To be honest I remember in school my instructor Mr. Boman stated.. to never lease to be a Glorified company driver because your just paying off someone else's truck and best advise he gave us was buy your own truck and trailer and he's right. Thank you again for your advise and keep them coming
do you really profit more from owning your own trailer? what about owning your own truck and contracting through another company where you get their loads and their trailers?
In the land of idiot RUclips truckers, you are about 50 steps above...a REAL truck driver with spot on videos and advice. I’ve been driving almost 5 years and with the same company for almost the last 4...been tinkering with the idea of stepping out on my own. Your videos are very much appreciated. Keep up the professional work.
Only wanted to say I have a 07 columbia paid off, million miles. In past years only had to do oil which I changed and a steering gear box. Not all used trucks are that bad. And doing good for me for now
I first became on o/o in 2009. Bought a high mileage 9 y.o. Volvo for cheap and leased onto a local carrier. They had a dedicated drop n hook for me Mon-Thurs. I was home every night & had a 3 day weekend. Did not make a lot of $$ but it opened the door. Paid cash for truck & it was paid off in a couple months. It did nickle & dime me but was better than a big monthly truck payment. I certainly gained experience with wrenching on trucks & trailers. lol.. I agree that guys can't manage $$ when their settlement checks arrive. "They gotta go buy that Harley" haha. I've had some big settlement checks also but it goes into the bank or pays down debt. My last carrier was a small fleet of owner ops out of WI and had a 90/10 split with them.. and they did most of my book work (IFTA) & found good loads paying 2-3/mile, sometimes more. Normal weekly gross for me was $4500-$6000. Lowest was $2500, high around $8500. Landstar has a nice loadboard layout. "I don't pay my driver much.. he ain't worth it". haha. You're right tho.. it depends on freight, length of haul, where u wanna run, how long u wanna be out, etc. You make great points & got some good info for guys that are thinking about making the jump. "I'm fixin to go shoot a crow" lol. Good video. ':)
You always say you are off on a tangent, off topic. You give just as much good information on your tangents as when you stay on topic. I thank you for sharing your experience!
I’ve been saving from being a company driver, on my second season. I should be at 25k, once I sell my extra car. I’ll have enough for the emergency fund and down payment early next year. Now I know what the minimum amount in the emergency fund should be, Thanks!
Sounds to me like owner ops are breaking even. With the few successful one barely doubling a company drivers wages if they're lucky. Everyone keeps saying the freedom 🙄 i want the money financial freedom is as free as it gets for truck drivers. I hate to say it but I think the owner op days are over between emissions, crooked dot,insurance, and no legislation on brokers you'd be lucky to make what co. Drivers do. Hey atleast you can say your a super trucker.
Great video Tim. I really appreciate that you share your knowledge. I think that will make a better trucking community for all drivers. I also appreciate that you give 4 wheelers tips about driving near a big truck. Accidents with big trucks and 4 wheelers are completely avoidable. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next video.
45 yr's or so years ago I was one of those young skinners who wanted to buy a used truck from a guy , I got lucky and the guy liked me or felt sorry for me , knew I had a couple of little kids and a wife and he talked me out of buying that truck , I thank him to this day because I would have failed , I knew nothing about what it took to own that truck .
I love your vids. I got into trucking in 77. When I was 21. Worked 3 years for my neighbor then bought my own. I was over the road driving a 1975 Pete 352 with a Cat 1693TA, 13spd, and 411s. No Jake. Ended up hauling flats. Worked for George Transfer & Rigging hauling steel and machinery. When Pittsburg still made steel... I owned 3 Pete's. The last was a 92, 379. 63" flat top. The last of the mechanical gov. 3406 with 425 hs. 15 over and 390s. Loved that truck. But by then the business had gone to hell do I got out. Went to work hauling heavy equipment for local heavy haulers in Jersey regional from Boston to maybe Baltimore and Pa. I got all the way out in 2005. I still miss the way it was. Don't even like the look of most of the trucks anymore. Automatics? Can't imagine. Glad to see the stick in yours. Pete still has the best looking truck on the road. Good luck out there brother. I saw the one vid where the jack ass about stopped in front of you in the left lane! Sorry for laughing but after a lifetime driving in N.J., N.Y. Conn...Mass...it's just a bit too familiar. I subscribed. Have a good one driver.
Being an O/O is not all the gravy everyone thinks it is. You have to be a smart business man. You are giving people a lot of good advise & hopefully they will listen.
First time seeing your videos and im blown away . You covered more in 30 minutes than i have seen in 10 years. Please keep the videos coming and God bless .
I liked that ramble about rookie mistakes and the story of you stuck at the home depot. You should do a video using the head camera with you getting out of tight jams. It would be instructive to rookies like me.
Oh my God finally a video with info not just mindless shout outs to people more so a trucker who isn’t complaining about being a trucker!!! All you usually get from RUclips is bitching and moaning so refreshing thank you
Thank you so much for the info that you give. You are such a genuine person sharing knowledge and it’s truly a blessing. Too many people on RUclips that exaggerate and contradict themselves or just shouting out noise and listening to you and what you have shared is amazing. Thank you sir.
Had heard the math involved from min 7 to min 15 before. That’s really good info!! I’m glad you talked me into staying as a company driver to learn the most as possible before stepping out on my own. You got some funny plugs in there too. Thanks buddy, stay safe.
