What You Need to Know About Becoming an Independent Owner Operator

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  • Опубліковано 11 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 107

  • @g41thomas
    @g41thomas 2 роки тому

    Everything you said is a million dollar advice. All one need to know to be an owner operator you said it on this video.... listen to this video and take notes very very good video💯💥👈👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙏

  • @jesusofamerica
    @jesusofamerica Рік тому

    I remember my mom telling me stories about trucking, her almost driving and the insanely violent trucking stikes

  • @r0adwarri0r90
    @r0adwarri0r90 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the knowledge

  • @antonioo8911
    @antonioo8911 6 років тому +3

    I've started this year as an owner-operator, or independent truck driver in Brazil and what you just said fits 100% in my reality. It's tough to put the hands on the money you dealt with the middlemen, they're always trying to find ways of not paying the freight completely, besides many "ticket-traps" on the road, and other surprises. On the other side, as you said, when the thing goes fine, is a very pleasant work. You are your boss, and that's awesome. In brief, there's many problems, but we still trying. Following our heart and working hard to progress to a bigger and better truck, to better loads and above all to maintain alive this "fading breed". Thanks Dave for sharing your experience! I really appreciate it. Antonio, Brazil.

  • @andrewgarcia5546
    @andrewgarcia5546 2 роки тому +2

    This is some good information sir. Currently working my way up to a class A license. Can’t wait to join the trucking world myself.

  • @JC-is7tw
    @JC-is7tw 6 років тому +1

    Thank you Mr Dave for you information , i'm learning a lot .Next month i'll get my CDL A your videos are very interesting and i'm improving my english!! Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you ! i'm from Colombia but i'm living in New York right now.

  • @ntime2095
    @ntime2095 6 років тому +18

    Just ran my first two weeks under my own authority. So far I like it but definitely stressful and like you said mechanical surprises suck haha.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +4

      Keep up with the receivables and stay safe Nathan! Dave

  • @TroyP20
    @TroyP20 6 років тому +11

    I’m always grateful for this information

  • @beegood9395
    @beegood9395 6 років тому +5

    Great video. I like your honest advice. My father enjoyed runs Chicago to California. I went with him a few times when I was young. Stay safe and drive safe. Good luck.

  • @frodrickfronkensteen9241
    @frodrickfronkensteen9241 6 років тому +2

    I read a Rolling Stone article from back in the day that detailed the truck strike(s) I think you're mentioning. It was an interesting article and an intriguing insight into the "Daves" of yesterday, way back when "trucking" was trucking. --- 40 years! 4 million miles! The things you must have seen.... Another good one Dave !

  • @fredbazoo
    @fredbazoo 6 років тому +2

    Thanks Dave....A great education from a true gentleman...👍

  • @ericfrazier8621
    @ericfrazier8621 4 роки тому +1

    I want to drive under my own authority, but I can afford the insurance down payment and the LLC. I got my CDL back in 2017

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  4 роки тому +1

      Good question! The incorporation cost isn't bad but the insurance can be a deal breaker. Decide where you want to run and then call for an estimate.

  • @timothyfritsch8801
    @timothyfritsch8801 6 років тому +2

    here now at the moment ill go rewatch your tanker videos as im not current on anything in that sector

  • @taurus-astrobike104
    @taurus-astrobike104 6 років тому +1

    I REALLY LOVE LOVE LOVE UR trucking Stories Dave..👍👍Thankyou Thankyou for sharing Always ✌

  • @humorme5367
    @humorme5367 6 років тому +3

    Great information! Thank you sir

  • @2324jakemiller
    @2324jakemiller 5 років тому

    thanks man i listen to what u say and take notes

  • @chefokazeio
    @chefokazeio 6 років тому +5

    Thank you sir for the advice

  • @mr.butterworth
    @mr.butterworth 6 років тому +8

    Unless you can form some very close relationships with some steady customers as Dave did, you’re probably better off just being an owner op leased onto a smaller carrier. Then taking your expendable income and investing it in something else. Save yourself the headache and just drive.

    • @Pete-from-Tn
      @Pete-from-Tn 6 років тому +1

      There's lots of high paying freight out there now. There's loads paying $4+ per mile right now.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      Good advice! Dave

    • @chris387
      @chris387 6 років тому

      Pete k direct shipper or brokers?

