your opinion please... mechanic to owner operator?

You cannot just lease on with Landstar if you have no experience, That is the reason he mentioned other companies.

 

Would Swift make you go to school or would they just make you go with a trainer? If you go to their school you could end up owing money . If you could just go with a trainer with no obligation of staying for very long, it would be a way to get some real trucking experience and learn many of the aspects involved of pickup/delivery etc. And you could then lease on your tractor and do better financially than other new drivers . Many companies will hire you with 6 months experience. I think Schneider only wants 3 months minimum. Schneider has their Choice program that lets owner operators on that program go on thier load board and choose what loads you haul. I looked into that a couple of times. I was at Crete and saw drivers get hired with 6 months experience. I think going out on your own right away would be tough.

 

When I pulled a reefer, as a company driver, the company preferred C.H. Robinson because they paid within 30 days. I've never personally dealt with brokers, not being an 0/0.

 

Try JBS Carriers; ask them about fronting you the money for CDL school. Sometimes they will advance the money for CDL school and then do a payroll deduction to pay it back. Stay honest on the applications about the felony.

Companies that hire drivers with criminal records:

Carolina Cargo
Buel, Inc.
Paschall Truck Lines
Western Express

If these companies won't hire you right now, they will after completing a CDL school. I would apply now & see what happens.

Also apply online with Central Refrigerated and Prime Inc. Prime has flatbed, tanker, reefer to choose from. Just check which one you want on your application.

Don't give up!!!!!

As for the wife deal, usually in situations like that, when you see the ex-wife a few years later, you think, "Whew, he did me a favor!"

 

I may be able to hook you up to a small van company at 90%. I know of 2. I have heard good things about them, but if i ever go back to slamming doors it would be under my own authority. If you want to get sea sick with tankers you can pm me. im about to get my own tank and be at 80% with the small company im with.

3 years ago id push you to get a year in and go to landstar, but they are in bed with the makers of all the new bs rules and regs now. Even when you get the time in i would suggest staying away from the mega carriers. it took me 8 years to get that thru my thick skull.

You can pm me for a phone number if you are interested in my leads. you can make it as an o/o with your mechanical skills but you just need someone to teach you freight lanes and rates for your choice of trailer. Id be glad to help.

 

Yep, his best bet is one of the little places that you have to know about, cause they don't advertise.....

Somewhere that doesn't have a "department" that has rules and restrictions on who they partner with, somewhere where you talk to the guy who owns the place and he evaluates you, and either decides to partner with you or not....

Remember, if you are an O/O you are not an employee....

 

The brokers will eat him alive.... he needs to get some experience in calculating costs, setting rates, and then getting them.... which is a whole 'nother ball game..... I suggest he partner with someone who will help him to succeed, in return for his services..... he'll learn the business end of things with some support, rather than jumping into the shark tank with just his speedo on.....