5 years??? I became an OO after 2yrs of getting my CDL The longer you're a company driver, the harder to become a OO A caged lion cannot survive in the wild The biggest obstacle when transferring from Co to OO is the mentality. No shop or boss to pay for your repairs
i think he is erring on the side of caution here. 5 years is a good amount of time to see a variety of work. If you work for a company for 18 months there is a good chance you've only done flatbed, and maybe some dump. After 5 years you will have seen enough to a) become a really efficient driver and b) you know what you will love. Flatbed isn't for everyone.
Yeah and depends if you are getting a" walk away lease" or going after your own rig I'd say 1 to 2 years for a true walk away lease with maybe only penalty being a months payment or about 3 years for your own truck and 5 to 8 years for your own truck, trailer and authority. Sure you could be successful with less time or you could fail miserably and lose it all. I rather put some time in and learn the market I wanna enter before putting skin in the game.
Also depends how much cash you got going into it and the season going in with no reserve in October is a quick way to the poor house. Going in on it in March or April with 10k in the bank and a new truck will really give you the start you need to be successful, anyone that has done a winter in a truck knows how much money it can cost you from the interstate shutdowns to just equipment not wanting to work right cold and salt are a trucks worst enemy.
One thing ill elaborate further on is versatility. Versatility of the driver and the truck! As a lease op you must have a plethora of experience, make yourself invaluable. Start young and build up experience with flat deck, Super B, Liquids, long combination vehicles and freight. No job should be out of your ability. Things change, companies sell out, you might be forced to leave a partnership due to unforeseeable circumstances. Now the tractor... While the argument is always about resale I am more inclined to worry about overall weight, length of tractor. Keep the wheelbase at or near 220, keep weight at or near 9000kg. This can be achieved through a smaller bunk, super 40 axles and though other specifications. While I loved a big 70-80 inch bunk, having a 48 bunk was plenty if you packed right. Keep your horsepower just below 500. Big HP and torque is nice but what I’ve found is it beats the hell out of the driveline and tires. Don’t be too eager to jump on an 18 speed transmission. Due to constantly pulling super B I opted for an 18 but a simple 15 speed or even an 8ll can get you through any situation in North America. (Ask me how I know!) Oh yeah…Go with boring white paint, larger companies love that. Whenever possible keep your road speed at or just below 100kmh. This will save you huge over the period of a year through fuel and reduced tire wear. Avoid excessive idling; be certain the truck you own has auxiliary bunk/ engine heaters with proper timers. A bookkeeper will make or break you, choose wisely in this area! You can save bookkeeping costs by having a daily ledger detailing your expenses and loads, keep it simple! Book keepers don’t like getting a box of receipts at your corporate year end..Well actually they don’t mind at all! They will just charge you extra for something that takes ten minutes to sort out at the end of day. Now, personal care… Whenever possible deliberately park a distance away from where you are stopping for break. Your body NEEDS you to keep moving and active, walking the few extra steps to get your coffee adds up to a healthier you. When dispatch calls you in for that emergency delivery, be the guy that says yes once in awhile. This will help when you want a day off for personal matters, give and take is very important. Repairs…. For the love of God! Expect issues with the truck! Check your attitude at the door when entering the dealer! When having a small repair done at a local Edmonton dealership I was floored at the attitude and abuse thrown towards the staff by lease ops and small business owners. Don’t be an A-hole, put on your happy face and just accept that even the best dealerships are unable to wave a magic wand and have the vehicle operational. Pissing off the service writers and lead hand is a great way to not have them squeeze you in the next time a repair is required. You want that local dealership to think happy thoughts when you step into that door or when they pick up the phone and hear your voice. Pro tip: the odd box of timbits does wonders to better your relationship. When they squeeze you in for a repair when overbooked be sure to show genuine gratitude. Remember they are people too, help make their day better not worse. When having longer repairs done take this time to get out of the mechanic and service writers face. Go for lunch, do some self care. If close to home and have family, go spend a few hours with them! Your truck will be fine without you, not so much your wife and children. Plan your vacations to coincide with expected repairs that occur over the trucks life. If you can’t afford time away for fun, reevaluate why you are doing this to begin with. Time management is crucial in the trucking world, I can’t stress this enough. But this does not mean you have to be a cowboy out there. I’ve yet to see a lease operator that runs over hours, always speeds, always in a rush become rich at this game. Trucking is like the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady will win the race, not sometimes but every time. I could go on but let’s stop here for now. Love your videos Dave, you have serious knowledge. :)
You forgot number 8... Learn to and be able to work on your own truck. Sounds silly but I am very mechanical and I save THOUSANDS every year by working on my own truck, changing my own oil, changing my own tires, doing my own repairs. Sure sometimes you have to take it to a shop but in the past 7 years, my truck has only been in a shop twice! Sure that means taking up part of my home time to work on my truck but at least I know I saved a ton of money and that it was done right or if something goes wrong after, the only one to blame is myself and I know how to fix it. I am not poor, broke, or a cheap ass but I also dont like trowing away money when I know I am capable of doing something myself and also, I cant justify paying a shop $150+ and hour for a 6 hour job to replace a $150 part. Its bad enough the dealers and truck stops overcharge you for parts... Shop around for parts too. I have saved thousands also by buying from places other than dealers and buying parts online. I know waiting for parts isnt always an option but when it is, I will always buy online or from somewhere other than the dealer when I can. Example, I just save $450 on a NEW turbo for my truck by buying from an outside truck parts place vs going to the dealer and changed it myself in 5 hours. Win win for me.
T Hollins 18 years out here, 15 of that as an owner operator. Owned 4 trucks, paid every one of them off and truck I have now, haven't had a payment in about 8 years on it. Depending what happens with this eld thing, I just might hang it up. Sadly my truck was built during the model year change over month of 1999, so it got titled as a 2000 and seeing I have no payment, no hurt feelings here if I park it and walk away.