  • @cathybrown2789
    @cathybrown2789 6 років тому +2

    Well Dave as a independent with my own authority I can say your right on the Mark. Great episode. Never never plan is b s !!
    I run Sk to Qc. No USA .
    Would like to meet you or maybe I already have. Lol. I remember hauling for canyon before cool ex took over. I have my own customers

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      Thanks Cathy! What type of trailer do you pull? Dave

  • @joepoppenhagen5694
    @joepoppenhagen5694 6 років тому

    I went empty out of Florida to Ohio during that strike. North of Atlanta I saw a south bound cab over with a bed spring bolted on his windshield! They were throwing cement blocks off the overpass's The company I was leased to had a trailer got shot while going on I 80 in Ohio.

  • @dcijams
    @dcijams 6 років тому +1

    Yes, Just looking at, hotshot trucking, but in a Mid-size class 7-8 Kenworth T440, single axle w/sleeper ( flatbed )

  • @georgenoneofyourbusiness3555
    @georgenoneofyourbusiness3555 6 років тому +4

    Question for you. I'm not a trucker although I have thought about it, maybe someday down the line. I do want to say though, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Very informative. I especially like your storytelling ones. I listen to a lot of old Art Bell shows and am into the paranormal. I wanted to know if you have ever had anything paranormal happen to you in the road. Ghosts, UFOs, Bigfoot sightings? If so, could you make a video talking about that? Thanks for the entertainment friend.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +3

      Thank you George, and I do have a story about that! Dave

    • @georgenoneofyourbusiness3555
      @georgenoneofyourbusiness3555 6 років тому +1

      Thanks for the reply Dave. I hope you make a video with the story. I look forward to hearing it, and I'm sure a lot of people on the channel would like to hear it. Keep up the good work friend.

  • @cortransport
    @cortransport 6 років тому +2

    Yes stay away from cheap brokers, if you want to keep steady rates, keep good relationships with a few brokers, gotta do your part too.

  • @Pete-from-Tn
    @Pete-from-Tn 6 років тому +1

    My uncle had a bullet come into the cab with him back then. He was in AZ, and was running his old 1976 KW Cabover Bicentennial. Bullet was shot from above him. As it came in above the Windshield. And if my other Uncle had been in bunk. It would have hit him, but he had gotten into the pass seat. And was smoking.
    I used to have pictures of the old truck. Bullet hole and hole in the sheets and mattress.

  • @carychurchill733
    @carychurchill733 6 років тому +1

    Wow, I bet your buddy took a gulp after seeing that bullet hole.
    Great video, as always

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      Thanks Cary! Yeah, he was a tad upset. The trailer wasn't even a year old yet, at that point. Dave

  • @tommyreed8485
    @tommyreed8485 6 років тому +4

    I use load brokers how do you get your direct Work Dave?Please put a video out.

  • @truckerdamnyankee
    @truckerdamnyankee 6 років тому +1

    I've been following you, and listening, taking in ALL YOUR ADVICE.. Got alot of respect for you..
    I'm about 4-5 months new with my CDL-A. Had my CDL-B clean, for 5 yrs. I'm a company driver with Schneider and I'm having issues with dispatch. I feel their playing games.. So I stand up for myself, and speak up.. I don't want New Jersey/NYC area, and I keep getting routed there. Nearly avoiding big fines from all the ridiculous areas, and weight limits.. I may be done with Schneider because first and foremost I need to protect my license, right..?
    I want to be an OO. I don't have the year experience, but feel I would be good at it. Is there anyone you recommend..?
    Thanks for the videos.. I won't allow myself to be put in situations I feel uncomfortable in, and making no money..! Thank you the all the advice..
    Stay safe out there..!
    Tony

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +3

      Tony, I'm hearing a lot of good things about a tanker outfit called Dupre Logistics. Don't know if they're in your area but you might want to check them out. You're smart to protect your license and not let the carrier ruin it for their benefit! Dave

    • @mbechard10
      @mbechard10 6 років тому +1

      Dont go O/O yet get some more experience with a better company before diving in with the sharks

  • @mrj-charles6383
    @mrj-charles6383 6 років тому +1

    I never had my own authority always used brokers and companies. I enjoyed it just never good with paperwork. Keep thinking of buying another truck but I do not think there is enough money in it anymore to be worth it. When I was hauling Sea Containers "Cans" out of the Port of Baltimore I crossed the picket line. That was pretty intense but like you said in a previous video not much you can do when bills need to be paid. Just keep your doors locked and keep moving.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      Yep! You can bet none of those guys will step up to help you make your truck payment! Dave

  • @RayT70
    @RayT70 6 років тому +3

    Thumbs up. I'm glad your body was okay.

