Quote:
Originally Posted by Shteven60
Hi Merrick4, this is off topic. I read your 2007 posts when you started out and I wonder if you have any advice for me 7 years later. Would you do it again or did it just become a case of "buying a job." Are the conditions for Owner Operator Authority much changed since you began or basically the same. When you started lots of folks gave you the names of good loadboards and companies/brokers; can you post a similar list? Can I start with a reliable old tractor and dry van and keep the truck rolling as I get experience? Can you recommend a good insurance company or two? You see, a lot of the same questions you had, especially "Can I do this without losing my shirt or falling on my face." My kids are grown so I have some freedom to try. What do think? Sorry bout typos, using Android with fat fingers.
Hello. This is a very tough question to answer. I don't know if I would do it again. If I did I would do things a bit differently. I had no idea what I was doing and was just and sometimes still am just winging it. If I did buy myself a job, it's a well paying job. I have been smart with the money. I could be driving a Jaguar but I drive a car worth less then most of the drivers have. And I would say a big YES as to the conditions for the owner operator. I don't see how an owner operator can survive in this environment. But it's a big country and I guess if people find a niche or a good lane. Also it all depends on what you want in life. I never did like trucking. Well let me rephrase that, I truly enjoyed my time seeing the country. It was an awesome experience. I am from little Massachusetts and actually not far from Boston so even Springfield seemed far to me. Imagine me standing in Montana or South Dakota?
As for your question about reliable old tractor, I started with one with a warranty still and a new reefer. I don't know and anything about dry vans though that's my next move I think. Honestly the best advise has come from GMAN in my opinion. Start with capital, reserve money etc. I have no idea how these people get into these lease purchase plans. I started when they were handing out credit cards like water. So even the reefer I put on a 0% credit card. I had at one point about $200,000 in credit card debt at either no interest or exceedingly low. But I got nervous and paid it all back. I could do it again but I wouldn't. As an established business I can just get a line of credit.
I am not mechanically inclined so an old tractor might suit you but it wouldn't suit me. I have a very intense personality and am constantly doing research on everything. This has helped me immensely in this business. Everyone around me says my mind goes 5 times faster then most. And I say that not trying to sound obnoxious. It's just what they say. In fact they have always told me that and I never liked it. I am a very plain spoken person, very non-assuming and a lot of the new drivers think I'm just another driver when I'm in the office.
I'm sorry if I went off topic but it's a hard question. I don't know you, where you are from, what your goals are in life. As for falling on your face, well failure is a good lesson. Everyone falls on their face, you just need to get back up and try again. As for losing your shirt, well watch your numbers and don't chase. By that I mean people go to the casinos, lose money and chase and chase trying to get it back. I live next to a casino and never go. But I buy lotto twice a week and when I always buy among the tickets a $10 scratch off. If I win I collect my money and move on. I don't chase. You have to know when to cut your losses. As for a good insurance agent I really like the one I found in GA
Interline Risk. Agent is Robert. Guy is wicked honest.
Phone: 912-330-5250
Toll Free: 877-578-1516
FAX: 912-335-5741
Email:
[email protected]