Just want to thank you for blessings!!!!!! ( Great Advice ) I am not in the Industry ( Yet ) So I am an Infant to this.... So when you said Have Ten Thousand Saved and a Ten Thousand on a Credit, This makes all the sense in the world...!!! It’s the Lil things in life that can make a Geat Difference!!!! Thank you again....
Maybe in your country its 'unskilled job ',come over to Europe and drive here and then you will see how much training we get and the mandatory extra schooling you need every 5 years to keep your license.Its more regulated and stricter in Europe then in that country you are from.
Willem Van Oranje Can you further explain this, or direct me to somewhere with more info? I used to live in Europe when I was studying abroad for a year (Madrid, Spain). I'm back in California and about to take my driving test in a week or so to become a truck driver (with all my endorsements, too!). I plan to move back to Madrid in 5-10 years. I'm not sure if I'll still be a truck driver then, but I've pondered at the idea of being a European truck driver for a couple of years or so; however, it's my understanding that European truck drivers make a lot less in comparison to American truck drivers -- so that's a bit discouraging. What country do you live in Europe? How much do they generally make? Would I be able to transfer my American Commercial Driving License for a European CDL from a country like Spain without having to go to school or some type of training? As soon as I get my license, I will have all the endorsements, so I can transport hazardous materials (HazMat), double-triple trailers, tankers, and even passengers, haha, basically being able to haul anything. Thanks in advance for reading.
I appreciate the information you provide. I am graduating Ait here in Phoenix Az. On March 30, 2018. I don't have to take a internship program for 6 weeks with any carrier. So I have had many carriers offering me jobs already. But I so far got a Dedicated run running a 1999 Pete with 525hp 18-spd with a low-boy 9 car hauler I'm gonna be running. My plan is to learn as much information you've provided and I'm gonna continue to watch and learn from you as much as I can. I appreciate your time and consideration to help and educate us the best you can sir. Thank you most appreciated here.
stuck in the snow... from a warm beautiful Houston area with the breeze blowing across me at night up here in North Platte Nebraska snowing and going to go up to Rapid City South Dakota for Monday delivery.. yeah I like your idea of a new truck take all the money you make and earmarked it for the business - you know your money that you want you know 7080 Buck a mile whatever it is but yes you have to have your maintenance what about 3cent amile for tires or something.. saving my money that way I could keep my money in the bank it alone for a new truck you know ,, have that emergency fund set up
You should take a portrait of the truck and use the surround as a frame. And if you fire the current driver, hire a really good looking blonde who likes to drive top less (and if you want a lot more subscribers and likes, take all the air ride off of the truck).
Great video and information. I drove as a company driver for several years and then drive locally for awhile but stopped driving 7 years ago. I have been thinking of buying a truck and driving again. Real life videos and information are appreciated. Thanks
I was a Canadian O/O for 30 years. It was good back then. Then things got more and more complicated. I had my own contracts. Then the immigrants started trucking and were undercutting my contracts. One went for 30% less than what was charging. You can't run a truck for just a paycheck. It's a business and has to make a profit. If you're just gonna make a paycheck, you may as well stay a company driver and not have the headaches. This is an awesome video. Just take his advice, he has it down to a tee. It got to a point I just retired. Just check thoroughly the company you want to go to. Check with their owner operators how they are doing.
Because if you have cash to pay for it it just means you know how to make and manage money, not that you don’t want to continue to work. Really appreciate your channel!
thanks prior to a week ago i didnt know anything about trucking. I mow 150 residential yards but Im considering investing my energy into the trucking business
Shit man thats alot of help for a rookie like myself . Im kinda far away from being a owner operator . I wish that I couldve got into this back when I was young . now im 40 and I wasted 24 years of my life being a carpenter . so being a trucker is a luxury to me considering how rough I lived in the past 25 years . ive become much more disciplined with money these days so im looking to make the next 10 to 15 years alot better than living off of 400 to 500 a week and hell alot of times I didnt even make that much considering all the slow weeks or slow months that ive had lol but im excited and have refreshed motivation . you for sure have a thumbs up from me dude .
Thank you for the video. I’m still a rookie but i listen to people with years in the industry. I have a lot of family & close friends who drive but you can never get too much information. My father told me the same thing you said in the video, “be company as long as possible & do your research”. Being an O/O is a big task. I feel these days people don’t love the industry like they did when i was younger watching the older guys. Hope to see you out here one day & thanks once again.
Im not sure why everyone in this industry makes it sound like being an owner operator is next to impossible. My only experience driving is in the Army. I plan on paying cash for my first truck and go out on my own right away. Life is about taking risks. You have to decide if you want to work for someone else or be your own boss. No risk, no reward.
so would a large chunk of money aside from maintenance account, be needed for fuel cost? or is this covered by landstar for example, and then deducted from your weekly settlement. How does this work? Fuel card?
Damn man that is a really nice truck. I saw the Landstar Inway on the side and it brought back memories when I used to work at a steel forging plant in Spring Grove, IL called Scot Forge. I used to load a dozen or more Landstar trucks every week, sometimes it would be that many in a single day. Always loved seeing you guys because of all the truckers I had to deal with every single landstar driver had their shit together and their heads out of their asses. Once I put a piece on a truck it was rare that I had to move it or play around with it like I had to with other drivers lol.
Not a truck driver, but enjoy your videos. I've owned two companies and know you have to be good with money. My brother was a Safety Manager at Dart for years and always said you can make it in trucking, but you need to watch every penny. If you don't have any money, it will be a tough road. Paying to use someone elses money sucks because you are the one doing the work. Also, don't forget taxes, health insurance etc. You are pretty smart and know what your are doing. BTW, maintenance sucks and warranty's are good. That's why I always trade in when the warranty is running out.
