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.