Newbie
 

This is my situation. I am 29 yrs old, have been a financial advisor for 6 yrs now, make a 6 digit income and have all the toys ive ever wanted. Most people would kill to be where I am at, but now, I am willing to give it all up to be a long hauler. I do not want to do it for the money obviously, I just want to be on the road driving a big rig (hopefully my own some day) traveling all over.

I have no kids, no wife, and I am giving up everything I own so I have no liabilities. I really want to have a truck I own. My question is this...once I get my CDL, I will be in a position to buy a newer truck cash and have 100 to 200k in the bank in addition to owning my own truck.

All the reading I have been doing tells me I should work a min. of 6 months to a year before I even consider buying my own truck and being an o/o.

If you were in my position and could start over again, what would you suggest doing?

I would suggest that you drive at least a year for someone. That will let you get a feel for the industry and some experience under your belt. A lot of guys go into trucking thinking it is going to be a sight seeing tour and they soon realize that it is not the life for them. There are certain responsibilites that come with being an o/o: keeping the truck maintained, paying for the fuel, purchasing tires, dealing with freight brokers, etc. My uncle was a flatbed o/o for over 20 years and whenever he was home all he did was work on the truck in order to keep it running. Get your license, get some experience then decided whether you want to be an o/o. Good luck.

thanks young, that seems to be the norm from everyone.

If I were in your position, I would stick with the 6 figure commision only gig. Your starting pay will be in the 30's maybe to go up to the high 50's or 60's in a couple of years. In trucking, you won't have an unlimited income potential as you probably do now. You'll never see your house, home & toys. You won't make your own schedule as you might now, the hours you keep will be determined by your dispatcher & the companies you pick up & deliver to. If your not already married before you go OTR, you probably won't meet the meet the women of your dreams on the road (unless she hangs out in a truck stop, rest area or dock). You may do some hard time or get sued & lose all your $$ should you accidently kill someone on the road (never injured anyone with your pen or pc during a consult, have you?) Instead of working 40-50 hours a week like you might do now, you will work about 80+ hours weekly in trucking -say good bye to a full nights sleep, it will be a thing of the past. If it's at all possible, network & find a driver that you can ride along with for at least a week on the road before jumping into it. Maybe take a month off you present job to go to trucking school & get a license & see how that goes first. Go one step at a time. One bad accident could end your trucking career. Keep following this message board, there are some good blogs on this site & others to give you a better idea of what it's really like. I also have a state license, but won't be in an office on commision anytime soon since my wife is now self employed. Earlier on as a contractor, I dreamed of running the highways for a long time & I tried it, I would still trade places with you if it were possible. Not trying to be negative, just very realistic.

appreciate the honesty, but sometimes, another mans misery is a nother mans dream. I posted this up somewhere else and heard the same thing.

I think the difference is many people on here have to do this or they did it and are now stuck there. Remember, I dont need to do it, I want to and MY worse case scenario is I go back to doing what I am doing now.

Material things are easy...I can always buy another house, motorcycle, truck and so on, but I may not be able to get this opportunity again in my life.

Again, if I wanted a house, I would keep the one I have...
If I wanted my toys, I would keep awesome ones I have now...
If I was looking for money, I would keep doing what I am doing...

You may want what I have because you do not have it...get it, then let me know if you still want it. Do not think I am taking for granted what your telling me because I hear it...the fact of the matter is I am doing it so I am really looking for the best way to get there.

Thanks again for the reply LA

you should do whatever you think will make you happy.
you can always go back if you dont like it. you are fortunate enough to be able to "choose" a career in trucking. even if its just a temporary vacation from your current lifestyle.
you may find some people think you're crazy to give up this 6 figure income and toys etc, etc. but i dont think some poeple appriciate trucking like you may be able to, because they have to do it for a living.

i would also suggest you get on with a trucking company for 6 months or so. at least until you get you feet wet in someone elses truck.

its your life only you can do what makes you happy reguardless of what positives or negatives come from this thread.
BOL. see you out there.

