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GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9906
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:05 am Post subject: Why some people fail |
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I stopped at a Pilot just north of Columbus a couple of days ago. I could not get in my side box, so I solicited the aid of the driver next to me. He pushed on the box while I released it. The door was in a bind from something I had placed in it the day before. The guy was nice, but really got on a tirade about the business. He apparently got into trouble as an owner operator and now works for as a company driver. It seems that all his troubles and the reason he could not make it as an owner operator is all George Bush and the oil companies fault. It was also the fault of all us "Southern Boys" hauling $0.90/mile freight. I could not seem to get a word in once he got started. He had been leased to Landstar and apparently could not make a living, so he either parked or sold his truck. He has been with his present carrier about 2 or 3 months, and now is considering leaving and going to Heartland. Hear that Twilight Flyer?
While I felt sorry for this guy, he wanted to blame everyone for his failure but himself. This can be a tough business. He failed to make needed adjustments to be successful. He didn't need to haul $0.90/mile freight, that was his decision. I couldn't really ask any questions, because of the ranting. I suspect that he came into this business with limited experience and resources. This guy will find it difficult to succeed anywhere until he changes his attitude.
I think your attitude and how you approach the challenges life throws at you has more to do with success than any other single thing. You need money to succeed in this business, but your attitude will see you through a lot of obstacles. You can have a lot of money in the bank, but a poor attitude can have you broke in no time. |
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LOAD IT
Joined: 02 Sep 2006
Posts: 614
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:19 am Post subject: |
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| YOUR ATTITUDE CAN DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE. |
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Dejanh
Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Posts: 503
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:03 am Post subject: |
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Hear it all the time, nothing new....i for one try to stay away from places like truck stops, unless i have to fuel or take a shower, its all the same..
dunno |
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Maniac
Joined: 15 Sep 2004
Posts: 638
Location: Northeast
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:35 am Post subject: |
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Quote: he wanted to blame everyone for his failure but himself.
That seem to be the new "American way" for everything
"If at first you don't succeed blame someone else"
Quote: I think your attitude and how you approach the challenges life throws at you has more to do with success than any other single thing.
Couldn't have said it better 8) 8) |
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RostyC
Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 1299
Location: Blowing around in this Hurricane
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Execellent post. Couldn't agree more. Also agree with all the posts above mine. 8) |
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WildK9
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
Posts: 1758
Location: Lewisville, Texas
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Why some people fail |
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GMAN wrote: I stopped at a Pilot just north of Columbus a couple of days ago. I could not get in my side box, so I solicited the aid of the driver next to me. He pushed on the box while I released it. The door was in a bind from something I had placed in it the day before. The guy was nice, but really got on a tirade about the business. He apparently got into trouble as an owner operator and now works for as a company driver. It seems that all his troubles and the reason he could not make it as an owner operator is all George Bush and the oil companies fault. It was also the fault of all us "Southern Boys" hauling $0.90/mile freight. I could not seem to get a word in once he got started. He had been leased to Landstar and apparently could not make a living, so he either parked or sold his truck. He has been with his present carrier about 2 or 3 months, and now is considering leaving and going to Heartland. Hear that Twilight Flyer?
While I felt sorry for this guy, he wanted to blame everyone for his failure but himself. This can be a tough business. He failed to make needed adjustments to be successful. He didn't need to haul $0.90/mile freight, that was his decision. I couldn't really ask any questions, because of the ranting. I suspect that he came into this business with limited experience and resources. This guy will find it difficult to succeed anywhere until he changes his attitude.
I think your attitude and how you approach the challenges life throws at you has more to do with success than any other single thing. You need money to succeed in this business, but your attitude will see you through a lot of obstacles. You can have a lot of money in the bank, but a poor attitude can have you broke in no time.
GMAN, you ALWAYS seem to be right on with your posts. I for one want to thank you for all your contributions. You are a well read, and articulated. You even get me to read subjects I have no interest in, i.e.-any and all O/O posts, due to I have no interest in being one. Yet, I catch myself reading them just to see your input. Well done, and I'm sure I speak for many on this board when I say THANX! You're definitely a class act! |
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GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9906
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 2:33 pm Post subject: |
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| You are going to make my head swell, WildK9. :oops: I appreciate it. I always enjoy reading about new things. You never know what you might learn. :D |
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SteveBooth
Joined: 18 May 2005
Posts: 3501
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 2:35 pm Post subject: |
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| Ditto, well said Wildk9. |
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WildK9
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
Posts: 1758
Location: Lewisville, Texas
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 2:36 pm Post subject: |
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GMAN wrote: You are going to make my head swell, WildK9. Thank you for the compliments. I feel that it always good to read about new subjects. You never know what you might learn.
