running on your own

zanico · Oct 3, 2008

Thanks for all your replies. I know the best thing to do would be run for someone untill I learn the ropes. I just think I would like the independence of having my own authority and making my own decisions on were I go and what I haul. Again, I'm just in the research stage. It will be a few years before I make the final decision to do this or not. Just not a good time, family wise, to go into this right now. By the way KWEXPRESS, I'm from west central Ohio

fastrod · Oct 3, 2008

It sure is O.K. to run this way. If it was originally a passenger van then it gets passenger car plates, if it was a cargo van it gets truck plates. And there is no difference in truck plates between commercial or private. Just the way PA. does things.

Jefferson3000 · Oct 3, 2008

Zanico,

There is enough busines to learn out there w/o having to do the thing on your own. I would totally recommend the following route for anyone wanting to get into this business. If each stage meets your expectations, then and only then would be a good time to attempt the next state:

-Drive someone elses vehicle rather than purchasing your own,
-Use saved money from driving to invest in a decent pre-owned truck,
-Money from that truck will produce money to buy a nicer truck if you so choose,
-Once your succeeded in managing your business as a leased owner op, then and only then should you look into running your own carrier.

About six months ago I spoke with a man who had a truck for sale on EO. He jumped directly from inquiring about the industry to purchasing a truck. (Thankfully, it was not a new one.) When we spoke, he had only owned this truck for two months and was already ready to get out of this biz. His words were, "I just can't do this business." This was obviously someone who was excited about what he saw in this industry. But when it came to being on the road, he decided he just couldn't hang with it. Sometimes even I view this business as only being as good as my last run, or last loads lost.

zanico · Oct 3, 2008

Jefferson,

Thanks for the advise. Like I said, it will be a while before I do this, if I do this. I've been lurking and reading EO for about 2 years. LOTS of info. This post just seemed to peak my interest. I've always wanted to be my own boss and do my own thing. But from reading over the years, I know thats not the smart way to start.

dhalltoyo · Oct 3, 2008

Ditto on the comments by Jefferson3000 and CharlesD.

It is literally impossible for a solo driver to look for loads while in transit.

Morevoer, the markedly increased insurance rates couple with start up costs make it very difficult to break into running under your own authority.

I would say that a person needs at least 3-5 years of experience in this industry before considering such a move.

And many O/O's do quite well when leased to a particular carrier. Improving one's craft as a lease O/O maybe a viable solution during these difficult econonic times.

Crazynuff · Oct 5, 2008

fastrod said:
In Pa. if it is a passenger van it is classified as a station wagon and gets passenger car plates. A 1 ton cargo van gets truck plates at $198 a year and a 1 ton passenger van gets car plates at $36 a year. The other thing is with car plates, windows, and no markings at all you become invisible to the DOT.

If you are not hauling hazmat and not over 10,000 lbs. GVWR you don't have to be concerned about FMCSR anyway . If you are over 10,000 lbs. GVWR and have your own authority you are required to display your DOT number which makes you visible . All new carriers get a mandatory audit within 18 months . http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant-faq.asp
Things you think you got away with 6 months ago may end up biting you .

fastrod · Oct 5, 2008

My authority is for 10,000 lbs. and under and I dont haul hazmat. You are right that with authority 10,001 lbs. and up there is alot more to be concerned with. Another thing I found is that the insurance and start up costs are not that expensive. I also found that it was fairly easy to get the authority and get started. I used a company called permits plus and would recommend them to anyone thinking of doing this.

highway star · Oct 5, 2008

But, did Pa. know you'd be using the van commercially? What you describe is the same in Mich, if the vehicle is for personal use. As an example, I could buy a Crown Vic for my personal car and it would get passenger plates. If I use that same car as a taxi cab it has to have a commercial plate.