Questions in the grand scheme of things…Part 2

[trobertson]

Thanks to all who responded to both threads.
My reason for asking should now be as clear as a freshly washed windshield.

A business owner in any industry has many risks and potentially many rewards. Risks should be analyzed prior to making the decision and weighed appropriately with the potential benefits. A successful entrepreneur is a rare commodity, and owning and managing a business is certainly not for everyone.


My purpose in asking these questions was to attempt to understand what is identified by those considering becoming an owner/operator as a benefit and how those benefits are weighed against the risk that will be taken.

RISK VS REWARD

Many in this business have decided that the headaches of being a business owner outweigh the potential rewards. That is the model that works for them and I for one have many times envied the simplicity of the option of letting someone else take the risk. Especially when signing my name on the line year after year for the units in my fleet.

I'm certain that, over the years, many have tried to do, what you the successful expedited owner operator have accomplished, and failed. Their failures are probably the results of underestimating the risks and overvaluing the benefits, while failing to take the extra steps necessary to correct their errors.

Kudos to you for finding a formula that works for you and having the tenacity to fight through the ever changing world of expedited trucking. Each and every one of your "formulas" probably vary in some degree from the others on this site, however the common thread is that you have, through trial and error found that formula that works for you, and continued to survive and thrive in a very competitive market.

Regardless of what others may say...YOU BUILT YOUR BUSINESS, take pride in that!

Here's to more miles and better rates for everyone!

Tom Robertson
A. Blair Enterprises, Inc.
Louisville/Cleveland

 

[dalejrroks]

As you noticed the risk vs reward is the key factor. Going by the limit of $5k a year as you seen most would rather stick with a fleet owner. Now if you remove the $5k limit from the question you posed every ones decision maybe a bit different. To me like I said and as you did that just isn't enough reward for taking on that much. I can't speak as to what kind of money that may be to a van driver but for a ST or T/T I just couldn't see it. You are right though not everyone is cut out to run a business and some just have no desire to. As with any type of someone chooses for themselves you got to find your niche and if that makes you happy and satisfied then I believe that is where you need to be. You can always change you mind.

I do not see me driving for a fleet owner letting someone else take the risk. I will agree the fleet owner is taking a big risk on the driver but as a driver I see us taking risks in trusting a fleet owner with a lot as well. As I said I see it as a partnership and we rely on each other so we can both benefit.