becoming an owner operater

i have been around trucks since i was little its crazy but i have had a passion for them my grandpa and uncle own there own rigs i want to buy me one but i am scared to i just want to haul locally maybe hauling (aggregate, rocks, sand) just something local and home every night im a journeyman electrician right now and make good money but its not where the heart is i want to drive so my question is would i be making a stupid choice

Comments for becoming an owner operater

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 17, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
JOB
by: LORI

Hi,
We are currently searching for a truck driver who owns a truck to do small local deliveries for us in New York throughout the week. We pay toll and approx. $35 per stop. Please advise if this would be of interest.
Thanks,
Lori
loripacking@gmail.com

Nov 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
More information about becomoing an owner operator
by: Anonymous

Check out this page to get more info and insight on becoming an owner operator.

becoming an owner operator

Also Jimmy did a page on owner operator here
so you want to become an owner op

Good luck,
Thanks for posting

Oct 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
becoming an owner operator in 2009
by: Hervy

I agree with the guys unless you already had experience OR

If your finances are ok with taking a pay cut though. I wouldn't hesitate with getting with one of the solid companies to get some experience and get out on the road to talk to truckers and trying to make contacts to find out where you might want to lease a truck on to next year when the economy picks back up in July (providing we don't print anymore money)

https://www.lifeasatrucker.com/the-economy-and-trucking.html


Jan 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
trucking not so good right now
by: Anonymous

I have two trucks in NC I made two delivery last week. Just move slow and don't get in over your head with a new truck.

Jan 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
From electrician to trucker
by: Jimmy

It's not a stupid choice if you are happy and get rich, or at least make a decent living. But that's what life is about, right? Choices and decisions.

All you can do is research it, make a decision, and go forward. I did do aggregates transporting for several years in S.Calif as a company driver. Made about $30-35,000 net. Long hours, but really fun work, and a sense of accomplishment to see different areas that I remembered working.

Most of the O/O just owned the power unit and pulled company trailers, which they were charged 20%. Some owned truck and trailer.

OK, here's the real deal. Aggregates (rock, sand, gravel, asphalt) are tied to construction, both home and highway. If the economy is down, construction is down. Therefore, you ain't workin'. But you still have truck payment, house payment, groceries etc. Could you fall back on electrician work to get by if needed? Are you willing to travel to a job site 50 or 100 miles away if needed? Not all the new construction will be happening 1/2 mile from your house.

Just keep in the back of your mind if you become an O/O, you will have the responsibility of your truck regardless of whether or not you have work.

You can buy a used power unit for $15-20,000 to get started. But that will be a pretty well worn truck. Get the Truck paper at a truck stop for an idea of prices. Talk to other O/O's about the business. One more thing. In Calif, you wont get paid from the broker for 45-60 days and a lot of construction contractors are FLAKES and will rip you off if given a chance. Good luck. Jimmy

Jan 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I Want To Buy A Truck
by: Anonymous

Not A Stupid Choice But Timing Is not Great Right Now, But You Can Only Find Happiness By Following Your Heart, Which By The Way Does Include Heartache At Times!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask A Trucker.







Get Coaching