May one, most humbly, inquire about what precipitated this apparent detachment from items of conspicuous consumption ? I'm just curious... not trying to be smart or anything.

Molson, if you don't mind me asking, what is it that attracts you to trucking? Beleive me, I understand where you are coming from being in financial services. Clients are a pain in the ass.

Or, is this another joke thread.

re
 

I wish you the best of luck if you decide to go for it. Have you thought about what kinda trailer's you would want to pull?? Like other's have said i'd get atleast 1yr under your belt before you think about your own rig. For me i'd go with a company that has large car's.. :twisted:

Thanks 18

May one, most humbly, inquire about what precipitated this apparent detachment from items of conspicuous consumption ? I'm just curious... not trying to be smart or anything.[/quote]

I can't give you a straight answer on that...

Maybe I reached my goals of buying certain things so I need something new?
Bored with my current routines?
Got what I wanted, can say I had it, so dont care if its not there anymore?

Dont know??? Did you ever see the movie forrest gump? He just kept running and running and running, then just said, "I think i'll go home now" LOL I just want to turn around.

Besides the clients I deal with which in all, are not that bad.

1. I guess I just get sick of shaving, wearing certain clothes.
2. I have always dreamed of driving a big rig. (this is really #1)
3. Sick of dealing with people (although I know you have to deal with them in this industry, just not to the same extent I dont think)
4. Want to see sights
5. Sick and tired and having to go home to the same house, in the same place, with the same people.
6. Just want to go wherever, whenever.
7. Like being on my own and not having to worry about anybody but myself.
8. the trucks are just bad ass! :D
9. like a challenge
10. I never sleep as it is...usually fall asleep around 3am because I have to, not cause I want to.
11. other reasons not described above.
12. Last but most importantly in my eyes, to say I did it (not just drive) but be a great driver, start a great business and say I did it because I have always dreamed of it.

Again, by no means am I saying the grass is greener on the other side, but at least I can say I saw it and never say should have could have.

Re: re
 

Actually no. I have really just been busy trying to find out as much as I can about the industry. When you say large car's, what does that mean?

What do they call an enclosed trailer??

Re: re
 

Large cars are the big trucks with long fronts like a Peterbuilt 379 with an extended hood, as opposed to say, a freightliner columbia which has a shorter wheelbase and is more aerodymanic.

The enclosed trailors can be called van, dry van, box..Unless it is refrigerated, then it is called a reefer.

Good luck to you,hope this helps.

Re: re
 

Oh...go big or go home. Large cars.

re
 

Yep large car is like 379 pete kenworth w900. Knowing what trailer's you want to pull will also let you know what option's you have for starting out.


Large Car....


I edited out the picture. Sorry you got to be the first one Griff but in the furture please size the pic so others ( including me ) won't have to scroll back and forth to read the posts.


Ridge

As far as what type of trailer, what is the most common and why?
What is in demand?
Can you do different ones for the same company?

BTW, the pic is sweet :!:

Re: Newbie
 

Are you out of your mind?

I was in your position and can tell you without hesitiation to RUN AWAY from irregular-route OTR trucking.

Griff, Now thats a "LARGE CAR", is that yours??

CFM said:
Molson, not everyone is "cutout" to run OTR.
Keep in mind various drivers opinions.

What you describe you seem to desire OTR at least for a period of time. There is nothing wrong with that.
You can also find dedicated runs that keep you on a more regular schedule while still running OTR.

If you really want to run OTR, sign on with reputable OTR company for a period of time and see if it is to your liking,
I suggest at least 1 year B4 you start investing into Owner Operator.

I drive OTR (Dedicated) and have no problem with it, as do alot of drivers out here.
What is working in your favor is you are single and "well invested" to at least give Trucking a try, and see if its to your liking.

