Getting into the biz question.

[jbrt1989]

I know I'll get blasted by some of you for this question.. :sad:

But, simply put, are there any companies out there that will allow an owner operator WITHOUT any recent verifiable experience to contract with them?

I'm a former driver, but, it's been many years. does Burlington Motor Carriers ring a bell with anyone? Been that long. So, while I'm not experienced in the way many of you would like to go into this biz, I'm no complete rookie either. yea, I know, a lot has changed. I'm even willing to go back to school to "polish up", but, I've got a truck at my disposal (family member who can't drive anymore) It's paid for and he wants very little in compensation.

I'm just researching my options here....so don't hang me on the gallows just yet. I've been lurking here long enough to know far too well how many of you are going to react to this kind of question.

Thank you in advance to those who seriously answer my question.

[rgarthman1969]

Thats a long time. You have dust on top of dust. LOL I would have to say no to your question. But I am sure that you will get alot more other posters on here that will be nicer. BOL

[Fredog]

Not a chance, most want at least 2 years recent experience..The only way would be to lease to an owner operator with his own authority

[BigDiesel]

Insurance will be your biggest hurdle.

[RostyC]

Insurance will be your biggest hurdle.

That depends. I'm not familar with leasing onto a company and what they'll require for insurance, but if he was to get his own authority the insurance companies go by the length of time you've held a cdl.

For example, I haven't driven since late 1999 but I've held a cdl since 93, I had no problem securing insurance, matter of fact I've been working on quotes all week and put a down payment on a policy today.

I was actually thinking of starting a thread on my experience with the process because it was interesting how broad a range of prices I got. I might.....after Kudlow. 8)

[Rev.Vassago]

does Burlington Motor Carriers ring a bell with anyone?

LOL I remember them. In fact, I saw one of their old trailers about 2 weeks ago. It looked as crappy as the company it originally came from.

[jbrt1989]

does Burlington Motor Carriers ring a bell with anyone?

LOL I remember them. In fact, I saw one of their old trailers about 2 weeks ago. It looked as crappy as the company it originally came from.

Oh believe me, I'm not at all suprised THEY went belly up. Drove for 'em for a few years, then I took a job running for an O/O guy I knew who needed a driver for awhile.

I was never completely unhappy there, but, I can certainly remember some of those "shaking the head in bewilderment" times with them. Honestly, the company had it's problems, as all do apparently, it's their equipment that scared me at times. The first unit they assigned me to had a blown head gasket from the get-go. The 2nd one they "tried" to pin me to had a bent passenger side door from where some guy had slapped his passenger mirror on a toll booth in NYC and bent it all up.. I refused that truck, didn't make any friends that day. They then proceeded to keep me sitting around the terminal for two days waiting on another truck.

I could go on and on here. But, they served their purpose for me a the time.

[jbrt1989]

I appreciate the answers so far guys....I'm honestly looking to see what, if any, options I have here. I dropped out of the business about 12 years ago to go into business with a buddy. We've done well, but, I'm bored and have sort of had that "itch" since I left. Now, I've come into this opportunity to own a truck for a heck of a deal and just curious what, again, if anything, I can do with it.

Thanks again,

[GMAN]

Most any carrier will want to see recent driving experience. The least I have heard is 6 months. Most insurance companies want to see 2 years driving experience within the last 3 years. The insurance companies go by how long you have held a CDL, but carriers want to see your actual experience. If you have a clean MVR, you might find a smaller carrier who will work with you, as long as he can get you by his insurance company. I know that I sometimes need to forward a copy of any driver's application so that they can see their driving experience before they will cover them. You may want to look at getting your own authority. It might be easier for you to get started. You should check with different insurance companies before making a decision, rates can vary widely.

[RostyC]

You should check with different insurance companies before making a decision, rates can vary widely.

You ain't kidding either, my rates were as follows:

Progressive........12000.00
Canal.................9000.00
Great American...7600.00
Northland............8104.00
Northland.............6954.00

Northland is twice because we restructured the policy to fit my operation. Northland has a program for operations that are mostly under 500 mile radius but not confined to under 500 miles. It's based on a 80/20 percentage, eighty being within the 500 miles.

[GMAN]

Northland seems to have the better rates these days. I know several people who have them.

[jbrt1989]

...You may want to look at getting your own authority. It might be easier for you to get started...

I was really hoping to avoid that avenue. :sad:

I'm not totally opposed to it, but, considering my experience, I would prefer to go the contract route and be "dispatched" and concentrate on getting my business afloat vs. adding rooting around for loads, negotiating rates, etc..etc. to the mix.

Also, while I have some capital set aside I can use for this, it's not unlimited. I haven't been able to get a solid bead on start-up costs getting own aurthority vs. just buying a truck and leasing on to someone.

I'm really hoping to pay cash for this truck. That'll help, I know.

As I've said before, I've been lurking for awhile, so, I know you'll all be glad to know that if I can't make this happen and STILL have a chunk of capital in reserve, this is a no-go for me! *See, I've been paying attention.. :wink: *

I'm putting together a plan, researching my rear off, and I've making sure I have the finances to make this work. I'm doing everything right....I hope. The ony thing I don't have is the "recent" experience. Apparently, that may become the end of this plan before it gets off the ground.

Plan #2, not my favorite plan, mind you, is to, go ahead buy the truck and let it sit..(any ideas on costs associated with that?), catch up to a school, get a refresher course, start out with one of the bottom feeder trainer outfits and get that allmighty 1 year experience that everyone wants then sign on the truck to someone decent.

Last ditch option, but, an option none the less. I'd really need to go ahead and buy my Uncle's truck. I can't pass up the deal he's offering me!!