While I'll agree with you for the most part, there needs to be a couple caveots here: 1) Know your limitations and abilities, some folks are just not mechanically inclined and could end up costing themselves more money than they tried to save. Just know that most things on a truck are big, expensive and not easily replaced should you break something cause you didn't know what you were doing.(see number 4). 2) Know whether or not what you are about to mess with is covered by warranty or not (ex. a turbo or injector pump, etc.). If it is, stop what you're doing and take it to a dealership to work on it, you paid for a warranty, use it. If it is not, or you are not sure about what you are doing, stop what you are doing and ask somebody for help.(see number 4). 3) Use the right tools for the job at hand. Now you don't need to own a 200+ thousand dollar diesel mechanics tool set to do the job, but don't use vice grips or channel locks (aka. adjustable pliers) on a fitting when you should be using a wrench or at the very least a crescent wrench (aka. adjustable wrench). If you don't have the proper tools, don't mess with it until you do have them (see number 1). That said, you can go to an auto parts store (AutoZone, Napa, Western Auto, etc, depending where you are on this rock of ours.) and either buy the tools you need, or if it's a specialty tool, you can rent them for a small fee vs the expense of buying it. Also, these folks (at the autoparts stores) can be a source of information for you to utilize, and most of them don't charge you for answering your questions. So ask them, at the very least if they don't have the information you need, they can point you in the right direction to find it.(see number 4) 4) And finally, if you are here reading this, you have at your finger tips two of the greatest sources of free information that you can ever have, Google and TH-cam, as chances are likely that somebody has done a video explaining how to diagnose a problem and fix what ever it is you are working on. Even if if you think you know what you are doing, before you even put a wrench on the truck, search it out on TH-cam, you just might find some information that you didn't know about it. Beyond that, Google is your friend, chances are likely a Google search will lead you right back here to TH-cam. But it could also lead to more information at another source that you never even knew about, including some forums where truckers (and some mechanics) hang out and discuss problems they've had with their trucks. The bottom line, in trucking (as with most things), time is money. Know whether or not you are going to save a couple bucks in parts or labor buy fixing it yourself but will cost you more downtime cause it took you longer to fix it, rather than the expense of having it fixed by a mechanic but saved you some downtime. The name of the game here is, minimizing your downtime, cause you're not making money when you are down irregardless of whom is fixing it. Weigh the cost vs benefits for the given problem, and do what's within your abilities vs what you might gain by having someone else fix it.
5 years as a company driver? Wow you have more patients then i do. I'm not going to let myself be used and abused for 5 years. Life is too short and precious for that. I jumped into the owner operator side 2 months after driving company. I couldn't tolerate making 35 cents a mile and having to stay out for a month at a time and only being home for 3 days. And on top of that, nobody would finance a truck to me because my CDL is too recent. So i had to do it the old fashioned way and buy an older truck cashed. Give me a paid off truck and let me run regional, and I'm good.
He Miguel am in your shoes Brother , so what company took you with 2 months experience and where did you get insurance, am doing the same thing too.. advice please. Thanks
Kiiri James I never got a notification that you comment. So I'm a little late. Anyways I bought a truck with straight cash, and i leased it onto werner enterprise. Yes I know it's a mega company. But I have no choice due to experience purposes. Well In August I Will have my full year in. And I can bounce to landstar!
Without a doubt, this is one of the "Most Informative" videos on the internet for those looking to become an Owner Operator - Thank You so much for taking the time in sharing your professional knowledge !
Once Again, Great video..👍 I began as a Lease Op right out of school 2yrs ago and couldn't be happier. I've been very successful and now train & pick my own freight. I did have 14yrs experience operating a small business prior to getting into Trucking & I believe that was paramount in my success from the start. My goal is to get my authority in Jan 2019, suspend it until Jan 2020 when I purchace a new truck & trailer. This way my authority is seasoned(1yr) & I can pull freight for any broker once Im ready to go.
Wow there are a lot of TH-cam channels out there and everybody's thinks they're an expert but this is the one channel I've come across where you truly have a lot of wisdom to share. Really appreciate the detail and insight and experience you bring to your Channel.
Here's my opinion: Never run on your own fuel card, (because if the company goes under your screwed) Never ever sign on when they expect you to work a month before you get your first 2 weeks pay. In Canada some companys want you to haul 60 days or more before you get first full months pay minus costs, "Fuel" - "Insurance" Road Taxes" etc. - Read the various job boards etc. If a company is always looking for drivers, or if drivers are coming / going this indicates a "Problem" - Watchout for the regional companys who expect you to load / unload all day and run all night. "Proper Sleep" is very important. Many regional companys PUSH drivers well beyond limits.
I’m single, my kids are grown. My dog is going to come with me. Have at least 4 x’s what you suggested for cash on hand. I just got my permit. Starting trucking school in a few weeks. Hoping to be owner operator after 2 yrs max. Time for a career change! So excited.
Thank you Dave for your views I'm really learning alot about different approaches to this industry and I see you're all about safe Mr. Dave ain't taking no chance.
Excellent Commentary,ive been a driver for 20 yrs and this couldn't have been told any better than this gentleman has told it. good luck im home every day less stress,.cmpy drvr of course.and this is trucking,...good night.
Good video here. 21 years experience off an on since the early 80's and I've never been an owner operator and it's too late now for me to go that route I think. The information here is very good but the only thing I would take a slight issue with is waiting 5 years working for the same company before making the move. 5 years seems way too long. Cut that in half to 2.5 years and I think the results will be similar. But this driver obviously knows what the hell he's talking about and what he shares here is invaluable to those considering making the move to being an owner operator. I do know one thing about the trucking business that starry eyed youngsters may not know. The profit margin is very small and you have to do EVERYTHING right to be a success at it. For example: The average profit margin for large trucking companies varies between 3 percent to about 4.5 percent so there is little room for error in this business. I do not know what the profit margin is for owner operators but I have been told that their profit margin very low as well. Does this mean you can't be successful as an owner operator ? Obviously no. And there is a large contigent of owner operators who make a good living at it.
Now I remember why I was a company driver my whole career....... and the reason I could retire at age 60!! It always sounded good and looked good to be drivin those nice big ol Petes and KWhoppers, but the risk wasn't worth the guaranteed reward of being a company driver bringing home a weekly paycheck with full benefits and retirement plan. Great video, Dave, as it gives some of these dreamers a cold shot of reality and shows them that being an OO is being a small business owner.....and most people aren't up to that challenge and don't realize the hours involved, usually 24/7, nonstop.
What do you think about owner/ operator for more local work? I personally would like to get into more flat bed, low boy, and grain hauling since I come from the farm/ agriculture side of things. I'd like to be home most nights and haul equipment
Thank you very much sir for this advice about be a owner operator, an the part on how it effects your family an having someone to help you run the company you can trust is very important . In all my 24 year of driving you have explained how to be a owner operator the best, Thank you for advice it's going to help me Decide! if being a Owner Operator or stay Company driver is right for me.
