Owner Operator

Indy, I would sure like to know who on this web site is treating noobs like idiots. Because all I've ever seen is folks giving freely of their time, knowledge, and energy to make sure you guys are successful. So rather than being so vague, why don't you show some fortitude and tell us who you think is so low down to treat you guys with such contempt, because I think we can deal with them.

And Dakota, as I'm sure you can tell, you're probably at the wrong site to get a satisfying answer to your question

Well, I get a little irritated here sometimes because there seems to be an imperative at this site to keep the message very simplistic. This topic is a good example. The clear, take away message of the management here is that owning/ leasing is a bad idea. Now, if you'd just say that it's not a good idea for an inexperienced driver ... while acknowledging that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it... then that would be good and truthful advice. But it seems we're too dumb to understand the distinction... so, we get the mantra ... "owning/ leasing bad... the numbers don't add up...etc."

Well, I get a little irritated here sometimes because there seems to be an imperative at this site to keep the message very simplistic. This topic is a good example. The clear, take away message of the management here is that owning/ leasing is a bad idea. Now, if you'd just say that it's not a good idea for an inexperienced driver ... while acknowledging that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it... then that would be good and truthful advice. But it seems we're too dumb to understand the distinction... so, we get the mantra ... "owning/ leasing bad... the numbers don't add up...etc."

The imperative at this site from what I can tell is to guide people interested in trucking to the most successful path which is not becoming an owner until you have some significant time under your belt. I don't see a bias against those that choose that path after the have gained a few years experience but I herald the efforts of the site owner and his moderators to guide new people to the industry to avoid complex owner contracts and the associated headaches of repairs, taxes etc.

The only imperative that I have found surfing this site is . . .

A. Learn to drive a truck before deciding to own and operate one

Simple enough eh?

If you think you want to own and operate a truck with no miles under your belt you are delusional or just plain stupid. Enough said.

Indy, what frustrates you is the fact that we aren't giving you the kind of strokes you're looking for - we are not giving you a "satisfying answer". The whole reason for that is that we want you to do well.

Now, if you'd just say that it's not a good idea for an inexperienced driver ... while acknowledging that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it... then that would be good and truthful advice.

You take offense and act like we are treating you as stupid, when the truth is that we think you are smart enough to listen to some good solid advice. Indy I owned six trucks at one time. I know what it takes. This past year has actually been fairly decent for some owner operators, but I'm shooting straight with you when I tell you that most of them are not doing very well. It is a difficult business, and there are cut throats around every bend.

When you get out here on the road, do what I do and take note of the owner operators you see. Most of them are driving worn out trucks with smoke pouring out of the blow-by pipe. There is really a small number who even look like they are making a go of it. And the data agrees with the sights I see out here in the truck stops.

You are fortunately in a country where you can make your own choices, and I'm thrilled about that. I'm doing very well as a company driver, and I know what it's like to be the business owner. For me, for now, I'm gonna let somebody else handle all the burdensome cares and worries of trying to stay afloat. I'll take my generous paychecks and keep on rolling care free. The risks are too high, and i say that as one who has been a risk taker all my life. I've made and lost several fortunes, and I can already see where this road is most likely to lead. I don't even think it is a wise choice for an experienced driver. If I ever do get a wild hair and decide to jump into the owner/operator game, I will definitely share with you guys the results.

When we try to help you, it's sincere. It's not simplistic. If you take offense at that, you've got a long road ahead of you.

Some here treat us noobs like we're idiots that can't understand anything but black or white

Yeah, I would love to see one example of that myself or are you just blowing more smoke with nothing to back it up as usual?

The clear, take away message of the management here is that owning/ leasing is a bad idea

As the owner of this website that's exactly how I feel. The moderators here are totally free to disagree if that's how they feel. I don't dictate opinions around here. People say what they want to say. But in my opinion it is a bad idea. Why? Well when you evaluate the business based on its fundamentals from an objective standpoint you'll find:

• There's a 3% profit margin in the industry which is abysmal
• It's a commodity service where only the lowest price matters
• There's no way to differentiate yourself from the competition
• The capital costs are extremely high
• The litigation risks are extremely high

Anyone who understands how to evaluate a business prospect sees a long list of red flags when evaluating trucking as a business prospect. There's nothing to like about it. Why would you go into a business with such dismal prospects when you can go into any business imaginable? There simply isn't much to like about trucking as a business prospect.