Wow. Really confusing. If you watch the Tube 50% of the old timers say run away from trucking cause the money is gone and about 5% are claiming six figure incomes that are hard to believe. The other 45% seem to change companies like women change underwear. I’ve been a commercial driver for about 3 years driving box trucks and thought about moving into trucking but I don’t know.
Thanks for sharing a lot of use full information hope your gonna do more on owner operator, an you do just fine on your notes we all get too ramblem on lol... an get sidetracked that's why am called cricket am always chirping... I see a lot of Landstar trucks my way and this couple just sign to expedite with em left another company said they wished done it sooner said their really happy with Landstar, as always thanks for sharing have a great week and God bless
Go shoot that LOUD Crow!lol. Another good video Tim. I've been considering LS this pasted year, glad you showed alittle how it works. I know what I need to make, just looking for a suitable trailer now. Just getting tyrd of not making full earning potential with just leasing my tractor out. I know it cost more money with owning your own T&T, but like you know there is more earning potential having your own equipment.
I love this guy. I kept saying to myself come on man get to the point, after the video was over i thought about buying that chrome from him and haven't bought my truck yet!!!
I never put any dime from my private wallet into a truck, a truck needs to be efficient. I know a driver who polishes his truck and saying "I am good to it so the truck brings me home" wrong, proper working brakes and a clean fuel system brings you home! If you buy a used truck and you don't know its past and you don't have enough technical expertise than buy this expertise and have it checked carefully, spending on a technical inspection before buying my save you a fortune later.
Sir Tim !! You made a comment that your Pete would do better on a step deck or flatbed !!! You can as you know,,buy a wing for the roof or you can buy a cabinet style headache rack to go behind the cab to fill in some f the space that catches the wind !!! And if you decide to go with a step deck,,there are the ones that have canvas sides that have sliders on them so that you can load crane freight as well as have a air lift level off at dock level and load pallet freight too !!! Just my opinion !!! KEEP IT SAFE !!!
I agree, I’m from Baltimore and I drive a motor coach on the weekend. I took Morgan State University to Morgantown, West Virginia and I had to travel interstate 68 and it is a real challenge, the hills and curves and at night. I have traveled it before but you influenced me to think it’s the worst interstate in the country. 🤗
LIG T hank You for he honest review about your situation as an O/O. I was running coast to coast hauling produce from Mexicali(Hee Hee) to Boston for a few years and I could not believe the opinions from the LandStar O/O's on how much they like it there, I mean, come on we are talking truck drivers here and not one bad response. I've been dreaming lately but the reviews on LandStar seem to have been showing preference to the chosen few O/O's, What o you think?
Mike Feeley I’ve heard the best loads are not on the board, I always ran the board when I was there and I did quite well, but yes if you can find and build those relationships, then your all set, but you can’t go wrong with Landstar, probably one of the best choices there is out there.
First off I want to thank you for this video, it's going to come in handy while I plan to become an owner operator in the future. Secondly, as a fellow RUclipsr, I would recommend that you check out wondershare filmora. It's the editing software I use on my channel, it's easy to use once you get used to it, and it would be pretty handy if you do future videos like this where you want to explain how to do things, or show your laptop screen if you want to show how you do something on the computer.
Marvin Ferrell the trailer is the highest profit margin of my business, it doesn’t cost much to operate and earns an additional 7% in revenue with my current contract with Landstar.
Life is Good. Thanks for responding. I have been driving big trucks for 37 years and I was an owner operator 20 years ago for about a year. I am going to retire from the post office in March and I want to get back in the game. Your videos are very encouraging, I plan to do the same. I can’t go to Landstar because they say I don’t have the OTR experience, I talked to Mercer and they may accept me. I talked you Peterbilt Steve about that 389 also, everything is looking good. Hope to see you out there. Get the videos coming. Thanks again
As also spot on information about the business!!!! Also true I really don't watch the trucker video's anymore......just to much 1st grade little girl drama!!!!!!You worry about yourself........ If I could ask you a question why did you go with Petetbeilt Steve rather than another dealer???. Don't get me wrong I love the time and effort he puts into those trucks!!!!! You can tell he really case's about what he put's on the road.....As always that Pete you drive around this country in is absolutely beautiful and it show's what type of effort you put into her........LIFE IS GOOD and your doing things the right way and it show's!!! Again thank you for taking your personal time to make these video's.......The information you give out is priceless......Have yourself a great weekend sir!!!
I’m commenting before the end of this video. One thing that stands out to me, at this moment is this, a driver NEEDS to have the mindset of an owner, instead of a company driver. Regardless of how much time said driver has been trucking
40 year company driver here very nice job thanks I'm thinking of go9in out on my Owen after I retire over 3 million miles and im finding out I really no very little abought the mony side
That’s probably the singular thing that most people didn’t know about Trucking. The department of labor classifies truck driving as unskilled labor. Same classification as a migrant farmer picking fruit in Cali.
Not to get too involved into your business. I do have a question about Landstar, I don't know if this has to do with they're "tool box" that you speak of. But as an owner operator do they pay for fuel and insurance?
I've been driving with CR England for about a month. Planning on switching companies but dont know where to go. My ultimate goal is to be an owner op but I'm gonna have to save for a while til I can afford it
If you’re moving a load from Landstar and let’s say the trailer has a flat tire, do you call roadside and Landstar pays or do you pay out of pocket first and get reimbursed?
