manage one. The success rate would be much higher. You know absolutely nothing about this industry and these companies will eat you alive. Dude if you have money to throw away. Can you put me on your donation list.

 

It is going to be an insurance issue if you are new with zero experience and are hell bent on buying your own truck to drive. If your mind can't be changed about driving someone else's truck, at least in the beginning, make sure you find somewhere that knows you are new and WILL INSURE YOU!

Have you drawn out a basic expense sheet in order to figure out how much per mile, or per day, however you want to work it, you need in order to be profitable? DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE A DRIVER'S WAGE.

A good truck to buy is one that will make you money. The big shiny truck is nice - IF #1 you can afford it, and #2 know how to make money with it in order to keep it. Try to find something with low miles, one you can get an oil sample on, and that you like. It might not be pretty, but when you see the money you AREN'T spending on a new truck, you will learn to love it. There are many places to find used trucks ... all of them are a gamble. Even a new truck is a gamble anymore ...

As for percentages, they will be all over the map, most falling into 70-90% to the truck owner. They all have different pay systems - some of them cover your plates, insurance, some pay your tolls, some give you fat fuel discounts - it usually works out about the same in the end.

I can't at all recommend going straight for your authority. The task of actually driving your truck, maintaining it, dealing with shippers/receivers, and all that highway bullcrap, will make up about 50% of the work you will have to do if you go this route. There is a mountain of regulatory stuff you have to keep up. Nevermind the process of dealing with brokers, setting up your loads, and actually getting them done and on time. If you do not require sleep, that will be a huge help.

You would be better off finding a deal that works for you, let another company handle all the office work and take care of all your permits and insurance and all that, and let them take what to you is a fair percentage.


Above all - I have to say what I say to everyone else here - first - go drive someone else's truck, at least for one year, make it through the winter on your own, grind and bump and scrape and make stupid mistakes on someone else's truck - yes, most of us also screwed up in the beginning when we were new. Find out if trucking is really what you want to do - the only way you can decide if you want to own your own is if you get out here and do it.

 

Are you just out of school or going to school?
how much actual driving experience do you have?

if you have little to none you would be better off being a company driver learn the ropes then get your truck. You might have issues with no experience and having a truck. Most companies require just as a company driver one year otr experience within the last three years. Doesn't sound like to me you even meet that.

 

Only to those who don't want the truth. If you want smoke blown up your tail. I'm sure you can get it, but like I said. This is real deal Holy Field out hear. Cyber Owner Operators only exist on the internet, and don't last long on the road. You can't read about it you live it. This isn't one size fit all. I'm sorry dude if you cry because of the truth I posted. You really will be crying when these companies bend you over no lube. It's just what trucking companies do, and Yes even the ones that are 100 percent owner operators. They probably make more money robbing drivers then they do pulling freight. This business isn't for the faint of heart.