Owner Operator

My trainer was an owner operator at one point and his words almost verbatim were "Never again". Between keeping the books, working the log books, having to run his a $$ off and worrying about all the regulations and hassles of repairs, it wasn't worth it in the long run. He doesn't regret it because he was smart enough to get out before he dug too deep a hole. Mind you, this is a man who drove for almost 15 years before taking the leap.

You have to remember too, all your tolls are on you, EZ pass, pre pass, everything is in your lap. If you're late for a load or break down ams someone else has to come pick it up, you lose out on the load money, plus you have repair costs and might lose that broker.

Are there guys who are successful? Of course there are but most who are have already established relationships with customers previously so it makes things easier on them. Like I said before, if it's your true goal to pursue it, get all your info and all your ducks in a row. Realize it will be much harder than you think and prepare. Also remember (Smith System here) leave yourself an out.