Well, I guess we all started out WANTING to do this. Some of us still like it, and some of us just stuck in it.
And for your information, I DO shave every day. :roll:

I wish i'm currently driving for foodliner haulin bulk so no big hood for me :cry:

Re: Newbie
 

Well, here goes.....

1) Make sure I had read nearly EVERY thread on the O/O subforum of this site!

2) Cash out the house, bike, nice car, etc. and RENT a house with room to park the truck (and 2 or 3 trailers.)

There's no reason to give up EVERY convenience of a home, etc., as you WILL get to come home some times. But, a good "transportation" car might be all you need, and a much smaller house just to sit in and relax when you are home. The reason for RENTING a house, is because you many find soon that you want or need to MOVE to another part of the country to be "based" out of.

3) Contact a company like CFI and have a talk about buying a truck and leasing on to them. What kind of loads will you get? Where can you go? Can you work your own schedule? (on or off when you want.... days off inbetween loads?) OR....

4) Check the subforum on drivers looking for O/O's and try to find a good driver who wants to drive for you and teach you the ropes. The BEST situation would be a guy who doesn't need to work EVERY week. He may want some hometime, and YOU can run those weeks by yourself.

5) Treat it LIKE a business! Consider buying the equipment and letting someone ELSE drive for you for awhile. Get the accounts rolling. Ride along with HIM and learn the business. (Who knows, someday you may want to buy a second truck and keep the guy on to drive the first one.)

6) Don't buy a NEW truck. One a few years old with low miles and some warranty left would be good. Make sure it has a condo sleeper. If you don't like the idea of TEAMING or bunking with another guy for awhile... I believe you can afford to stay in "trucker" motels at night.

7) If you lease to a company, you won't need a trailer. But.... if you go it with the O/O "mentor" as I mentioned, buy a good "used" REEFER. This way, you can haul ANY "dry" freight OR produce. You will have just doubled your potential for getting loads! Down the road a ways, you might want to ADD a "step deck" or "lowboy." This will allow you to haul large equipment like cranes and military trucks, etc. MORE flexibility! Personally, I wouldn't buy a flatbed.... too much work! But, if you decide otherwise.... go for it.

8: Stay away from "dedicated runs!" You are not looking for reliable HOMETIME, and you CERTAINLY don't want to be running the SAME route day in and day out!

9) "Normally" I would go with the "norm" and say do a year with some company to learn and get your feet wet. But, your case is different. We normally say that to discourage someone from buying his own truck when he doesn't know enough to keep the money coming in to make the payments and feed the kiddies!! YOU can afford to make mistakes and learn as you go somewhat. If you have a "bad" month, you won't go bankrupt.

10) Yes, that picture of the large car was "sweet," but don't put all your money into something like THAT to start! You just might wreck it! :shock: You have all the time in the world to get something like that AFTER you have gotten dry behind the ears!


Do you remember the old TV show, Have Gun Will Travel?? That would be YOU!!! Get your CDL, buy some good USED equipment, and go looking for loads that will take you where you want to go!!

If "I" were in your shoes.... I'd rent a place in the country with room to park 3 trailers. Eventually, I'd own a reefer, a lowboy, and probably a car hauler. (or a tanker)... and probably TWO trucks!

Don't go blindly or stupidly into this..... read all you can, and TALK to O/O's at the nearby truckstop! But, don't go SCARED, either! You can afford to make a little less the first year while you are learning and building a contact list of brokers, shippers, etc.

Like you said.... IF you should fail, you simply sell off all the equipment, and go back to consulting! But, if you SUCCEED..... you will probably be the happiest, greybeard out here someday!

Oh, one more "option:" Get your CDL and YOU take a job driving for an Owner/Operator!!! Learn the ropes from him, see what it takes to BE one, and THEN buy a used truck and try it on your own. If I were you.... driving for a company would be my LAST resort.

I HOPE this helps. I have done NONE of the above, and I might be out of MY mind, as well!! But, you asked what I'd do if I could start over OR had YOUR options! Well..... that's what I'd DO!!!