On your new head lights did that just plug into factory connectors? If so i think they are hyperblinking. To stop they and make it blink like stock you need to install a resistor.
Matthew McEwen they blink outside normal, only a slight faster blink inside with only the turn signal on, four ways provide enough of a resistance, it doesn’t bother me, only bothers people on RUclips, outside is totally normal, I promise.
You used to be a fire fighter? I’m a paramedic! I left EMS to try my hand at trucking, and after three years I went back. I have been considering going back out on the road, but only as an owner op(with a readjustment period as a company driver first.) As you know there is no money in emergency services, so I want to be an owner op to provide better for my family. I would like to ask a couple of unrelated questions though... why do some o/o put the VIN on the side of the truck? Do you display the annual inspection sticker and if so where do you hide it because I have yet to see one you that slick ride. I enjoy watching your videos, keep ‘em coming!
heres a hot tip from some one with the third truck purchased. truck is a tool fuel cost are high cut your fuel cost buy a cascadia and gear it for fuel milage. im a local operation with 4 drivers in 2 trucks ah 8.0 mpg. do you have any idea what that does to your bottom line for cost. 2nd do something not many do. i do onlly hazmat tanker stuff. $$$$$$$$ those pete are nice but gues what they are money pit in every aspect. fuel wise and that stupid name on it they want 3 to 4 times the cost of stuff thats cosmetic just cause it a chinease steel pete. yes the parts for pete are made in chinese steel mill in oakland california. with chinese labor and chinese iron ore.
At Landstar you have a cutoff day every week to get your paperwork turned in, and then you get paid two business days later. Landstar pays you. You don't need to do your own collections or use a factor.
+TRUCKER Bell Landstar pays drivers weekly and carries the float until they get paid by the customer. So there's no 90 day wait or any need for a driver to pay a factor.
To be honest I remember in school my instructor Mr. Boman stated.. to never lease to be a Glorified company driver because your just paying off someone else's truck and best advise he gave us was buy your own truck and trailer and he's right. Thank you again for your advise and keep them coming
do you really profit more from owning your own trailer? what about owning your own truck and contracting through another company where you get their loads and their trailers?
In the land of idiot RUclips truckers, you are about 50 steps above...a REAL truck driver with spot on videos and advice. I’ve been driving almost 5 years and with the same company for almost the last 4...been tinkering with the idea of stepping out on my own. Your videos are very much appreciated. Keep up the professional work.
admorris11 I agree. There's no BS nor drama on this channel
I'll 2nd that. Sincere, genuine, and well thought out advice. And a success! That says a lot!
admorris11 that’s funny so explain your 50 steps ahead cut it out he’s good but wht are you is the question tinkling the idea lol.
Absolutely the best channel I've come across for info. Look forward to more videos. Thank you.
Good information I like to watch him and I don't even drive a truck yet. I have always wanted to drive one and im hoping to get to.
Only wanted to say I have a 07 columbia paid off, million miles. In past years only had to do oil which I changed and a steering gear box. Not all used trucks are that bad. And doing good for me for now
Depends on how you drive them✊🏾 I'm looking for something with a pre- emission cat😥
My 93 Peterbilt 379 Cat 3406 is still running good..🐎💰😎👌
I first became on o/o in 2009. Bought a high mileage 9 y.o. Volvo for cheap and leased onto a local carrier. They had a dedicated drop n hook for me Mon-Thurs. I was home every night & had a 3 day weekend. Did not make a lot of $$ but it opened the door. Paid cash for truck & it was paid off in a couple months. It did nickle & dime me but was better than a big monthly truck payment. I certainly gained experience with wrenching on trucks & trailers. lol.. I agree that guys can't manage $$ when their settlement checks arrive. "They gotta go buy that Harley" haha. I've had some big settlement checks also but it goes into the bank or pays down debt. My last carrier was a small fleet of owner ops out of WI and had a 90/10 split with them.. and they did most of my book work (IFTA) & found good loads paying 2-3/mile, sometimes more. Normal weekly gross for me was $4500-$6000. Lowest was $2500, high around $8500. Landstar has a nice loadboard layout. "I don't pay my driver much.. he ain't worth it". haha. You're right tho.. it depends on freight, length of haul, where u wanna run, how long u wanna be out, etc. You make great points & got some good info for guys that are thinking about making the jump. "I'm fixin to go shoot a crow" lol. Good video. ':)
One piece of advice..learn the freight lanes..know where to go and not to go
You always say you are off on a tangent, off topic. You give just as much good information on your tangents as when you stay on topic. I thank you for sharing your experience!
Kevin Posner I feel like my idiotic ramblings are A.D.D but I appreciate you saying that and thanks for watching.
Life is Good. After you decide to retire from that career sir become a Teacher because you are very easy to listen to and learn from.
Wrong! it 8mins to get to any useful information
I’ve been saving from being a company driver, on my second season. I should be at 25k, once I sell my extra car. I’ll have enough for the emergency fund and down payment early next year. Now I know what the minimum amount in the emergency fund should be, Thanks!
Tim you did a great service for alot of young skinners who think they want to own a truck .
John Fry thanks
Sounds to me like owner ops are breaking even. With the few successful one barely doubling a company drivers wages if they're lucky. Everyone keeps saying the freedom 🙄 i want the money financial freedom is as free as it gets for truck drivers. I hate to say it but I think the owner op days are over between emissions, crooked dot,insurance, and no legislation on brokers you'd be lucky to make what co. Drivers do. Hey atleast you can say your a super trucker.
