Need a Reality Check

[cheri1122]

Jhead: welcome! I have to disagree with 2 statements posted by Teamliz here. [And to qualify myself, I've been expediting for 7 yrs, and have driven t/t, cargo van, and now straight truck. I've driven for several carriers, both team and solo as well.]
First: that you need to buy your own truck - no, you don't. The standard advice is to drive for an owner first, [not necessarily a fleet owner, either] because it's excellent advice. If you find it's not what you want to do, you can 'quit' with fewer complications. If you find you want to become owners, then you work towards that goal, gathering more info [and lots of money!] till you feel ready.
Second: that owners pay for fuel - some do, some don't. It's a matter of which way the owner prefers to do it - some will even let you choose.
You're right to be concerned about dishonest and underfunded owners - there are some out there. But there are also far more who are honest, experienced, and prepared to deal with whatever problems arise. Ask a lot of questions [prepared beforehand], and go with your 'gut' instinct.
As DaveKC says, you need to research a lot, if you don't see how easy it is to lose money in this business, even while staying busy.
Good luck - hope it works for you!

 

[bludragon13]

Jhead, sent you a PM check it out.

 

[chris2212]

First of all I do not care how much research you do, your reality check will come when you get out there. I have driven straight trucks for 12years, as a driverr and now as an owner operator. I drove for owners who paid me 35 per cent of the load pay and they paid everything else, took great care of their trucks and were very honest and straight with me. I have seen and talked to a large number of drivers not as fortunate as me, and the junk they are driving is scary. If I as an owner grossed $100,000 and can only show a profit of about $35000.00, you see the expense in owning a truck. That lovely partner of yours who you are sure you know so well, won't be so lovely or loveable if you are crammed up each others nose 24/7. If you eat out of truck it will cost a minimum $20 a day for one non fast food meal. If that truck breaks down you could be in shop for a week oir more, is your owner going to pay you in down time, maybe not. Many people think driving a truck going down the road seeing the world is a great way to travel, it can be, and is more likely to be the case if you own your truck. If I paid a driver 35 per cent of what I made last week they would make about 600.00. 2400 x 12 = 28800 per year. I work for one of the top companies and the last 2 years have been hell and I am surprised we have made to the end of this year still in business. But what do I know, obviously nothing.

 

[EdgarBaker]

Although you have already said you really do not want to drive a cargo van, I would suggest that you reconsider it. I would imagine that at least one of you have a vehicle that you drive to work. If you were to check into a used 1 ton Extended Cargo van,or a cube maybe you could trade in your current vehicle or both if you have 2. It can be converted so that you have a large enough bed. It will be tight to say the least and your load choices will be limited, but so will your overhead. This way you can try out the life style and see if its for you without the worries of a bad owner. Find a carrier that will take a team in a van and live your dream. Save every penny that you can and save up for a nice used straight truck. Or maybe find out that expediting is not for you either way at least you will have a way out or a way in.

Either way I would wait until February due to January being slow for many carriers.