I very much enjoy the methodical and even keeled delivery with which you present information. I've been a company driver for 7 years and am now starting to think about possibly buying a truck and trailer. I've decided that my tentative goal is to be leased on with somebody by april 2019. I want to raise my credit score and have a savings built up for expenses before I even start looking for equipment. Credible information from people like you helps people like me to follow in your footsteps and maybe avoid some of the pitfalls you encountered along the way. Thank you for the information, the way you deliver it and the respect you have for this industry and the people who look to you for facts about it.
Thank you for your videos. I'm now a Lifetime Member of OOIDA and at 62, retired veteran but love to drive. I'm financially secure, debt free, and now have my own authority in Arizona but I only wish to lease a new truck. I do reefer and dry van now and have only 2 years CDL OTR but drove our 180k pound mobile missile launch for 24 years. Should I stick with reefer since food is always needed?
Running local I run 24.5’s, My 2018 W900L came with Michelin XND tires, I got 123,000 out of the rears and 142,000 out of the forward rears. Everything he states is the absolute truth
Nice video. I ran flat bed on own authority so as to be able to broker and dispatch myself and therefore haul from any shipper - no company relationship with one company - I do not like that because if they fail you can fail with the company and you share their DOT record data and may or may not get pulled in for inspections, etc. I am not married so I used TBS for paperwork/book keeping and administrative back up which was very effective in terms of peace of mind to keep my mind "on the road". I liked being able to chose the load to control being able to chose the 'back haul' and thus create a route that help me predict: income production, where I got serviced, fueled, fed, showered, home time, or where I used down time. Also, usually there was no waiting to unload as with reefer and sometimes van - waiting will kill your time and shave off what money you could have made had the shipper/receiver loaded/unloaded on time. Running flatbed pays better than reefer or van. But the very best money was running fuel to oil/gas drill sites which can be sporadic work; but it is high income. I did not do my own mechanical unless it was real minor. I relied on being empty and going to a dealer (Peterbuilt) or reliable, tried-and-tested truck stop where I had faith in the technicians and that maintenance was on my predicted route plan. Have a nice day - and for anyone wanting to own, the very first thing you do is the research of what it takes to own and then making and following a plan. If you don't, you will fail.
I was told once by an owner OP, and I have passed this wisdom as well. Have enough money on hand for worst case scenario. You will need enough to replace a blown engine or transmission. If you can do that you covered from everything else.
I run a rental as an owner operator. Look up MG Global Logistics. Call and ask questions Tell them Hubert Pilk sent you. Great video Sir, I left the comment for your viewers. I have to go check out your next video
Very informative and great video. I think i will wait to take the plunge when my kids have both graduated HS. Too many responsibilities currently, plus I have a local, paid hourly job. In my opinion as an o/o I would try to have/save as much cash as possible. I know credit and credit lines are the way now, but cash is clean. Being free and clear of debt is a great thing for an O/O or a company. Stay safe out there.
I know a guy who was hired as a driver and was promised a signing bonus,something he did not get, it was a slow season for truckers so he let it go but when business picked up he asked when he would get it to which he was told soon but he never got it , all this time he was looking for another trucking job and got 1, he was first in his class and told me the signing bonus was on his first check !! he told me before he left the company lying to him he passed in a envelope with a note inside that said fuck you,your trucks,money and job, I quit !!
204 WB with a hood (not a SBA) and 4.44 rears here. It's a good local spec but I need to upgrade to a 13 overdrive so I'm not screaming on the highway.
Holy crap Dave, 5 yrs. before you become an O/O? I'm an O/G like you Dave and have turned wrenchs for 30 yrs., With a unbelieveable amount of energy I just want to see if this job might be for me.
A question for owner operators, how bad the ELD is hurting or will hurt owner operators? Also, How about you get a new truck from dealership and don’t drive it, I mean you work as a company driver get paid and make your payments from your salary- this way you have income as a company drive and make payments for your own new truck that waiting for you until you pay it off ? It might take longer to pay it off. But if you make good money as a company driver maybe you could manage it? Your truck won’t break, because you are not driving it yet . So when you pay it off you gonna have new truck no breaks and repairs yet Just a thought . I’m new into trucking in general and probably don’t know plenty of stuff yet
I have a LOT to learn but man I want to own an older model truck before they become hard to find. I’d love an older model Pete or Kw someday. So much to learn it’s overwhelming but I guess I have time to figure these things out, at least a couple years.
Hey Dave, thanks for sharing! I'm looking at becoming an owner/operator myself, and I appreciate you sharing your insight from your own, personal experience. I found your tips very helpful and informative. If I may ask: in your experience, what type of freight has the best balance between owner/op pay, and headaches dealing with the freight?
I saw a company today that is paying $0.90 a mile all miles. I had to look to make sure it was up-to-date information because I was making $0.80 a mile in the mid-90s. I've been back driving a company truck for the past year because doesn't seem too profitable being an owner operator right now. The truck I use is a Mack and if I buy another truck I probably will buy a Mack. truck seems super reliable and the company I work for has some still running at 1.6 million hard miles or more
there is a difference between lease and oo, oo u own ur own truck and u dont have many deductions as leasers, u can lease on with a company and never work miles , get percentage, oo r averaging 2500 to 5000 net a week easy running dry van
I don’t even have my cdl yet but will be getting it in a month from now I plan to save 25,000 before I drive for swift for 6 months this next summer and once I get the hang of driving a truck I will buy my own truck because I can’t stand working for someone and for a cheap amount of money I don’t have patience to wait 5 years.
I agree with everything else..... but that weekly pay..... I get paid monthly...every 30th...after paying all the bills at once, I jus know how much I have left over to save, invest and spend....
Expect to put in much more time as an OO. Your now a competitive business owner. 5 years is relative to your lifestyle. Are you a single driver? Are you always asking dealers and anyone questions ? What s your LQ: Learning Quotient.
23,250 lb tare weight. 13.2 steers and 46 rears. Heavy frame. 16 liter @ 700 hp. 2250 torque. 3.21 rear end. Sweet spot is 70 mph doing 1375 rpms. But I only get 6.4 mpg. Why? Because I pull maxed tridems doing the beach to Alberta rounders. But I enjoy waving at the big power kitty cats when I blow past them on the smasher.
Great advice sad a lot of drivers won't listen. If you do it right the first time it works. If you screw it up you'll be driving someone else's forever, which is ok. I love driving for someone else in winter when mine are parked or slow times. I own 4 now that's enough. Bought first one in 1984 I was 22. I hustle all my own loads. I haul dirt n gravel some equipment, I had 40 loads lined up a week ago now I have over 500 waiting for weather to break. I have one full time employee.
