Quote:
Originally Posted by Graymist
Is it really worth one's while to be an o/o ? I mean, when you consider the nett income that you'd get to take home after all your expenses and liabilities, would it really be significantly higher than what you would make as a company driver, or marginally so ? And I'm not even taking into consideration the risks and hassles of owning one's own truck. Could somebody please enlighten me ?
It really depends on how you want to work things IMO. If you run hard and are out for 2+ weeks at a time, then you can make it (especially if you are running teams or training). I have talked to numerous O/O's who are making good money, and have a truck that is in great shape.
Here is my perspective on owning your own truck. If you own your own truck, you know exactly what is going on with it, and you are able to do the minor repairs w/o having to rely on a company shop. You can run a configuration that works best for you, and you do not have to worry so much about the company butting in because it is your truck. Yes, companies have specific requirements for the truck, but, you are in control of most everything beyond the company (yeah, I'll catch flack for that one).
I am not saying that running as a company driver is bad, but how many times have you hard wired your inverter into your truck? How about refrigerator? Auxiliary Power Unit? Self Tracking Satellite Dish? Chances are that as a company driver, they are going to laugh in your face.
I also think there are 2 types of O/O's. The first is one who is contracted through a company such as Prime or Landstar, and then you have those who have their own Authority (again Landstar supposedly will allow you to do that). The only real difference between the two is that as a contractor, the company provides base plates, permits (in some cases), Qualcomm, and other benefits; whereas running under your own authority, you are responsible for everything.
If anything is incorrect, please let me know! This is the information I have gathered over time!