WWYD?
Topic 27061 | Page 3
If I was already making good money is it worth the hassle to go owner operator eventually?
That's a fair question, and one every driver considers at some point. I know I certainly have. I have a lot of business experience. I was a business owner for many years before I got into trucking. I came to the conclusion that being a company driver was best for me.
So many of these online guys bragging about their income are sharing their revenue numbers as income. They may like to think of revenues as income, but any competent business owner knows the difference. The average profit margin in trucking is in the 3 to 5% range. It's a commodities business where the lowest bid gets the most work. It's not an easy business.
I wrote a few articles on this very subject. If you'd like to read them here's some links to them...
The Natural Progression Of A Driver's Career
Confessions Of An Owner Operator
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
Hey Shannimal, it's really cool to hear from you again!
I'm thrilled to see you're enjoying your new career!
Ditto that, Old School!!
Wow, so great to hear . . . I've been gone for merely a week .... and I miss the good stuff!!!
Congrats on finally taking the leap, man. Yeah, we're jab free here, too~!!
Stick around this time!! Kudos for sure;
~ Anne (& Tom) ~
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Heck yeah. I watch a lot of YouTube on owner operator situations. I understand that insurance will kill you until I have a few years under my belt. I know I like trucking and I’m wondering if owner ops really make the bacon like the YouTubers make it sound? If I was already making good money is it worth the hassle to go owner operator eventually? Or if your making close to 6 figures already just call yourself fortunate and don’t have the headaches for say another 40k. What’s the consensus on that?
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.