Old School nailed it. When people don't agree with you or tell you what you want to hear you take it as a personal insult. You need to get over that and learn to accept the fact that not everyone is going to agree with you. Nobody here is telling anyone what they want to hear. They're simply giving their honest opinions.

So if you think trucking is such a great business opportunity then why don't you lay out your objective reasoning the way I just did instead of attacking us or playing the victim? Tell us what makes you think you have a high chance of success in trucking. And not only that, but define what you would consider being successful as an owner operator. How much of a profit would you need to turn in order to make owning a truck worthwhile?

Indy, what frustrates you is the fact that we aren't giving you the kind of strokes you're looking for - we are not giving you a "satisfying answer". The whole reason for that is that we want you to do well.

Now, if you'd just say that it's not a good idea for an inexperienced driver ... while acknowledging that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it... then that would be good and truthful advice.

You take offense and act like we are treating you as stupid, when the truth is that we think you are smart enough to listen to some good solid advice. Indy I owned six trucks at one time. I know what it takes. This past year has actually been fairly decent for some owner operators, but I'm shooting straight with you when I tell you that most of them are not doing very well. It is a difficult business, and there are cut throats around every bend.

When you get out here on the road, do what I do and take note of the owner operators you see. Most of them are driving worn out trucks with smoke pouring out of the blow-by pipe. There is really a small number who even look like they are making a go of it. And the data agrees with the sights I see out here in the truck stops.

You are fortunately in a country where you can make your own choices, and I'm thrilled about that. I'm doing very well as a company driver, and I know what it's like to be the business owner. For me, for now, I'm gonna let somebody else handle all the burdensome cares and worries of trying to stay afloat. I'll take my generous paychecks and keep on rolling care free. The risks are too high, and i say that as one who has been a risk taker all my life. I've made and lost several fortunes, and I can already see where this road is most likely to lead. I don't even think it is a wise choice for an experienced driver. If I ever do get a wild hair and decide to jump into the owner/operator game, I will definitely share with you guys the results.

When we try to help you, it's sincere. It's not simplistic. If you take offense at that, you've got a long road ahead of you.

Oldschool. Thank you. Thanks- you write a lot, and I appreciate it. I've got a tremendous amount of teaching and wisdom from you and others on this site. The first thing that I took to heart was get your permit BEFORE you go to Orientation- I did that and passed with flying colors after studying the materials on this site.

Being that I'm going to be a Rookie next week at Prime Orientation- learning the correct Rookie attitude is going to be close to lifesaving. A "I'll do whatever it takes, and much, much extra, to learn and get along with my trainer" - I think will greatly help me. This attitude I learned from you. Others have also been very helpful.

Well, I'm chomping at the bit for May 30- That's the day, hopefully, that I'll drive off with my trainer. I know I've got some "Orientation" bridges to cross before I put my foot in my trainer's cab.

Well, I get a little irritated here sometimes because there seems to be an imperative at this site to keep the message very simplistic. This topic is a good example. The clear, take away message of the management here is that owning/ leasing is a bad idea. Now, if you'd just say that it's not a good idea for an inexperienced driver ... while acknowledging that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it... then that would be good and truthful advice. But it seems we're too dumb to understand the distinction... so, we get the mantra ... "owning/ leasing bad... the numbers don't add up...etc."

Why would they acknowledge that many experienced drivers are making a good go of it when that's generally not true in the long run?

The experienced truckers on this forum provide down to Earth insight on the ways of trucking. Fantastic advice without the shiny coating.

If you want to be stroked and charmed, talk to a leasing agent at a trucking company.

When I was in school a Schneider recruiter came in one morning and gave us the scoop on working for them... He talked a little about being an o/o .... He said the the average first year net income for a Schneider o/o was over 70k and for top earners over 90 k. You all would have me believe the dude was lying or being deceptive, at least.

When I was in school a Schneider recruiter came in one morning and gave us the scoop on working for them... He talked a little about being an o/o .... He said the the average first year net income for a Schneider o/o was over 70k and for top earners over 90 k. You all would have me believe the dude was lying or being deceptive, at least.

You said one key word, recruiter. The recruiters job is to convince you that it's the best thing since sliced bread. Granted, there are probably a few making good money but ask yourself, what did it take. Were they ever home, was that claim before or after they took out all the fuel expenses, maintenance, etc.

If you really have your heart set on it, go for it. I think one thing to consider is that everyone here has a similar concern of trying to make sure someone new, who could make this a decent career doesn't bury themselves in debt and hate something they could potentially love.