Good video and advises but In my opinion 5 years it is too much. I bought my own semi truck after 6 months since I get my CDL. Two months later I got my own authority. Today I have just 3 years experience and last year I already pay off my semi truck and refrigerated trailer. It means 10 days in month on the road cover ALL my expenses.
Thanks Smart Trucker the info you give is very helpful i wish all drivers now days was like the old days help other now matter who you are. Keep up the good work 👏 👍
Like the video... and I shared it on my Facebook. I will be starting my own videos, but I think that having other perpectives helps. You covered things that I have no experience with.
I got the best fuel mileage with a Builders Transport international. With a 4.11 rear end with a Detrot Diesel (4 stroke). I'm a slow driver No more that 15 mph over the speed limit
For short haul in town work say 120 mile round trip its beneficial to have a sleeper because the DOT will let your company off the hook say in a case where I could run 3 trips in a 24 hour time limit rather than the typical 2 trips per 24 hour . How any one can schedule when using an electronic log is beyond me.
You know, I pretty much did that for years. It looks from your picture that you're married. I don't know how my marriage survived it. I must admit though, the nomadic lifestyle appealed to me. I pulled reefer so that put me in California every other week and got me out of Canadian winters, and I liked that! I guess I'd have to say it depends on your situation, but if you're married and your wife says go for it, I'd recommend it. Dave
Thank you for the information I'm hoping to make the jump to owner operator in the next few years and I'm content with the company I drive for I am taking the time to learn all the information I can about becoming an owner op
A wise man , true words ,great video , personally I wouldnt get back into the O/O end of it I hate logs ,taxes , the IRS , paperwork and payments and insurance maintenance costs etc. Money can be had as O/O but it would cut into my drinking time. 11.00 x 24.5's prefer over 22.5's ,and do not like lo-pro 's at all . 24.5's last longer , they dont get nearly as hot as the 22's they ,wear faster only negative for 24.5's is you lose 2 inches of clearance making some over passes like thse in Chicago and older cities a bigger pain than it already is .
Speaking of big tires and overhead rail rail road bridges where the road has been lowered for traffic to clear . NEVER trust the that yellow (Clearance 13'6" ) sign on the bridge or that protection steel girder either for that matter .After 2-3 street re-pave jobs you could lose a few inches of clearance .They ( city or Rail Road ) rarely if ever change the yellow clearance warning signs
There are advantages to just being an O/O as compared to running your own authority. For instance it's much more secure to know that the carrier will pay you as compared to running your own authority and trying to collect from a load broker. Running your own authority is only better if you have your own direct customers that pay on time. Just one example.
“At least 5 years” it doesn’t matter the industry you don’t need to spend 5 years doing anything to master it. If you’re with a company for a year that’s enough time to smell which way the wind is blowing
Somewhere, an accountant crunched numbers & probably realized that even if O/Os make more in the short term, having someone else foot the bill for catastrophic expenses is way more profitable for the carrier than running company drivers. So remember, you might make more for a few months, but if you have a catastrophic event it’ll be YOUR FAMILY that ends up dealing with it. These shady companies wouldn’t push the idea or have lease-ops if it didn’t increase their profits. The day to become an O/O is the day that all these carriers stop telling drivers to do it.
5 years???
I became an OO after 2yrs of getting my CDL
The longer you're a company driver, the harder to become a OO
A caged lion cannot survive in the wild
The biggest obstacle when transferring from Co to OO is the mentality. No shop or boss to pay for your repairs
I would love to see a video explaining how to start a small trucking company
5 years at the company level? You're a better man than me, I had to get out of that after 18 months!
Envyecho 5 years is too long. I had to jump into a owner operator 2 months after driving company. Screw that lol
i think he is erring on the side of caution here. 5 years is a good amount of time to see a variety of work. If you work for a company for 18 months there is a good chance you've only done flatbed, and maybe some dump. After 5 years you will have seen enough to a) become a really efficient driver and b) you know what you will love. Flatbed isn't for everyone.
Yeah and depends if you are getting a" walk away lease" or going after your own rig I'd say 1 to 2 years for a true walk away lease with maybe only penalty being a months payment or about 3 years for your own truck and 5 to 8 years for your own truck, trailer and authority. Sure you could be successful with less time or you could fail miserably and lose it all. I rather put some time in and learn the market I wanna enter before putting skin in the game.
Also depends how much cash you got going into it and the season going in with no reserve in October is a quick way to the poor house. Going in on it in March or April with 10k in the bank and a new truck will really give you the start you need to be successful, anyone that has done a winter in a truck knows how much money it can cost you from the interstate shutdowns to just equipment not wanting to work right cold and salt are a trucks worst enemy.
One thing ill elaborate further on is versatility.
Versatility of the driver and the truck!
As a lease op you must have a plethora of experience, make yourself invaluable.
Start young and build up experience with flat deck, Super B, Liquids, long combination vehicles and freight.
No job should be out of your ability. Things change, companies sell out, you might be forced to leave a partnership due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Now the tractor...
While the argument is always about resale I am more inclined to worry about overall weight, length of tractor.
Keep the wheelbase at or near 220, keep weight at or near 9000kg.
This can be achieved through a smaller bunk, super 40 axles and though other specifications.
While I loved a big 70-80 inch bunk, having a 48 bunk was plenty if you packed right. Keep your horsepower just below 500. Big HP and torque is nice but what I’ve found is it beats the hell out of the driveline and tires.
Don’t be too eager to jump on an 18 speed transmission. Due to constantly pulling super B I opted for an 18 but a simple 15 speed or even an 8ll can get you through any situation in North America. (Ask me how I know!)
Oh yeah…Go with boring white paint, larger companies love that.
Whenever possible keep your road speed at or just below 100kmh. This will save you huge over the period of a year through fuel and reduced tire wear.
Avoid excessive idling; be certain the truck you own has auxiliary bunk/ engine heaters with proper timers.
A bookkeeper will make or break you, choose wisely in this area! You can save bookkeeping costs by having a daily ledger detailing your expenses and loads, keep it simple!
Book keepers don’t like getting a box of receipts at your corporate year end..Well actually they don’t mind at all! They will just charge you extra for something that takes ten minutes to sort out at the end of day.
Now, personal care…
Whenever possible deliberately park a distance away from where you are stopping for break. Your body NEEDS you to keep moving and active, walking the few extra steps to get your coffee adds up to a healthier you.
When dispatch calls you in for that emergency delivery, be the guy that says yes once in awhile. This will help when you want a day off for personal matters, give and take is very important.
Repairs….
