Driving solo for an owner ...
- Thread starter FireGears
- Start date
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I recently got out of THE LAST truck I drove that I don't own. Won't do it again!
Won't say no one else should do it. For me, it's too much out of my control... like getting paid on time. You could have a good owner; but when things go south, you don't know what they're capable of. Truck payment comes before pay; maintainence comes before pay; whatever. Rule of thumb for owners should be - DRIVER GETS PAID BEFORE I DO! End of story.
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
Won't say no one else should do it. For me, it's too much out of my control... like getting paid on time. You could have a good owner; but when things go south, you don't know what they're capable of. Truck payment comes before pay; maintainence comes before pay; whatever. Rule of thumb for owners should be - DRIVER GETS PAID BEFORE I DO! End of story.
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
Yes, T/Hawk..
I hear you..
BUT ....
it's a constant theme here on E/O for
folks just entering the industry to
"drive for an owner for a few years"
as part of the "learning curve"...
So, folks...
Any other constructive insights ???
(edit follows...) *********************
Ooooooops, T/Hawk..
We must have have been adding my "reply"
and your "edit" at the same time... :7
*******************************
STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+
plus ...
I hear you..
BUT ....
it's a constant theme here on E/O for
folks just entering the industry to
"drive for an owner for a few years"
as part of the "learning curve"...
So, folks...
Any other constructive insights ???
(edit follows...) *********************
Ooooooops, T/Hawk..
We must have have been adding my "reply"
and your "edit" at the same time... :7
*******************************
STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+
plus ...
It has been mentioned many times a cargo van cannot provide sufficient revenue for both a driver and fleet owner . Driving for a fleet owner is the best way to determine if the revenue and lifestyle is acceptable but it's best to have a husband/wife team . A solo running for a fleet owner for the most part better not be the sole source of income if he has a family .
I don't know? I am too much of a slave driver:7
A "D" would be my choice, especially in a erratic economy.
Solos do have it tough out there because of the HOS. I would still highly advise driving for someone. Check references, current and past drivers. If you just buy a truck, that is a large investment that could go south as it does in many instances. All kind of horror stories out there and through the EO archives. There are some good owners out there, you just have to do some homework to find them.
Terry often refers to this link, and I agree that it is a valuable tool.
In regards to Hawks comments, if concerned have the owner either provide a copy of the title (paid cash for the vehicle) or the account number for the truck your driving. Simple call to a finance company will indicate whether the payments are current.
You can additionally review public records and see if any judgements or bankrupties play into anything.
http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_owner_ops.html
Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
A "D" would be my choice, especially in a erratic economy.
Solos do have it tough out there because of the HOS. I would still highly advise driving for someone. Check references, current and past drivers. If you just buy a truck, that is a large investment that could go south as it does in many instances. All kind of horror stories out there and through the EO archives. There are some good owners out there, you just have to do some homework to find them.
Terry often refers to this link, and I agree that it is a valuable tool.
In regards to Hawks comments, if concerned have the owner either provide a copy of the title (paid cash for the vehicle) or the account number for the truck your driving. Simple call to a finance company will indicate whether the payments are current.
You can additionally review public records and see if any judgements or bankrupties play into anything.
http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_owner_ops.html
Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Dave... I totally agree with you. That wasn't quite what I was getting at, but you gave good advice.
The owner I ran for was fine. Kept his nose out of everything and let me run. I'll just say that the engine going changed everything.
I'll give a little advice here. Owners should have money set aside in case something happens, like an engine or tranny needing replacing. Ppl new to expediting should do their homework so they know what to shop for when buying a new truck. Know how much an engine costs, and have that money put away while the warranty is still active.
Drivers should either find an experienced owner, or a new owner that has new equipment. Warranty is almost as important to the driver as it is to the owner, as a new owner with no warranty on his truck is more likely to pay himself (maintainence or payments) before the driver, than an experienced owner who has loyal and content drivers.
Pay particular attention of how the owner acts when you tell him/her that the truck needs repairs... especially with no warranty left. Follow your gut! If you find yourself behind a paycheck because the truck needs this or that, get away! Don't waste your time hoping the owner will catch up to you. Chances are, he won't. CYA!!!
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
The owner I ran for was fine. Kept his nose out of everything and let me run. I'll just say that the engine going changed everything.
I'll give a little advice here. Owners should have money set aside in case something happens, like an engine or tranny needing replacing. Ppl new to expediting should do their homework so they know what to shop for when buying a new truck. Know how much an engine costs, and have that money put away while the warranty is still active.
Drivers should either find an experienced owner, or a new owner that has new equipment. Warranty is almost as important to the driver as it is to the owner, as a new owner with no warranty on his truck is more likely to pay himself (maintainence or payments) before the driver, than an experienced owner who has loyal and content drivers.
Pay particular attention of how the owner acts when you tell him/her that the truck needs repairs... especially with no warranty left. Follow your gut! If you find yourself behind a paycheck because the truck needs this or that, get away! Don't waste your time hoping the owner will catch up to you. Chances are, he won't. CYA!!!
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
Wow, Dave .. you must be special if Firegears wants to drive for ya!
Peace,
Dave "Idman" Johnson
Panther E Unit
Peace,
Dave "Idman" Johnson
Panther E Unit
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Dave... don't you have a solo driver who is gay that you could put Firegears with?
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!
mrgoodtude
Not a Member
##### just shot coffee out my nose, somebody give me a tissue.
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
There is nothing I would have done different. Owning my own Truck from Day ONE, being in charge of all decisions for when to maintain, wash, fuel, where to go etc...
There were enough of you here to contact for advice. All of the posts on here about problems JUST NOT WORTH THE INVOLVMENT. Not only are you working for the owner of the truck, but also the SPOUSE. Forget that, I can screw enough things up myself or correct them with out having three or maybee four opposing views.
Make a plan, save your $, listen to Dave Ramsey, and the reward will be much more full filling. Your not gona find that Dream owner of a Dave C. just starting out, they only take the best of the best.
Yes it is possible to find a good owner, but thats a new Post right?
Save yourself the Grief and Aggrivation, Study this site, investigate, ask questions, and SAVE. This should not be done in three months but maybee two years, while you should be saving....
Just my opinion your free to dissagree, worked for me.
There were enough of you here to contact for advice. All of the posts on here about problems JUST NOT WORTH THE INVOLVMENT. Not only are you working for the owner of the truck, but also the SPOUSE. Forget that, I can screw enough things up myself or correct them with out having three or maybee four opposing views.
Make a plan, save your $, listen to Dave Ramsey, and the reward will be much more full filling. Your not gona find that Dream owner of a Dave C. just starting out, they only take the best of the best.
Yes it is possible to find a good owner, but thats a new Post right?
Save yourself the Grief and Aggrivation, Study this site, investigate, ask questions, and SAVE. This should not be done in three months but maybee two years, while you should be saving....
Just my opinion your free to dissagree, worked for me.
FireGears, what is your current situation and why would you want to leave it? This may not be the best time to switch companies. As for driving for an owner to learn the ropes, I think that is great advice. But if you already have experience and want to be an O/O then go for it!
silverdollar
Expert Expediter
I think that Firegears would be a better match for A-team then Dave,I don`t know why but they seem more alike.:+