I am doing that progressive Company Driver->O/O Leased to Carrier->Own Authority thing being prepared to stop anywhere along the way should I find peace and happiness. I am currently a company driver with a large company and am not finding peace and happiness. Too many stupid rules/policies that only make sense in the lacking of intelligence (made with the dumb-ass in mind).

Anyway, the main thing that I am looking for is flexibility and freedom to work month-by-month with a company or group of companies. Based on the information that I have read in the forums, I will need my authority and base plates to accomplish this goal. Should I get my own permits as well or should I get those from the carrier that I am leased to? Am I thinking correctly?

My home state is Oregon.

 

If you lease onto a carrier you won't need authority,you will run under the carriers authority,you won't even need plates at some places they can get them for you(would recommend getting them yourself).

 

Yeah, but depending on the carrier they still exert quite a hold on you...even as a leased on owner-op (such as swift insisting they must govern YOUR truck to 65mph) The only way to true freedom I believe is own authority, but does include much more work......you lease on to someone to own a truck, but not to have true independence and to not have all the hassles of dealing with the government yourself.

 

Some carriers will get your base plates for you and take a certain amount out of each settlement until the entire amount is paid. Other carrier's may pay for them at their expense. With some, you can buy your own plates. That is the way I would go if you can afford to do so. You will likely pay a premium for them getting your base plates and permits. And if you lease to a carrier, you don't need authority. They furnish their authority and insurance. If you want freedom then you need to consider either getting your own authority or leasing to an agent based carrier who pays percentage. Those seem to offer the best money and flexibility. If you lease to a carrier, you should find one that has non forced dispatch.