I am new to the forum and I like what I am reading. Lots of good info. I would like to get some advise from expereinced O/O on my new career path.
Quick background: I've been in aviation since the early 90's and have had over ten jobs. Most of my jobs ended by being layed off or the airplanes/company sold. :cry: Absolutely no desire to fly at the airlines again. I am tired of being a pawn in someone else's game. :evil: On any given day, an owner/supervisor can put my name on a piece of paper and my family is screwed. My job will end (again) by the end of the year or so. By the way, we live in Arizona.
I received my CDL last year (april/may) to see if I liked driving the truck. I loved it!!
(hazmat/tandems endorsment also) For years, my wife and I have considered going into the trucking industry, but had other business interests that stopped us. We have always owned all, or a part of, a business of some type. Some very successful, others were, well, let's just call them learning experiences. :shock: My wife and kids are completely on board with this. My wife works out of the house and makes good money, w/ benifits. So that will help.
Goal: I want to gain some experience and eventually operate my own business/truck. Hopefully, I will gain that experience in 12 months or so (flatbed and van/refer). That is, atleast two winters, some heavy traffic, and mountain driving. I would like to buy a tractor that I can either lease with a company or operate on my own. I would like to have atleast some control of my schedule and income. :roll: I have some money to invest into this new venture, but I will
not consider a lease-to-own that alot of comapanies offer!! :!:
Questions:
1. Other than being crazy for considering this, what companies would be good/bad for gaining experience (van & flatbed)?
2. Once the experience level is obtained, is it best to pay cash for a used rig or lease/finance one?
3. Once I have a truck, should I lease on with a large company or operate completely Independent?
4. To gain the experience, should I find an O/O to use as an instructor/mentor are just go with a big company?
Again, any help would be greatly appreciated.