Great video Tim. I really appreciate that you share your knowledge. I think that will make a better trucking community for all drivers. I also appreciate that you give 4 wheelers tips about driving near a big truck. Accidents with big trucks and 4 wheelers are completely avoidable. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next video.
Robert Ellis thank you and thanks for watching
45 yr's or so years ago I was one of those young skinners who wanted to buy a used truck from a guy , I got lucky and the guy liked me or felt sorry for me , knew I had a couple of little kids and a wife and he talked me out of buying that truck , I thank him to this day because I would have failed , I knew nothing about what it took to own that truck .
I love your vids. I got into trucking in 77. When I was 21. Worked 3 years for my neighbor then bought my own. I was over the road driving a 1975 Pete 352 with a Cat 1693TA, 13spd, and 411s. No Jake. Ended up hauling flats. Worked for George Transfer & Rigging hauling steel and machinery. When Pittsburg still made steel... I owned 3 Pete's. The last was a 92, 379. 63" flat top. The last of the mechanical gov. 3406 with 425 hs. 15 over and 390s. Loved that truck. But by then the business had gone to hell do I got out. Went to work hauling heavy equipment for local heavy haulers in Jersey regional from Boston to maybe Baltimore and Pa. I got all the way out in 2005. I still miss the way it was. Don't even like the look of most of the trucks anymore. Automatics? Can't imagine. Glad to see the stick in yours. Pete still has the best looking truck on the road. Good luck out there brother. I saw the one vid where the jack ass about stopped in front of you in the left lane! Sorry for laughing but after a lifetime driving in N.J., N.Y. Conn...Mass...it's just a bit too familiar. I subscribed. Have a good one driver.
My dad had a pete just like that. '73 with a 1693. He had a brakesaver on his. Leaked oil like crazy. Hauled steel around Chicago.
Being an O/O is not all the gravy everyone thinks it is. You have to be a smart business man. You are giving people a lot of good advise & hopefully they will listen.
First time seeing your videos and im blown away . You covered more in 30 minutes than i have seen in 10 years. Please keep the videos coming and God bless .
I liked that ramble about rookie mistakes and the story of you stuck at the home depot. You should do a video using the head camera with you getting out of tight jams. It would be instructive to rookies like me.
Looking cool comes at a price! Great line!
Much appreciated... good information in a homespun, conversational style. Keep them coming!
Next time you are in the Sacramento area, lunch is on me.
mokpot 👍
Oh my God finally a video with info not just mindless shout outs to people more so a trucker who isn’t complaining about being a trucker!!! All you usually get from RUclips is bitching and moaning so refreshing thank you
David Lackey your welcome, now tell your friends to come and watch my idiotic ramblings
3 to 5 yrs is too long. Some people are not that savvy and take longer to comprehend things. 1 year is long enough if you have average to above IQ
really depends on your financial situation as well
Not carrying credit card debt,maintaining 10k in the bank for the Trk.,it takes a lot of decipline & decipline takes time.
Thank you so much for the info that you give. You are such a genuine person sharing knowledge and it’s truly a blessing. Too many people on RUclips that exaggerate and contradict themselves or just shouting out noise and listening to you and what you have shared is amazing. Thank you sir.
Real Talk thank you for that and for watching 👍
Had heard the math involved from min 7 to min 15 before. That’s really good info!! I’m glad you talked me into staying as a company driver to learn the most as possible before stepping out on my own. You got some funny plugs in there too. Thanks buddy, stay safe.
Just want to thank you for blessings!!!!!! ( Great Advice ) I am not in the Industry ( Yet ) So I am an Infant to this.... So when you said Have Ten Thousand Saved and a Ten Thousand on a Credit, This makes all the sense in the world...!!! It’s the Lil things in life that can make a Geat Difference!!!! Thank you again....
Sir Tim !! You gave out some good advise for the kids to consider b/4 going" head over heels" into debt for the rest of their life !! KEEP IT SAFE !!!
Thanks for the info! My truck will be a KW W900 with the 112" sleeper. 8)
Great video Tim, I wish I would have gotten my cdl in my 20"s that would have been ideal!
Maybe in your country its 'unskilled job ',come over to Europe and drive here and then you will see how much training we get and the mandatory extra schooling you need every 5 years to keep your license.Its more regulated and stricter in Europe then in that country you are from.
Willem Van Oranje Can you further explain this, or direct me to somewhere with more info?
I used to live in Europe when I was studying abroad for a year (Madrid, Spain). I'm back in California and about to take my driving test in a week or so to become a truck driver (with all my endorsements, too!). I plan to move back to Madrid in 5-10 years. I'm not sure if I'll still be a truck driver then, but I've pondered at the idea of being a European truck driver for a couple of years or so; however, it's my understanding that European truck drivers make a lot less in comparison to American truck drivers -- so that's a bit discouraging.
What country do you live in Europe? How much do they generally make? Would I be able to transfer my American Commercial Driving License for a European CDL from a country like Spain without having to go to school or some type of training? As soon as I get my license, I will have all the endorsements, so I can transport hazardous materials (HazMat), double-triple trailers, tankers, and even passengers, haha, basically being able to haul anything.
Thanks in advance for reading.
I appreciate the information you provide. I am graduating Ait here in Phoenix Az. On March 30, 2018. I don't have to take a internship program for 6 weeks with any carrier. So I have had many carriers offering me jobs already. But I so far got a Dedicated run running a 1999 Pete with 525hp 18-spd with a low-boy 9 car hauler I'm gonna be running. My plan is to learn as much information you've provided and I'm gonna continue to watch and learn from you as much as I can. I appreciate your time and consideration to help and educate us the best you can sir. Thank you most appreciated here.