  • @DG-mo5kr
    @DG-mo5kr 5 років тому

    Good video!

  • @wallysworkin823
    @wallysworkin823 6 років тому

    Takes a hell of man to admit he wants to run in California, LOL. I spent 90 percent of my career hauling garbage out of Nogales and all over CA. I never had any major problems there, they treated me better than Oregon and Washington.

  • @jjgodfrey209
    @jjgodfrey209 6 років тому +2

    I would love to find a produce market that would do that ,can’t find any in my area .

  • @teejay9944
    @teejay9944 6 років тому +3

    Dammit Dave , I️ keep running these back hauls, but I️ never run into You!! 😂 😆

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      I traded I-80 for the bush roads. I rarely see anyone these days on the back haul! Occasional moose. Dave

  • @teejay9944
    @teejay9944 6 років тому +20

    Dammit Dave, I️ keep running these back hauls but I️ never seem to catch you. Maybe next time lol 😂

  • @GQ-jv9uw
    @GQ-jv9uw 6 років тому +1

    Crazy trucker story. But I been thinking about buying a truck, but letting another guy drive it for me. How hard do you think it would be for me?

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      I think it wouldn't be hard at all if your goal was to lose your shirt. Wouldn't try it myself these days. The rates are too cheap to cover the wages, the operating costs, and still get a steady return on your investment. Dave

    • @GQ-jv9uw
      @GQ-jv9uw 6 років тому

      Smart-Trucking.com OK thanks for the advice

  • @TheCalgarydoug
    @TheCalgarydoug 6 років тому +15

    In the late 70s I was running Detroit out of Hamilton hauling trash cans. The bridge guys were on strike and the truck and trailer I was driving would not go through the tunnel so the bridge was my only option. I always stopped at the picket line and explained politely that the bridge was where I had to cross but one day the striker I was talking to decided it would be a good idea to threaten me by saying that the guys on the US side were on strike too and they carry guns. I had a shooters bible magazine visible in one window and I smiled and said "oh I know they carry but you don't have to be American to carry a gun do you." After that they always waved me through.
    I hate paperwork and dealing with bureaucrats so I never did try being an owner operator. I did think about it but that's as far as it got.

  • @teejay9944
    @teejay9944 6 років тому +2

    @smarttrucking..... lol I heard that I did driver. ! Lol I don’t blame you either

  • @floydfan5993
    @floydfan5993 6 років тому +1

    Hi Dave, thanks again for some great info, whats your opinion on factoring and having your own authority as a new operator.?

  • @teejay9944
    @teejay9944 6 років тому +1

    We’ll keep I️-95 up through MD/PA/VA/WV WIDE OPEN FOR YA , when you do make it this way lol

  • @mrjv750li
    @mrjv750li 6 років тому +2

    This is a norm if your passing through Oakland or los angles you get shot at lol

  • @robertgary3561
    @robertgary3561 6 років тому +1

    Ever run the ice in the northern territories?

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      Farthest north I ever ran was Ft. McMurray. And that was too cold for me! Dave

  • @timothyfritsch8801
    @timothyfritsch8801 6 років тому +2

    hello dave here i am again faithfull student

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      Hello Timothy, how are you today? Dave

  • @timothyfritsch8801
    @timothyfritsch8801 6 років тому

    i wonder dave if you might like to checkout my study progress i been at TRUCKING TRUTH about 16,,18 months maybe longer site built by brett aquilla newyork guy seems an awfull lot like on of your students way back when he also recently turned in his truck and did a john riggins on us ,gone fishin great site though so far

  • @TNG64
    @TNG64 6 років тому

    Do you mean don’t use load brokers like
    Through DAT load board or Uber load board? If not using these tools, how do I “find” direct customers? Preparing for my own authority in early 2019. Really appreciate your channel.