For the love of God! Expect issues with the truck! Check your attitude at the door when entering the dealer! When having a small repair done at a local Edmonton dealership I was floored at the attitude and abuse thrown towards the staff by lease ops and small business owners.
Don’t be an A-hole, put on your happy face and just accept that even the best dealerships are unable to wave a magic wand and have the vehicle operational.
Pissing off the service writers and lead hand is a great way to not have them squeeze you in the next time a repair is required. You want that local dealership to think happy thoughts when you step into that door or when they pick up the phone and hear your voice.
Pro tip: the odd box of timbits does wonders to better your relationship.
When they squeeze you in for a repair when overbooked be sure to show genuine gratitude. Remember they are people too, help make their day better not worse.
When having longer repairs done take this time to get out of the mechanic and service writers face. Go for lunch, do some self care. If close to home and have family, go spend a few hours with them! Your truck will be fine without you, not so much your wife and children.
Plan your vacations to coincide with expected repairs that occur over the trucks life. If you can’t afford time away for fun, reevaluate why you are doing this to begin with.
Time management is crucial in the trucking world, I can’t stress this enough. But this does not mean you have to be a cowboy out there.
I’ve yet to see a lease operator that runs over hours, always speeds, always in a rush become rich at this game. Trucking is like the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady will win the race, not sometimes but every time.
I could go on but let’s stop here for now.
Love your videos Dave, you have serious knowledge. :)
You forgot number 8... Learn to and be able to work on your own truck. Sounds silly but I am very mechanical and I save THOUSANDS every year by working on my own truck, changing my own oil, changing my own tires, doing my own repairs. Sure sometimes you have to take it to a shop but in the past 7 years, my truck has only been in a shop twice! Sure that means taking up part of my home time to work on my truck but at least I know I saved a ton of money and that it was done right or if something goes wrong after, the only one to blame is myself and I know how to fix it. I am not poor, broke, or a cheap ass but I also dont like trowing away money when I know I am capable of doing something myself and also, I cant justify paying a shop $150+ and hour for a 6 hour job to replace a $150 part. Its bad enough the dealers and truck stops overcharge you for parts... Shop around for parts too. I have saved thousands also by buying from places other than dealers and buying parts online. I know waiting for parts isnt always an option but when it is, I will always buy online or from somewhere other than the dealer when I can. Example, I just save $450 on a NEW turbo for my truck by buying from an outside truck parts place vs going to the dealer and changed it myself in 5 hours. Win win for me.
henry bob swillikers Thank you.
Kevin Morris spoken like a true owner operator
T Hollins 18 years out here, 15 of that as an owner operator. Owned 4 trucks, paid every one of them off and truck I have now, haven't had a payment in about 8 years on it. Depending what happens with this eld thing, I just might hang it up. Sadly my truck was built during the model year change over month of 1999, so it got titled as a 2000 and seeing I have no payment, no hurt feelings here if I park it and walk away.
While I'll agree with you for the most part, there needs to be a couple caveots here:
1) Know your limitations and abilities, some folks are just not mechanically inclined and could end up costing themselves more money than they tried to save. Just know that most things on a truck are big, expensive and not easily replaced should you break something cause you didn't know what you were doing.(see number 4).
2) Know whether or not what you are about to mess with is covered by warranty or not (ex. a turbo or injector pump, etc.). If it is, stop what you're doing and take it to a dealership to work on it, you paid for a warranty, use it. If it is not, or you are not sure about what you are doing, stop what you are doing and ask somebody for help.(see number 4).
3) Use the right tools for the job at hand. Now you don't need to own a 200+ thousand dollar diesel mechanics tool set to do the job, but don't use vice grips or channel locks (aka. adjustable pliers) on a fitting when you should be using a wrench or at the very least a crescent wrench (aka. adjustable wrench). If you don't have the proper tools, don't mess with it until you do have them (see number 1). That said, you can go to an auto parts store (AutoZone, Napa, Western Auto, etc, depending where you are on this rock of ours.) and either buy the tools you need, or if it's a specialty tool, you can rent them for a small fee vs the expense of buying it. Also, these folks (at the autoparts stores) can be a source of information for you to utilize, and most of them don't charge you for answering your questions. So ask them, at the very least if they don't have the information you need, they can point you in the right direction to find it.(see number 4)
4) And finally, if you are here reading this, you have at your finger tips two of the greatest sources of free information that you can ever have, Google and TH-cam, as chances are likely that somebody has done a video explaining how to diagnose a problem and fix what ever it is you are working on. Even if if you think you know what you are doing, before you even put a wrench on the truck, search it out on TH-cam, you just might find some information that you didn't know about it. Beyond that, Google is your friend, chances are likely a Google search will lead you right back here to TH-cam. But it could also lead to more information at another source that you never even knew about, including some forums where truckers (and some mechanics) hang out and discuss problems they've had with their trucks.
The bottom line, in trucking (as with most things), time is money. Know whether or not you are going to save a couple bucks in parts or labor buy fixing it yourself but will cost you more downtime cause it took you longer to fix it, rather than the expense of having it fixed by a mechanic but saved you some downtime. The name of the game here is, minimizing your downtime, cause you're not making money when you are down irregardless of whom is fixing it. Weigh the cost vs benefits for the given problem, and do what's within your abilities vs what you might gain by having someone else fix it.
Very good points. Thanks.
5 years? My brother inlaw jumped straight into it and is doing good
5 years as a company driver? Wow you have more patients then i do. I'm not going to let myself be used and abused for 5 years. Life is too short and precious for that. I jumped into the owner operator side 2 months after driving company. I couldn't tolerate making 35 cents a mile and having to stay out for a month at a time and only being home for 3 days. And on top of that, nobody would finance a truck to me because my CDL is too recent. So i had to do it the old fashioned way and buy an older truck cashed. Give me a paid off truck and let me run regional, and I'm good.
He Miguel am in your shoes Brother , so what company took you with 2 months experience and where did you get insurance, am doing the same thing too.. advice please. Thanks
Kiiri James I never got a notification that you comment. So I'm a little late. Anyways I bought a truck with straight cash, and i leased it onto werner enterprise. Yes I know it's a mega company. But I have no choice due to experience purposes. Well In August I Will have my full year in. And I can bounce to landstar!
Kiiri James I have the insurance and plates all through werner
That seat looks so damn comfy dude
Dave is one real professional trucker. Lots of knowledge and experience. Thank you!!!
Hey, thank you sir! Dave
Dave great advice. My family has already given me the green light to pursue my dream. 100% backing from my family.
