your opinion please... mechanic to owner operator?

There's companies that will hire you. Don't tell them you don't have experience, because you do with local stuff. As a mechanic, you've been driving local for 20 years. You pickup, deliver, test drive, tractor trailers within the state. Tell companies you've just been running intrastate.

Don't call the companies; do online applications so they have something to actually look at.

Maverick hires if you have a CDL, even with no experience or school.

Paschall Truck Lines might hire you, if you do their refresher course. The course is free if you stay there a year and if you leave early they will send you a bill. They run up in your area also.

Also apply online with Dynamic Transit and Holland Enterprises.

Apply online with Central Refrigerated, real good chance there.

Fairchild Freight likes to hire mechanics to drive, because they run Southwest picking up produce & deliver in Alaska, so they like people with a mechanical background.

Greatwide might give you a chance as a company driver or with your own tractor.

Comtrak might take you on as an 0/0, they have a terminal in Bensalem, PA


Check the "Trucking Jobs" and "Seeking Employment" threads on this website.

Submit applications online with all these companies, then let us know the outcome. If this works, maybe others can also benefit.

All this will keep your computer hot for awhile. Best wishes.

 

See there, you will be a real asset to some company.

Something else, Google : Intermodal or Drayage companies near you. I personally don't care for that type of work, but it's something to look at. Majority of the drivers I know that do that type of trucking aren't doing too well financially. A nice truck like you have can be put to better use.

 

''Asset to a Company''...Keep this in mind Chinatown.The ''big'' companies knowadays could give a rats ### about his knowledge.All they look for is dumbed down brainless wonders willing to drive a truck for a box of dog food...A small O/O and Ma and Pa outfit will love his knowledge..

 

The mega carriers are just going to use you up and spit you out. You already have the basics down through your mechanical experience. I suggest you join O.O.I.D.A. if you haven't already done so. They will help you through the process of getting your authority and insurance. They can even help you so you're compliant with the drug testing law.
After you get your authority, sign up with some of the larger brokers, such as C.H. Robinson so you can book your loads through the load board. While Robinson is far from the best out there, they will work for a start., and they're quick pay is a good choice. In no time, you'll learn about other quick pay brokers you can work with. Having your own authority gives you the freedom to switch back and forth to chase the good loads. It sounds confusing, but it really isn't. It just takes a little time to figure it out. Having your truck paid for to start is a real advantage.
Having your own authority and insurance pretty much eliminates the "experience" problem you're facing. The brokers aren't going to check your experience. They're more interested in whether or not you have insurance and authority to haul.