Steve, curious how you are doing since you commented. I'm interested in cdl school.
Producer, Manager, Good worker... not just that: You are my HERO in my life.
ANDREASRIAL 👍
Another great vid Tim! Thanks for posting it so quick & keep em coming!
Looking at my costs, you're right on target. Chrome don't get you home. I didn't get a Harley, I got a 2018 BMW GSA.
Billy Ray oh nice bike, great choice my friend
Best advice I've heard out of all the O/O on RUclips.
stuck in the snow...
from a warm beautiful Houston area with the breeze blowing across me at night up here in North Platte Nebraska snowing and going to go up to Rapid City South Dakota for Monday delivery..
yeah I like your idea of a new truck take all the money you make and earmarked it for the business - you know your money that you want you know 7080 Buck a mile whatever it is but yes you have to have your maintenance what about 3cent amile for tires or something..
saving my money that way I could keep my money in the bank it alone for a new truck you know ,, have that emergency fund set up
You should take a portrait of the truck and use the surround as a frame. And if you fire the current driver, hire a really good looking blonde who likes to drive top less (and if you want a lot more subscribers and likes, take all the air ride off of the truck).
Great video and information. I drove as a company driver for several years and then drive locally for awhile but stopped driving 7 years ago. I have been thinking of buying a truck and driving again. Real life videos and information are appreciated. Thanks
I was a Canadian O/O for 30 years. It was good back then. Then things got more and more complicated. I had my own contracts. Then the immigrants started trucking and were undercutting my contracts. One went for 30% less than what was charging. You can't run a truck for just a paycheck. It's a business and has to make a profit. If you're just gonna make a paycheck, you may as well stay a company driver and not have the headaches.
This is an awesome video. Just take his advice, he has it down to a tee. It got to a point I just retired. Just check thoroughly the company you want to go to. Check with their owner operators how they are doing.
Great advise and talking points. Congrats on your successful operation, you're a great driver
Jason Rawlings thank you
Emergency fund is 🔑!! “Maintenance account”
Life is good thank you for putting this together for everyone and taking the time out of your day to share your experiences. I appreciate it.
Raymond Bradley your welcome and thank you for watching it.
Im soon too get my CDL..Great info about the saving acc.. Thanks Tim
Man I really love your house, your whole spread is really nice; to hell with that truck, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED LOL.
how expensive is health insurance for a o/o... or how do i go about getting health ins. ?
Because if you have cash to pay for it it just means you know how to make and manage money, not that you don’t want to continue to work. Really appreciate your channel!
Three Swords thank you
thanks prior to a week ago i didnt know anything about trucking. I mow 150 residential yards but Im considering investing my energy into the trucking business
Shit man thats alot of help for a rookie like myself . Im kinda far away from being a owner operator . I wish that I couldve got into this back when I was young . now im 40 and I wasted 24 years of my life being a carpenter . so being a trucker is a luxury to me considering how rough I lived in the past 25 years . ive become much more disciplined with money these days so im looking to make the next 10 to 15 years alot better than living off of 400 to 500 a week and hell alot of times I didnt even make that much considering all the slow weeks or slow months that ive had lol but im excited and have refreshed motivation . you for sure have a thumbs up from me dude .
Thank you for the video. I’m still a rookie but i listen to people with years in the industry. I have a lot of family & close friends who drive but you can never get too much information. My father told me the same thing you said in the video, “be company as long as possible & do your research”. Being an O/O is a big task. I feel these days people don’t love the industry like they did when i was younger watching the older guys. Hope to see you out here one day & thanks once again.
Thanks for the videos. Starting my trucking career Monday morning. A lot of helpful insight from your videos!!
Im not sure why everyone in this industry makes it sound like being an owner operator is next to impossible. My only experience driving is in the Army. I plan on paying cash for my first truck and go out on my own right away. Life is about taking risks. You have to decide if you want to work for someone else or be your own boss. No risk, no reward.
so would a large chunk of money aside from maintenance account, be needed for fuel cost? or is this covered by landstar for example, and then deducted from your weekly settlement. How does this work? Fuel card?
Aaron W you get a Comdata Fuel card from Landstar and you can take out advances on the load to cover fuel cost
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm interested in buying my own truck. What are your plans for electronic logs? Do you have a system in mind?
Thomas Kirkpatrick currently running a Qualcomm, that’s what Landstar uses, if I was to go out on my own, I would probably pick the keep trucking one.
Damn man that is a really nice truck. I saw the Landstar Inway on the side and it brought back memories when I used to work at a steel forging plant in Spring Grove, IL called Scot Forge. I used to load a dozen or more Landstar trucks every week, sometimes it would be that many in a single day. Always loved seeing you guys because of all the truckers I had to deal with every single landstar driver had their shit together and their heads out of their asses. Once I put a piece on a truck it was rare that I had to move it or play around with it like I had to with other drivers lol.
Mike K sadly that’s not the case anymore, Landstar hires on anyone and everyone, only need one year of experience and a Truck
Life is Good. Yeah no doubt things have changed since i used to interact with them. Its been damn near 10 years since i had that job.
You should Ups some of these Ups loads during Christmas time. All yard are made for tractors, no waiting on loads. And plenty of them!
I like this guy.....
He is a VERY knolegable BUSINESS MAN....... I understand him..
