Welcome to the forum!
Being also new to this industry, we can't and won't advise you, but wanted to share another newbie's perspective.
You are fortunate to have found this site before you leap! And you're right, there's some incredible information here! We found it after the fact, and even then, much of what we read for the first while was over our heads at the time. I believe it takes about 6 months to even learn the questions to ask, nevermind the answers! You know the saying that goes something like.. 'you don't know what you don't know...'
For us, it was kinda like this.. this is the great business we jumped into,.. ah, so *this* is how things *really* are in this business,.. well, this is how we know things could and should be run so much better,.. hey, let's go on our own becuz we can do it that much better for ourselves,.. oh but wait, what about this,.. and what about that,.. and how much time is that *really* going to require,.. and how much is that *really* going to cost if we're on our own,.. hmmm, perhaps a bit more experience in running with another carrier would be beneficial first before considering doing it on our own..
What I'm trying to say is.. it might appear to be an easy career, it might appear to be good money, it might appear that we have all the appropriate traits and amenities to succeed, there might appear to be easy solutions for others' problems and failings.. but as with anything, experience rules.
There have been posts about less expensive ways in which to get your CDL, discussions regarding which kind of trucks are the most versatile, disreputable carriers, which areas are more lively for getting loads, *realistic* average miles that might be offered vs. the different pay schedules, and the price of fuel, etc. Be sure to examine these posts, not just one but many of them, and be sure to do the math!
There have been many recent posts about how this is a bad time for this industry, slower economic times, too many drivers, companies continuing to hire drivers when they've already got too many, things not always being what they're supposed to be, etc.
You will also have read some suggestions to newbies to become a driver first, before you leap in and buy your own truck. I have to agree with this opinion.
Seems to me that people seem to be in a rush to get into this industry (including ourselves), perhaps becuz they think the potential income is greater as an OO than as a driver? Perhaps they think that every day spent considering their options is another day wasted without the income they could be generating? I don't think anyone considers that it *could* be another day paying the expenses without the income to offset it!
While it might be true that OOs can make more than a driver, the risk and depreciation involved probably don't make up for the potentially greater income, at least not right away when you're new.
Considering you have money behind you, you will undoubtedly be able to survive. However, depending on how much you spend on your truck, training, start-up costs, and whether you choose to pay for your truck outright, or have a truck payment, and whether you are also supporting a home somewhere and all its expenses, you may find yourself dipping into your savings more than you might think or like.
And even if you buy your truck outright and have no payments, it doesn't last forever, it will need to be replaced at some point. To me, you have to consider that money you spend, which you won't be getting back when the truck is finished. Altho I'm not intelligent enough to understand the ROI that has been discussed in these boards recently, for me to simplify it to a point where it makes sense for *me*, I look at it like this: say purch price is 50K(low?), say it lasts 6 yrs(high?).. so I divide 50000/72 months = 700/month. Of course, that doesn't include interest you would've received on the money had it been invested, and it doesn't include whatever value the truck has at the end of the 6 yrs. Like I said, I simplified it for *myself*, so please, nobody beat me up for this! My thoughts only! What I'm saying is that even if you might not have a truck payment per se, you still have to consider the monies put out, over the length of the term in which it will last. This isn't like buying property, where the value is *supposed* to go UP, and would be as valuable as ever when it's time to get out of the biz, or upgrade to a larger home!
If you start out driving for an experienced owner, you will likely have the opportunity to begin making money right away, as opposed to the slower start you might experience as a new and unknown OO who hasn't proven himself yet.
Many carriers won't even look at you anyway, unless you have at least 6 months of commercial driving experience under your belt. You would be able to see first-hand how things work, what kind of trucks get the kind of loads you would want, what the expenses are *really* like, how hard you would have to run to make the kind of money you want to make, what areas are no good for getting loads, what kind of tools and accessories would be of value to you in your business and whether they're worth their price to you, how much deadheading is involved, what attributes you would look for in a carrier.. and all at someone else's expense and risk, while you continue to be paid for your learning experience.
After 6 months, you will be a more viable candidate for a respectable carrier to consider, you will know the questions to ask, and you will have a much better handle on realistic goals and expectations for your own business.
Even if you are now positive this is the career for you, you will have the security of an 'out', should you change your mind after living it for awhile, and your capital will still be intact. If you choose not to pursue this in the end, you will only be out a few months of your time, a small price in comparison to what you could lose the other way.
Phew! That was a long one!
Anyway, best wishes to you in making the best decision for yourself, and good luck!
