Quote:
Originally Posted by SoulRacer
Oh, I definitely was not LOOKING to become a lease operator..that is what their website shows as the "next step" after getting your CDL..I was just wondering if that was the way it was supposed to work and how much crap you'd put yourself into by going that route. I have no interest at all in being a lease operator OR an o/o. I just want to learn to drive and make some money without having any possibility of being stuck in a situation that I don't want. I assume Prime does have company drivers, but they certainly did not make it appear as if that was the path they preferred for their school grads.
I am looking into an independent school, but like the idea of company paid training..less money up front for me.
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Becoming an owner operator or lease operator is not what most can or should do starting out. There is nothing wrong with becoming an owner operator, but it would be best to wait until you gain at least a couple of years experience and save a good amount of cash for a nest egg and for emergencies. From the lease programs that I have seen they are not worth the money that you pay out and certainly not worth the risk. Like any business, you first need to learn as much as you can prior to spending money. There are a handful of people who have started out with little or no experience and made things work. Those are in the minority. There are two things which cause most to fail in business, lack of experience and lack of capital. Most people seem to want to own their own business. Few are willing to do the ground work to learn what they need to know and to save for contingencies.
We learn through the experience of others or through our own experiences. It is much less costly learn from others. Once you get at least a couple of years experience behind you then you will have a little better understanding of what it takes to be successful in this business. It is still different when you are the one who is responsible for paying the bills.
I would stay away from any carrier who tries to push you into a lease purchase. The failure rate is extremely high. Take your time and don't rush into anything. When we get in a hurry we tend to make mistakes. You can always buy a truck. It will be much easier to buy and get financing when once you have at least a couple of years experience behind you. Requirements for entry has tightened with many carriers. I suggest you plan on staying with your first carrier for at least a year. Two or more would be much better. Job hoppers are beginning to find it more difficult to find driving jobs. The longer you stay with a carrier and the better you do your job will help you find the better paying jobs.
