[Molson]

I am looking for someone who got there CDL Class A and just went into an O/O as opposed to working for someone first. If your out there, would love to see what you thought, how you did, would you change it?

I don't think you'll find anyone on here like that. That would be really stupid for someone to just get a CDL A, buy a truck then just head out hauling loads without any experience.

[usedup]

You really should read some of the older posts..

Of course all those guys are bankrupt now.. :roll: :roll:

That is NOT the "board" approved way to be an O/O...

Guess that should offend just about everyone.....

[Scoe]

Originally Posted by SteveBooth

I don't think you'll find anyone on here like that. That would be really stupid for someone to just get a CDL A, buy a truck then just head out hauling loads without any experience.

Now that you have about a year of experience out there, why don't you post what you would have learned had you put in 6 months or so as an employee first before going O/O?

Originally Posted by Scoe

Now that you have about a year of experience out there, why don't you post what you would have learned had you put in 6 months or so as an employee first before going O/O?

Probably how to drive better sooner and not having to avoid big cities, blind side parking, reading a map that says no trucks on this road, reading a map telling me 60,000 pound max to drive through the Grand Teton Pass, knowing where to go for a good time in Mexico instead of winging it.

Seriously, I think I learned a lot more then having some dip stick dispatcher jerking me around. They are not going to teach you anything other then hounding you to get your azz in gear and pick up that load.

I did my own thing in my own time at my pace. I didn't go where I didn't want to and I delivered on my terms instead of being forced to drive my tail off for 11 hours a day 7 days a week.

What did I learn....This is the only way to go.

[Raafi]

Steve

am i reading you correctly? you got a cdl and went straight for owner operator?

[GhostCaptain]

How long did you drive for some one else when you obtained your CDL-A
before buying your truck and stared hauling loads?

I never drove for anyone else. I had a desk job that I gave up. I hired a personal driving instructor, got my license, got my authority, bought a truck and trailer and headed out on the road last November.

[PackRatTDI]

I'd say the only way you MIGHT be successful is if you learned the business from your dad and inherited the truck and the business.

[mike3fan]

Originally Posted by SteveBooth

I never drove for anyone else. I had a desk job that I gave up. I hired a personal driving instructor, got my license, got my authority, bought a truck and trailer and headed out on the road last November.

He also started out with around a 100K in the bank to get started and didn't face some of the finacial struggles that most have when they start into the buisness,thats why it is better to start with a company so when you make a mistake in the first year or two it is on someones else's dime.

Why does everyone feel the need to start out with the most pressure they can find?

Work for a company for 18 months then start asking around as to who pays the best rates for O/O's and then take your time in the next 6 months and find a good used truck,then with 2 yrs otr exp. you will have the pick of companies you can lease to,or then start with your own authority when insurance prices won't put you into never ending debt.