That's good of them! Not all are so understanding! Good luck Gene, I know you'll make it if you want it bad enough. Dave
Smart-Trucking.com Thank you ... I was an otr driver back in the days. Gave it up to be near the girls.
First thing is to get a sweet chair like that.
OMG He Is Right In 77. I got my First truck a 69 Pet .i never thought I would ever get it payed off and keep it Running.i ran that Truck 10 years
Without a doubt, this is one of the "Most Informative" videos on the internet for those looking to become an Owner Operator - Thank You so much for taking the time in sharing your professional knowledge !
Thank you sir, glad to help! Dave
Once Again, Great video..👍
I began as a Lease Op right out of school 2yrs ago and couldn't be happier. I've been very successful and now train & pick my own freight. I did have 14yrs experience operating a small business prior to getting into Trucking & I believe that was paramount in my success from the start. My goal is to get my authority in Jan 2019, suspend it until Jan 2020 when I purchace a new truck & trailer. This way my authority is seasoned(1yr) & I can pull freight for any broker once Im ready to go.
Good plan John. I can honestly say I loved running on my own authority. I know you'll like it too. Good luck and drive safe! Dave
Wow there are a lot of TH-cam channels out there and everybody's thinks they're an expert but this is the one channel I've come across where you truly have a lot of wisdom to share. Really appreciate the detail and insight and experience you bring to your Channel.
While I'm not currently interested in being an owner operator, I still appreciate the point of view and what goes into everything you go through.
I just love trucking
Being a trucker is my ultimate dream delivering Budweiser anywhere in the country.
I'm going to do it. Will lease on to Landstar for a year then maybe get my own authority after that. Good luck out there guys.
Here's my opinion: Never run on your own fuel card, (because if the company goes under your screwed) Never ever sign on when they expect you to work a month before you get your first 2 weeks pay. In Canada some companys want you to haul 60 days or more before you get first full months pay minus costs, "Fuel" - "Insurance" Road Taxes" etc. - Read the various job boards etc. If a company is always looking for drivers, or if drivers are coming / going this indicates a "Problem" - Watchout for the regional companys who expect you to load / unload all day and run all night. "Proper Sleep" is very important. Many regional companys PUSH drivers well beyond limits.
My advice Buy a cheap truck invest in it,,
I’m single, my kids are grown. My dog is going to come with me. Have at least 4 x’s what you suggested for cash on hand. I just got my permit. Starting trucking school in a few weeks. Hoping to be owner operator after 2 yrs max. Time for a career change! So excited.
Thank you Dave for your views I'm really learning alot about different approaches to this industry and I see you're all about safe Mr. Dave ain't taking no chance.
I also think about the next owner when I spec a new truck buy a truck that someone else would like to buy when you sell it
Called resale value. Very important consideration and a smart business move, in my opinion. Dave
Excellent Commentary,ive been a driver for 20 yrs and this couldn't have been told any better than this gentleman has told it. good luck im home every day less stress,.cmpy drvr of course.and this is trucking,...good night.
Good video here. 21 years experience off an on since the early 80's and I've never been an owner operator and it's too late now for me to go that route I think. The information here is very good but the only thing I would take a slight issue with is waiting 5 years working for the same company before making the move. 5 years seems way too long. Cut that in half to 2.5 years and I think the results will be similar.
But this driver obviously knows what the hell he's talking about and what he shares here is invaluable to those considering making the move to being an owner operator. I do know one thing about the trucking business that starry eyed youngsters may not know. The profit margin is very small and you have to do EVERYTHING right to be a success at it. For example: The average profit margin for large trucking companies varies between 3 percent to about 4.5 percent so there is little room for error in this business. I do not know what the profit margin is for owner operators but I have been told that their profit margin very low as well. Does this mean you can't be successful as an owner operator ? Obviously no. And there is a large contigent of owner operators who make a good living at it.
Finally someone with brains. I was a company driver with 15 years of flat bed. Then 15 years my own Trucks. My own authority. Good advise !!
5 years lol 😂 he trip’n
Agreed. That's nuts. Most companies dish out garbage pay. Owner operator or bust in my opinion.
Now I remember why I was a company driver my whole career....... and the reason I could retire at age 60!! It always sounded good and looked good to be drivin those nice big ol Petes and KWhoppers, but the risk wasn't worth the guaranteed reward of being a company driver bringing home a weekly paycheck with full benefits and retirement plan. Great video, Dave, as it gives some of these dreamers a cold shot of reality and shows them that being an OO is being a small business owner.....and most people aren't up to that challenge and don't realize the hours involved, usually 24/7, nonstop.
What do you think about owner/ operator for more local work? I personally would like to get into more flat bed, low boy, and grain hauling since I come from the farm/ agriculture side of things. I'd like to be home most nights and haul equipment
Thank you very much sir for this advice about be a owner operator, an the part on how it effects your family an having someone to help you run the company you can trust is very important . In all my 24 year of driving you have explained how to be a owner operator the best, Thank you for advice it's going to help me Decide! if being a Owner Operator or stay Company driver is right for me.
Thank you Sir.. sounds like good advice. Eventually im gonna buy a truck to work with the company i work for now.
Best of luck!
Do you have your CDL for more then 2 years?
Good advice. It ain't for all. A good driver does not a a good business man always make. And make no mistake, you are becoming a business man.
Truer words were never spoken! Dave
I heard today that the dec. deadline for elec. log. was being pushed back😃 would be nice if true.
I very much enjoy the methodical and even keeled delivery with which you present information. I've been a company driver for 7 years and am now starting to think about possibly buying a truck and trailer. I've decided that my tentative goal is to be leased on with somebody by april 2019. I want to raise my credit score and have a savings built up for expenses before I even start looking for equipment. Credible information from people like you helps people like me to follow in your footsteps and maybe avoid some of the pitfalls you encountered along the way. Thank you for the information, the way you deliver it and the respect you have for this industry and the people who look to you for facts about it.
Thank you Juliebear! Dave
Thank you for your videos. I'm now a Lifetime Member of OOIDA and at 62, retired veteran but love to drive. I'm financially secure, debt free, and now have my own authority in Arizona but I only wish to lease a new truck. I do reefer and dry van now and have only 2 years CDL OTR but drove our 180k pound mobile missile launch for 24 years. Should I stick with reefer since food is always needed?
One of the best videos I've ever seen made me really think about becoming an owner operator. thank you
Thanks Machon! Dave
Running local I run 24.5’s, My 2018 W900L came with Michelin XND tires, I got 123,000 out of the rears and 142,000 out of the forward rears. Everything he states is the absolute truth
Really good miles out of the tires! And really good tires to begin with!