What a great vid, appreciate the information. I can really understand you also run into situations regardless the experience. Happy thanksgivin bud.
Alberto Gonzalez thanks and Happy Thanksgiving
Great video thanks for taking the time and going through the trouble. Keep 'em coming.
Not a truck driver, but enjoy your videos. I've owned two companies and know you have to be good with money. My brother was a Safety Manager at Dart for years and always said you can make it in trucking, but you need to watch every penny. If you don't have any money, it will be a tough road. Paying to use someone elses money sucks because you are the one doing the work. Also, don't forget taxes, health insurance etc. You are pretty smart and know what your are doing. BTW, maintenance sucks and warranty's are good. That's why I always trade in when the warranty is running out.
Wow. Really confusing. If you watch the Tube 50% of the old timers say run away from trucking cause the money is gone and about 5% are claiming six figure incomes that are hard to believe. The other 45% seem to change companies like women change underwear. I’ve been a commercial driver for about 3 years driving box trucks and thought about moving into trucking but I don’t know.
Thanks for sharing a lot of use full information hope your gonna do more on owner operator, an you do just fine on your notes we all get too ramblem on lol... an get sidetracked that's why am called cricket am always chirping... I see a lot of Landstar trucks my way and this couple just sign to expedite with em left another company said they wished done it sooner said their really happy with Landstar, as always thanks for sharing have a great week and God bless
Great video ...real informative...I’ve been curious about landstar and you gaveme some great info!...keep it coming!
Great video!....very informative! Keep it coming!
B Smith Sr thank you, 👍
Go shoot that LOUD Crow!lol. Another good video Tim. I've been considering LS this pasted year, glad you showed alittle how it works. I know what I need to make, just looking for a suitable trailer now. Just getting tyrd of not making full earning potential with just leasing my tractor out. I know it cost more money with owning your own T&T, but like you know there is more earning potential having your own equipment.
Rob McCaw trailer doesn’t eat much at all.
Thanks for the informative video ........ " I don't pay my driver much " lol
Chrome don't get you home 💰😎👌
Great video Tim, a lot of good information you have. Hope you have a safe week, will have to meet up one day and have lunch. Thanks again
Arron Moberly Thank you
My dad was an owner operator for Landstar for a few years in their heavy haul division. He always said Landstar was a cream of the crop company.
Very awesome video. I know a few guys who use land star too and they love it. I learned a lot, thank you very much!
I love this guy. I kept saying to myself come on man get to the point, after the video was over i thought about buying that chrome from him and haven't bought my truck yet!!!
Very good and spot on my friend.. a lot to learn out here to be successful..
I never put any dime from my private wallet into a truck, a truck needs to be efficient. I know a driver who polishes his truck and saying "I am good to it so the truck brings me home" wrong, proper working brakes and a clean fuel system brings you home! If you buy a used truck and you don't know its past and you don't have enough technical expertise than buy this expertise and have it checked carefully, spending on a technical inspection before buying my save you a fortune later.
Sir Tim !! You made a comment that your Pete would do better on a step deck or flatbed !!! You can as you know,,buy a wing for the roof or you can buy a cabinet style headache rack to go behind the cab to fill in some f the space that catches the wind !!! And if you decide to go with a step deck,,there are the ones that have canvas sides that have sliders on them so that you can load crane freight as well as have a air lift level off at dock level and load pallet freight too !!! Just my opinion !!! KEEP IT SAFE !!!
I agree, I’m from Baltimore and I drive a motor coach on the weekend. I took Morgan State University to Morgantown, West Virginia and I had to travel interstate 68 and it is a real challenge, the hills and curves and at night. I have traveled it before but you influenced me to think it’s the worst interstate in the country. 🤗
LIG T hank You for he honest review about your situation as an O/O. I was running coast to coast hauling produce from Mexicali(Hee Hee) to Boston for a few years and I could not believe the opinions from the LandStar O/O's on how much they like it there, I mean, come on we are talking truck drivers here and not one bad response. I've been dreaming lately but the reviews on LandStar seem to have been showing preference to the chosen few O/O's, What o you think?
Mike Feeley I’ve heard the best loads are not on the board, I always ran the board when I was there and I did quite well, but yes if you can find and build those relationships, then your all set, but you can’t go wrong with Landstar, probably one of the best choices there is out there.
First off I want to thank you for this video, it's going to come in handy while I plan to become an owner operator in the future. Secondly, as a fellow RUclipsr, I would recommend that you check out wondershare filmora. It's the editing software I use on my channel, it's easy to use once you get used to it, and it would be pretty handy if you do future videos like this where you want to explain how to do things, or show your laptop screen if you want to show how you do something on the computer.
Great nob again Tim. I think you passed me today on 44 west going into Oklahoma.
Jason Johnson that wasn’t me, don’t hit that part of the country much
What’s the benefit of owning your own trailer? Is the extra expensive worth it? Young old dude trucker.
Marvin Ferrell the trailer is the highest profit margin of my business, it doesn’t cost much to operate and earns an additional 7% in revenue with my current contract with Landstar.
Life is Good. Thanks for responding. I have been driving big trucks for 37 years and I was an owner operator 20 years ago for about a year. I am going to retire from the post office in March and I want to get back in the game. Your videos are very encouraging, I plan to do the same. I can’t go to Landstar because they say I don’t have the OTR experience, I talked to Mercer and they may accept me. I talked you Peterbilt Steve about that 389 also, everything is looking good. Hope to see you out there. Get the videos coming. Thanks again
And when you bring your own trailer you know what condition it is in which is a big plus
So much truth, and well thought out advice, based on real world experience and hard work; not internet poppycock!
