Should I Become An Owner Operator

So my friend's been an OO for the last 7 years and he spent the last 2 in this company. He says he gets like 2,500 miles/week and $2,500 on the checks. They claim to pay really good and, the thing is... in the world of 80 and 90 cents plus FCS they sure do! He asked me to come over already , they were hiring back in April...I was working at another place back then, didn't feel like switching. I had a reefer and these guys only do dry vans. Now they're hiring again and I'm thinking to give 'em a shot. Here's their ad off craigslist... has anyone else worked here? Any advice? What y'all think?

***** OWNER-OPERATORS WANTED! WE OFFER THE BEST PAY IN THE INDUSTRY! *****

We are a medium-size trucking company located in Chicago area (Hinsdale, IL), looking to hire several more owner-operators due to high volume of work.

One thing that sets us apart from most other companies is our low margins of corporate profit but high volume of loads, we pay significantly higher than industry average and most of our owner operators call our company their home when it comes to business.

WE BELIEVE WE HAVE THE BEST-EVER PAY PROGRAM IN THE INDUSTRY AVAILABLE TO OWNER-OPERATORS NATIONWIDE, SEE THE DETAILS BELOW.

We will provide you with everything (our operating authority, fuel cards, all permits, cargo insurance, liability, BRAND NEW 2014 trailers, signs/decals, IFTA and of course, loads!).

If you're out of state, we also pay your fuel to come and fill out application and get started from Chicago, IL. 100% of your fuel is paid on your first check as a welcome-aboard gesture.

OUR OWNER-OPERATOR PAY PROGRAM:

--------------------------------

Simply put, we pay $1.50 per mile on all miles (empty AND loaded). You pay only for your fuel (through our fuel cards) and your truck's maintenance.

We provide everything, all permits (IFTA, KY & NM) and Fleet One fuel cards which are accepted everywhere (any Flying J, Petro, Pilot, Love's, local/small truckstops... you name it).

THERE ARE NO DEDUCTIONS FOR CARGO INSURANCE, THERE ARE NO DEDUCTIONS FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE, THERE IS NO TRAILER RENT TO BE PAID (WE WILL GIVE YOU A 2014 BRAND NEW TRAILER TO USE FREE OF CHARGE), THERE IS NO IFTA TO BE PAID, THERE ARE NO FEDEX/TRIPPAK/TRANSFLOW/UPS CHARGES, THERE IS NO COMPANY PERCENTAGE / FEE.

ON TOP OF ALL THIS,

THERE ARE NO TOLLS TO PAY (yup, we pay those too).

Average miles per week are 2,500 to 3,000 and average check is $2,600+ per week (this is your take-home money).

This simple pay structure let's you always know your check before time: Take your weekly miles, multiply by $1.50 per mile and deduct your fuel for that week, that's your check!

In addition, we also have safe driver bonuses and many other benefits such as:

Checks direct-deposited every Friday, emailed/fax/or mailed weekly statements, cash-price at truck stops, assistance with your registration, assistance with any tickets you may get, counseling and general business advice, equipment purchase assistance and many more!

NATURE OF WORK: ----------------

We are in need of owner operators able to stay on the road for at least a 5 DAYS at a time (Monday thru Friday).

The routes could be irregular each time, but if you start at your house, and want to run 2 weeks for example, then at the end of your 2 week trip you will end up back at your house.

No forced dispatch, all 48 states! 53' DRY VANS ONLY! Our company can and WILL listen to your particular needs.

No New York City? No Problem! Don't wanna go West? No problem. Prefer shorter loads in your home region? No problem. Like to have a lot of miles? Need a weekend or whole week off? No Problem.... You get the idea.

If you hapen to have your own trailer, you may use it and we will increase your rate of pay to $1.55 per mile.

MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS-OPERATORS: ---------------------------------------------------------- Your truck should be 1997 or newer. Your truck must have a sleeper. Your truck must pass DOT inspection, be insured (non-trucking liability) and registered! You should have no more than 3 major violations on your record and at least 3 months of OWNER-OPERATOR experience. You must pass the drug test and have a working cell phone. You must have a valid CDL , class A.

Thank you for your interest and looking forward to working with you!

- Freightway, Inc.

Well...since you have an inside line on the company its a better deal than going to another company blind. If you are sure you can get a better deal there, and you like how they look, go for it. AND Welcome to TT !!!

George, the average individual coming to TT is just trying to get their foot in the door. We don't recommend being an O/O and we certainly don't recommend it to a rookie.

Trucking is stressful enough as it is, especially that first year. Leasing a truck adds so much strain and additional struggles for the driver. Not to mention that when you go home you'll be broke because you still have to pay for the truck during your week off.

Having said that, we really don't want advertisements for O/O positions.

Sounds too good to be true is the first thing that comes to my mind. Not to say that this isn't possible, but make sure you REALLY do your homework if you are considering it. Don't just go by what 1 friend says, he may be caught up in the company's sales pitch and delusional for lack of a better word.

Although I am curious what an average O/O gets to take home. I've heard it's like 40% of their revenue, assuming no major expense that month. So if you did the math using that figure... $1.50 x 2500 miles = $3750. Then $3750 x 0.4 = $1500. So... assuming no major expenses, and that you get 2500 miles average... then take home is $1500 a week. And that's for the weeks you are actually out working and not at home.

Do your homework is all I can say.

George, I assumed from your post, that you are ALREADY an O/O. If so, then you are good to go. But the only thing I found hidden in their ad was, you have to have your truck REGISTERED...that means the registration must be in your name. I'm not sure of the cost in your state, but its a yearly thing, so that would be a cost to you.. AND if you are currently registered thru the company that you are with, you would have to have that changed ASAP after you quit them, AND before you go to this outfit. That alone may take a little time....so check closely on that, or contact the company you are thinking about going with....Keep us informed...I'm rather curious about this company you are talking about... Good Luck !!!