Wow lots of really great tips thank you I appreciate your time in making this video.
company driver for 7 years looking at going in to owner op.
Thanks for watching Curtis! Dave
Nice video. I ran flat bed on own authority so as to be able to broker and dispatch myself and therefore haul from any shipper - no company relationship with one company - I do not like that because if they fail you can fail with the company and you share their DOT record data and may or may not get pulled in for inspections, etc. I am not married so I used TBS for paperwork/book keeping and administrative back up which was very effective in terms of peace of mind to keep my mind "on the road". I liked being able to chose the load to control being able to chose the 'back haul' and thus create a route that help me predict: income production, where I got serviced, fueled, fed, showered, home time, or where I used down time. Also, usually there was no waiting to unload as with reefer and sometimes van - waiting will kill your time and shave off what money you could have made had the shipper/receiver loaded/unloaded on time. Running flatbed pays better than reefer or van. But the very best money was running fuel to oil/gas drill sites which can be sporadic work; but it is high income. I did not do my own mechanical unless it was real minor. I relied on being empty and going to a dealer (Peterbuilt) or reliable, tried-and-tested truck stop where I had faith in the technicians and that maintenance was on my predicted route plan. Have a nice day - and for anyone wanting to own, the very first thing you do is the research of what it takes to own and then making and following a plan. If you don't, you will fail.
Good info Dave,keep the videos coming,their is nothing like old wisdom!!!!!!!
I was told once by an owner OP, and I have passed this wisdom as well. Have enough money on hand for worst case scenario. You will need enough to replace a blown engine or transmission. If you can do that you covered from everything else.
Cost me $2000 in fines for driving to use a decent toilet, the law expected me to share the forest with the wild bears. was out of HoS.
I run a rental as an owner operator.
Look up MG Global Logistics.
Call and ask questions
Tell them Hubert Pilk sent you.
Great video Sir, I left the comment for your viewers.
I have to go check out your next video
Very good advice not just for new drivers. God bless. Be Safe out there drivers
Dave open up a cdl school or become a instructor the industry need you god bless u
Very informative and great video. I think i will wait to take the plunge when my kids have both graduated HS. Too many responsibilities currently, plus I have a local, paid hourly job. In my opinion as an o/o I would try to have/save as much cash as possible. I know credit and credit lines are the way now, but cash is clean. Being free and clear of debt is a great thing for an O/O or a company. Stay safe out there.
Sounds like you've thought this through well. Drive safe! Dave
I know a guy who was hired as a driver and was promised a signing bonus,something he did not get, it was a slow season for truckers so he let it go but when business picked up he asked when he would get it to which he was told soon but he never got it , all this time he was looking for another trucking job and got 1, he was first in his class and told me the signing bonus was on his first check !! he told me before he left the company lying to him he passed in a envelope with a note inside that said fuck you,your trucks,money and job, I quit !!
204 WB with a hood (not a SBA) and 4.44 rears here. It's a good local spec but I need to upgrade to a 13 overdrive so I'm not screaming on the highway.
Holy crap Dave,
5 yrs. before you become an O/O? I'm an O/G like you Dave and have turned wrenchs for 30 yrs., With a unbelieveable amount of energy I just want to see if this job might be for me.
Well, it's a pretty big investment. I just want you to be sure. Dave
I had a freight shaker 2012 Cascadia 2.64 rear gears 10 speed with 450 Detroit 70 mph rpm's were at 15.50 started off like crap but it would run :)
A question for owner operators, how bad the ELD is hurting or will hurt owner operators?
Also, How about you get a new truck from dealership and don’t drive it, I mean you work as a company driver get paid and make your payments from your salary- this way you have income as a company drive and make payments for your own new truck that waiting for you until you pay it off ? It might take longer to pay it off. But if you make good money as a company driver maybe you could manage it? Your truck won’t break, because you are not driving it yet . So when you pay it off you gonna have new truck no breaks and repairs yet
Just a thought . I’m new into trucking in general and probably don’t know plenty of stuff yet
Truck payments on a new truck are generally to high for a company driver to be able to pay. Dave
Just realized watching this video that I passed you coming into Toronto a couple of weeks ago. Thought I recognized you as I pulled alongside. Cool...
I have a LOT to learn but man I want to own an older model truck before they become hard to find. I’d love an older model Pete or Kw someday. So much to learn it’s overwhelming but I guess I have time to figure these things out, at least a couple years.
Wow.....talk about "someone knowing their' business!" Very informative...thanks.
Thanks Frank! Dave
Lots of respect to you Dave and I have been following you over the past two years learning lots thanks!
Hey Dave, thanks for sharing! I'm looking at becoming an owner/operator myself, and I appreciate you sharing your insight from your own, personal experience. I found your tips very helpful and informative. If I may ask: in your experience, what type of freight has the best balance between owner/op pay, and headaches dealing with the freight?
Good question! I'd have to say that I found pulling chemical tankers was the best pay for the least headache. Dave
Thanks! I appreciate the tip! I will definitely look into that!
Please post a video on specting a truck for general haul. Flatbed,tank and van.
Okay, I can do that. Dave
Also. You forgot to mention. Don't buy a truck with maxforce engine. I dnt care if it old or brand new.
I saw a company today that is paying $0.90 a mile all miles. I had to look to make sure it was up-to-date information because I was making $0.80 a mile in the mid-90s. I've been back driving a company truck for the past year because doesn't seem too profitable being an owner operator right now. The truck I use is a Mack and if I buy another truck I probably will buy a Mack. truck seems super reliable and the company I work for has some still running at 1.6 million hard miles or more
there is a difference between lease and oo, oo u own ur own truck and u dont have many deductions as leasers, u can lease on with a company and never work miles , get percentage, oo r averaging 2500 to 5000 net a week easy running dry van
Thanks for the advices, I'll follow them, as I'm on my way to start it in Europe
Good luck Pam! Concentrate on staying safe!
I don’t even have my cdl yet but will be getting it in a month from now I plan to save 25,000 before I drive for swift for 6 months this next summer and once I get the hang of driving a truck I will buy my own truck because I can’t stand working for someone and for a cheap amount of money I don’t have patience to wait 5 years.
I wrote this 2 months ago and now I have my cdl and about to get on the road
I have been a company driver since 2000, only at 2016 I began to drive O/O
I agree with everything else..... but that weekly pay..... I get paid monthly...every 30th...after paying all the bills at once, I jus know how much I have left over to save, invest and spend....