I agree. There was a time a few years ago, that I wanted to be an O/O. After researching and lots of analyzing/thinking, I realized that it wasn't for me. I have all the desire/drive in the world to drive a truck, but not nearly enough to own one. I respect all those that do, mainly the ones who make it work for them year after year. |
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jdg
Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Posts: 48
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 6:47 pm Post subject: |
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While you are all thanking G-man, let me add that it was your posts (G-man) that have helped me the most.
Sure I went to get my brokers license (have not used it but the info was invaluable), sure I had drove for other companies for 2 years, sure I had asked alot of questions,.....but it here with posts like yours that have provided the most info.
The biggest one was the whole buy a good used truck thing and set your own rates. (not that I did not want a new truck,...but I am fairly mechanically inclined, so a good used truck made the most sense)
I payed $9,000 for my 95 International 9400 (w-100inch sleeper) and put $7,000 into to make it road ready.
I payed $12,000 for a newer aluminum step-deck (more than for the truck!!!)
I was going to get a truck in the $50,000 range and a trailer in the $25,000 range. When all is said and done,....I have $30,000 invested in both and still had $70,000 left over to take care of the rest (I sold one of my houses at a really great profit).
I now run when I want,...where I want and for the rate I want. Sure I sit a little, but with all this computer stuff and plenty of things to do on the road (I also tote a small yamaha motorcycle with me) I never find myself bored and the money is a rollin' in.
I have driven 15,000 trouble free miles in this old truck and she seems to be holding together really well (an the shower/toilet/kitchen unit is not too bad either) in another couple of weeks I will be back to my old saving amount of $100,000, and my start up money will all be replaced.
Thanks again for all the info, and I will be sure to pass it on if the situation presents itself.
Drive safe. |
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yoopr
Joined: 01 Dec 2004
Posts: 12865
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:35 pm Post subject: |
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| Attitude and getting into the right habits right off the bat will carry you along way and is everything. Usually carries over to the chicken coops when you get pulled in. :P |
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GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9906
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:11 pm Post subject: |
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| I am glad that some of the things I have said have proven to be of value to you all. JDG, that is great you were able to find such a good value in your truck and trailer. My wife has been after me to buy one of those large sleepers. I appreciate your sharing your story with us. It should be an inspiration to others who are thinking about buying a truck and becoming an owner operator. You purchased a truck and trailer for less than many pay for the truck alone. Congratulations! So, are you running under your own authority or leased to a carrier? |
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vontrial
Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 90
Location: MS
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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| I will put my two cents in.I am glad I found this forum great info from some driver and O/O Honorable mention G---Mannnn. Attitude does mean alot. Example I'm pulling container .92cpm base plus 100%fsc. Was not happy with my income did some research on how company operate and now my avg per mile is between 1.50 to 1.60 per mile. Example found out we can do cross town 25 mile roundtrip pays 85.10 take between 1.50 to 2.00 hrs to complete. Now Ido 2 a day 85x2=170 and 1 run that 314 miles round trip and stop by the house on my way back to mem Tn It pays $370.00 which includes fsc and you having the bx pop.Total gross for the day 370.+170=540. miles 314+50 =364 for the day. 570-:--364miles=1.56avg. Not great but it a lot better than the 1.06 avg.My work day is 11hrs avg Thanks and keep up the Good work |
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Rev.Vassago
Joined: 04 Apr 2006
Posts: 6267
Location: The other side of the coin
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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| It's too warm and fuzzy in here. :wink: |
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jdg
Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Posts: 48
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| Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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GMAN,
The big sleeper is a great thing, its only got a 75inch high roof, but I'm short so it serves me well. I am running under my own authority, OOIDA was a great help in getting that.
and Rev, I have learned from you posts as well, so come on in and be warm n' fuzzy |
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