Hobo

P.S: I HOPE you enjoyed scrolling back and forth to read all of that!! You can thank GRIFF for that!!

re
 

Took the pic out :D

Yes the truck I posted would not be a good starter i'd hate to see that laying on it's side or all banged up coming out of a cave ..

I took it out also. Good timming. :wink:

Just want to add my 2cents to this:

Dedicated runs dont necessarly mean reliable hometime, and running the same route (lanes) every day.

I run Dedicated for a Retailer. I run from a central Hub DC, in Hazleton Pa and I spawn out from there, anywhere from Northeast down to Carolinas, into the midwest and upper midwest (Nebraska up through the Dakotas). I rarely run the same route back to back. The account has us run 5-6 days a week or if I want 7 days week after week. (My choice).
I like delivering to the retailers (direct to store) over warehouses. The store has set appointments, Im the only truck there (no waiting for a dock), kick the freight off (about 30mins) and Im out and running. Retail personnel are also easier and nicer to deal with than warehouse workers.

Re: re
 

Thanks, Griff. Sorry if I sounded Gruff! :wink:

It's just that me and Ridge are about to go bonkers over this! :lol:

Was a beautiful truck, though!! Isn't there a photo gallery on this site where such pics could be displayed in all their glory?? (and then a link posted for those who want to see it?)

I don't post pics, so I don't know what's involved, but I don't think it's rocket science to "resize" one to fit the forum. That way we could see your pic without having to scroll.

Anyway, THANKS for being so cooperative!

re
 

Not a problem the pic was to big I should have resized or just made it a thumbnail to the bigger pic.

Thanks for the correction, Drew!! My mistake! I guess I got the wrong impression of a "dedicated run" from the instructors at my CDL school. It sounded like you left the same time every day and drove the same route to 5 or 6 drops, and back again!

But, I DO think you are referring to, and there IS a difference between, a "dedicated ACCOUNT" as opposed to a dedicated RUN.

With this in mind, I would say that starting out as an O/O.... it would be GOOD to find a dedicated account (and I think I said something like that) but.... for seeing the country, one should stay away from a "dedicated RUN."

I think it is either Phantom433 or Silvan who's "location" says something about point A to B "ad nauseum." It's this redundancy that I am against.

Not that it isn't okay for someone who wants to be home every night or on a reliable basis..... it's just not for ME!

I hope that TOGETHER, we have cleared this up for Molson! :wink:

Just as a side note, I live in the SouthEast, but would NOT want to drive around in this REGION all the time, regardless of the variance of routes. That's why I go OTR and TEAM, so I can get out WEST.... AND get home often.

Someday, I will MOVE back to the West, and THEN I will want to run REGIONAL (perhaps dedicated) to stay in the Western 11!!

By then, however, "I" hope to have bought a truck and be an O/O like my idol, Molson!! :wink: :lol:

But, without HIS resources..... I will be DANG glad that I did the "normal" thing of being a company driver for a few years FIRST!

Nothing to apologize for brother, just clearing up the difference in running dedicated. You are right Dedicated run would be running the same lanes all the time back and forth. Dedicated account would be driving for the same customer with regular irregular runs.

You got that right, wouldnt it be nice to be in his shoes, come into trucking because you want to and not really have to worry to much about keeping the wheels spinning to make the $$. See the country, AND beable to stop and "smell the roses" when you want to. (You hear this Molson, we are starting to envy you!!)

Thanks again people for the info. Golf, that seems like the way I would rather go I think?!

Besides speaking to people in person, viewing and posting on this forum, what would be a good list of movies to watch, books and magz to read or any other resources that would give me some more knowledge of the industry.

Forget watching movies or reading rags to learn about driving truck. Go out and talk with driver's. Don't limit your self to just one group of drivers either. Talk with reefer movers, dry van haulers, flatbedders, heavyhaulers, and tanker yankers. Do it face to face. Ask real questions...the questions that concern you!