As also spot on information about the business!!!! Also true I really don't watch the trucker video's anymore......just to much 1st grade little girl drama!!!!!!You worry about yourself........ If I could ask you a question why did you go with Petetbeilt Steve rather than another dealer???. Don't get me wrong I love the time and effort he puts into those trucks!!!!! You can tell he really case's about what he put's on the road.....As always that Pete you drive around this country in is absolutely beautiful and it show's what type of effort you put into her........LIFE IS GOOD and your doing things the right way and it show's!!! Again thank you for taking your personal time to make these video's.......The information you give out is priceless......Have yourself a great weekend sir!!!
Joshua Mack a Peterbilt Steve Truck is very well specked out and probably cheaper than most other dealers across the country.
Thank you........I love his trucks love the little touches you put on your truck!!!She is one of a kind!!!
I’m commenting before the end of this video. One thing that stands out to me, at this moment is this, a driver NEEDS to have the mindset of an owner, instead of a company driver. Regardless of how much time said driver has been trucking
Very true indeed, I missed lots of valuable points in this segment, my ramblings already made it to long as it was.
40 year company driver here very nice job thanks I'm thinking of go9in out on my Owen after I retire over 3 million miles and im finding out I really no very little abought the mony side
Quick question. Would you like rather sit and wait for the next load? Or go ahead and dead head to the next load? Thanks for your time and videos.
I enjoy the video seriously! I found you through MC and I'm learning a lot.
Joe Wheeler Mc ?
MakeCents*
That’s probably the singular thing that most people didn’t know about Trucking. The department of labor classifies truck driving as unskilled labor. Same classification as a migrant farmer picking fruit in Cali.
Great video, very informative. Keep up the great work brother
You have the best videos on here. I hope to someday drive. I plan on living in the truck though
Not to get too involved into your business. I do have a question about Landstar, I don't know if this has to do with they're "tool box" that you speak of. But as an owner operator do they pay for fuel and insurance?
Very informative, I learned alot from your video, I've thought about having my own truck for years.
Your peterbilt, is it a cat diesel? ,Cummins, ?which do you prefer for overall reliability and power.?
I absolutely love your truck! thanks for the good vids
I've been driving with CR England for about a month. Planning on switching companies but dont know where to go. My ultimate goal is to be an owner op but I'm gonna have to save for a while til I can afford it
Tim, did you pick 290" for a reason? Do you wish you would of ordered longer or shorter?
Sam O haven’t we had this conversation already?
Life is Good. lol. maybe. I'll good look.
If you’re moving a load from Landstar and let’s say the trailer has a flat tire, do you call roadside and Landstar pays or do you pay out of pocket first and get reimbursed?
Roman company trailer is covered by the company, they pay up front not you
On your new head lights did that just plug into factory connectors? If so i think they are hyperblinking. To stop they and make it blink like stock you need to install a resistor.
Matthew McEwen they blink outside normal, only a slight faster blink inside with only the turn signal on, four ways provide enough of a resistance, it doesn’t bother me, only bothers people on RUclips, outside is totally normal, I promise.
You used to be a fire fighter? I’m a paramedic! I left EMS to try my hand at trucking, and after three years I went back. I have been considering going back out on the road, but only as an owner op(with a readjustment period as a company driver first.) As you know there is no money in emergency services, so I want to be an owner op to provide better for my family.
I would like to ask a couple of unrelated questions though... why do some o/o put the VIN on the side of the truck? Do you display the annual inspection sticker and if so where do you hide it because I have yet to see one you that slick ride. I enjoy watching your videos, keep ‘em coming!
Good morning, you have a personal 2.30 gr per mile at 72 percent. With leasing to landstar how is your fuel surcharge figured?
heres a hot tip from some one with the third truck purchased. truck is a tool fuel cost are high cut your fuel cost buy a cascadia and gear it for fuel milage. im a local operation with 4 drivers in 2 trucks ah 8.0 mpg. do you have any idea what that does to your bottom line for cost. 2nd do something not many do. i do onlly hazmat tanker stuff. $$$$$$$$ those pete are nice but gues what they are money pit in every aspect. fuel wise and that stupid name on it they want 3 to 4 times the cost of stuff thats cosmetic just cause it a chinease steel pete. yes the parts for pete are made in chinese steel mill in oakland california. with chinese labor and chinese iron ore.
Good info, thanks. As an owner-operator what is the average pay rate per mile ??
how long does it take for you to get paid after delivering a load?
why so long??
At Landstar you have a cutoff day every week to get your paperwork turned in, and then you get paid two business days later. Landstar pays you. You don't need to do your own collections or use a factor.
+TRUCKER Bell Landstar pays drivers weekly and carries the float until they get paid by the customer. So there's no 90 day wait or any need for a driver to pay a factor.
nospam3001 exactly what he said, thank you
Extremely valuable information, Thank You Sir.
ANDREASRIAL your welcome and thanks for watching
Good to know the info because I will need all the advice that I can get. Thank you sir.
cub67 your welcome
thank you for the great insight left me with a lot to think about
chris warras hopefully it helps
Nice video, thank you for taking the time. How often do you do your PM’s?
Sir Tim !! Have a Good Thanksgiving !!! Wait to see what you come up with next !! KEEP IT SAFE !!
Very good video! You give very sound advice!
That was a beautiful setup!