Thanks for the video. Lots of wise advice makes me think I'd better stick to company driving for now
Thank you very much for your professional voice. My guy is a driver and we're thinking to buy a truck. God bless.
You're welcome Juney. Think long and hard before buying a truck. Extremely hard to find honest carriers to work for these days. Dave
am so moved by the wisdom smart trucking are sharing with us..as new drive's Godbless smart trucking
Wow, thank you! Never been Godblessed before! Dave
He recommends 5yrs but longer the better he is right it's not about rushing look at it like stocks you cant rush stocks
Thankz dave you r AWESOME to give great advice here.. i am learning today
Glad to help Derrick! Dave
Expect to put in much more time as an OO. Your now a competitive business owner. 5 years is relative to your lifestyle. Are you a single driver? Are you always asking dealers and anyone questions ? What s your LQ: Learning Quotient.
23,250 lb tare weight. 13.2 steers and 46 rears. Heavy frame. 16 liter @ 700 hp. 2250 torque. 3.21 rear end. Sweet spot is 70 mph doing 1375 rpms. But I only get 6.4 mpg. Why? Because I pull maxed tridems doing the beach to Alberta rounders. But I enjoy waving at the big power kitty cats when I blow past them on the smasher.
Always informative, covering all the bases with the driver in mind. Thank you!
Dave I always heard keep the rubber side down and the shinny side up.
Great advice sad a lot of drivers won't listen. If you do it right the first time it works. If you screw it up you'll be driving someone else's forever, which is ok. I love driving for someone else in winter when mine are parked or slow times. I own 4 now that's enough. Bought first one in 1984 I was 22. I hustle all my own loads. I haul dirt n gravel some equipment, I had 40 loads lined up a week ago now I have over 500 waiting for weather to break. I have one full time employee.
Good video and advises but In my opinion 5 years it is too much. I bought my own semi truck after 6 months since I get my CDL. Two months later I got my own authority. Today I have just 3 years experience and last year I already pay off my semi truck and refrigerated trailer. It means 10 days in month on the road cover ALL my expenses.
Pull an oil sample,and have an authorized dealer for that brand engine go over it with you to help you understand it. Before you buy it.
Thanks Smart Trucker the info you give is very helpful i wish all drivers now days was like the old days help other now matter who you are. Keep up the good work 👏 👍
didn't wait long enough for the info you already put out
Like the video... and I shared it on my Facebook. I will be starting my own videos, but I think that having other perpectives helps. You covered things that I have no experience with.
What a great, very very informative, honest video.
Thank you!
I appreciate u sharing ur knowledge with us new guys and or those that are seriously considering this career.
I got the best fuel mileage with a Builders Transport international. With a 4.11 rear end with a Detrot Diesel (4 stroke). I'm a slow driver
No more that 15 mph over the speed limit
For short haul in town work say 120 mile round trip its beneficial to have a sleeper because the DOT will let your company off the hook say in a case where I could run 3 trips in a 24 hour time limit rather than the typical 2 trips per 24 hour . How any one can schedule when using an electronic log is beyond me.
If I knew as much as this guy I would be a millionaire by now in trucking.
What is considered “heavy haul?” What are the specs for both truck and trailer if you want to run flatbed?
Man that seat in your pete looks so damn comfortable.
Are you saying you can make more money locally with your own truck than over the road? I can't really see that, maybe it depends on where you live!
Big wake up call. Great video
What are your thoughts on live in rigs. I'm planning on retiring from the Army and moving into a big rig and traveling the country.
You know, I pretty much did that for years. It looks from your picture that you're married. I don't know how my marriage survived it. I must admit though, the nomadic lifestyle appealed to me. I pulled reefer so that put me in California every other week and got me out of Canadian winters, and I liked that! I guess I'd have to say it depends on your situation, but if you're married and your wife says go for it, I'd recommend it. Dave
This video helps so much. Thank you for making it! I plan to be an owner operator someday...
I wish you well in your endeavour, Lord! Dave
Thanks Dave, Lots of good information!
Thank you! Dave
FYI, cr england runs their trucks 70k miles before they change the oil.
You’re a class act sir. Appreciate all of your videos.
Thank you for the information I'm hoping to make the jump to owner operator in the next few years and I'm content with the company I drive for I am taking the time to learn all the information I can about becoming an owner op
A wise man , true words ,great video , personally I wouldnt get back into the O/O end of it I hate logs ,taxes , the IRS , paperwork and payments and insurance maintenance costs etc. Money can be had as O/O but it would cut into my drinking time. 11.00 x 24.5's prefer over 22.5's ,and do not like lo-pro 's at all . 24.5's last longer , they dont get nearly as hot as the 22's they ,wear faster only negative for 24.5's is you lose 2 inches of clearance making some over passes like thse in Chicago and older cities a bigger pain than it already is .
I still run big rubber on my truck, but yeah, it can be a little tense in places like Chicago! Dave
Speaking of big tires and overhead rail rail road bridges where the road has been lowered for traffic to clear . NEVER trust the that yellow (Clearance 13'6" ) sign on the bridge or that protection steel girder either for that matter .After 2-3 street re-pave jobs you could lose a few inches of clearance .They ( city or Rail Road ) rarely if ever change the yellow clearance warning signs
Good vlog , would like to see one on witch tractor you'd buy Glider or not ?
Great video been really considering owner op
What’s the purpose being owner operator and still driving for some company when you can book loads with your own DOT #s
There are advantages to just being an O/O as compared to running your own authority. For instance it's much more secure to know that the carrier will pay you as compared to running your own authority and trying to collect from a load broker. Running your own authority is only better if you have your own direct customers that pay on time. Just one example.
How do you feel about the big 100% owner op carriers such as landstar and mercer ? I have 20+ yrs flatbed exp co driver and want to step up
Repair bills and downtime will make truck payments. My dad traded every 4 years before issues started coming up
“At least 5 years” it doesn’t matter the industry you don’t need to spend 5 years doing anything to master it. If you’re with a company for a year that’s enough time to smell which way the wind is blowing
Somewhere, an accountant crunched numbers & probably realized that even if O/Os make more in the short term, having someone else foot the bill for catastrophic expenses is way more profitable for the carrier than running company drivers. So remember, you might make more for a few months, but if you have a catastrophic event it’ll be YOUR FAMILY that ends up dealing with it. These shady companies wouldn’t push the idea or have lease-ops if it didn’t increase their profits. The day to become an O/O is the day that all these carriers stop telling drivers to do it.