  • @RickDeckardMemories
    @RickDeckardMemories 6 років тому +1

    Always interesting stories, thank you!
    However, I am a bit confused.
    A lot of your content deals with problems in the industry, particularly the dire plight of truckers, and how things are getting worse.
    Yet you were strike-breaking when drivers were attempting to improve their situation?

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      No, it was the meat packers who were on strike at the picket line I crossed. Dave

    • @RickDeckardMemories
      @RickDeckardMemories 6 років тому

      Smart-Trucking.com
      Understood.

  • @MrAxlzero
    @MrAxlzero 6 років тому +1

    we need another truck strike like that in the states and we need to target the big carriers not the drivers they are enemy number one

  • @timothyfritsch8801
    @timothyfritsch8801 6 років тому +1

    sorry dave u just caught me before i was headin to work im ok hanging on EG, i just closedup bar its 9.00pm fridaynite not good not good at all nobody around nothin to do so guess what ill study onward allthough i am starting to wonder what the alltime record logins might be as i been at it awhile so here try and steer me a bit NEXT umm where do i go as its alot of material

  • @dubl-a5041
    @dubl-a5041 5 років тому

    Thats the first i ever heard of trucking strike. What was it all about ??

  • @timothyfritsch8801
    @timothyfritsch8801 6 років тому +1

    i did take in most of that last video and thanks allthough i doubt i could ever get anywhere under my own authority besides i never do the paperwork im all old school friend hee hee ya might say gimme a truck gimme a quarry youll soon if not allready see how i value your input,,,hee hee reference,,point,,,,mentor,,, ask wife in a nice way if your cloneable cause we have a HUGE huge big dave shortage

  • @anthonyjohnson9453
    @anthonyjohnson9453 6 років тому +1

    Great video, great information....im thinking bout going to be a lease op...what is the best way to go...milage pay or percentage?

    • @boomagoo321
      @boomagoo321 6 років тому

      Anthony Johnson... Percentage !

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      Mileage pay, at least you can track it. With percentage, you never really know what the load really paid, just what they tell you it payed. Dave

    • @anthonyjohnson9453
      @anthonyjohnson9453 6 років тому

      Smart-Trucking.com ive been driving 11yrs and i think this is the right time...is there and money in going lease op if the company does regional work...ive been talking to milan chain supply...they offer 1.37 per mile loaded and 1.00 unloaded

  • @jmm5106
    @jmm5106 6 років тому +1

    Thank you! When I started truck driving me and my friend were discussing our habits when first starting and that was when we drove our cars after a long day driving a truck, we’re swinging wide in our cars as if we are driving the trucks and going 64 mph behind a truck thinking we’re governed lol 😂 I drove a stick shift pickup truck to work and had to think about how shifting differs between both

  • @ilikeboost4764
    @ilikeboost4764 6 років тому +2

    Do you have a schedule that you upload?

    • @ralphsmithco1
      @ralphsmithco1 6 років тому

      First Name Last Name : Most schedules are the same as the fire department. Be ready when the phone rings.

    • @ralphsmithco1
      @ralphsmithco1 6 років тому

      OOIDA has a business services department that can walk you through getting compliant with all the tasks of becoming a contract carrier. After bucking the system for years and masquerading as a private carrier by going on the various companies payrolls, I paid $10,000 for my Public Service Commission permit from a retiring carrier and within two years, trucking was deregulated and my certificate of convenience and necessity wasn’t as valuable as confederate money. At least I was ahead of the wolf pack.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому

      No, but probably I should have. I just make these whenever I get a chance. Dave

    • @ilikeboost4764
      @ilikeboost4764 6 років тому

      Smart-Trucking.com ok. I enjoy them so keep em coming.

  • @goolgappa5884
    @goolgappa5884 6 років тому +1

    I will be buying mine own truck ..
    Can you tell us which company pay right away

    • @ralphsmithco1
      @ralphsmithco1 6 років тому

      goolgappa5 :nobody does. They want 3% for quick pay and factoring companies may even charge more. There isn’t enough margin to pay that rate. Don’t think of it as only 3%, think of it as splitting your profit in half with your partner that didn’t do anything like drive or mechanic.

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      Hauling produce is usually COD. Dave

  • @SPharaoh
    @SPharaoh 6 років тому

    Hi Dave,
    I'd to be an owner operator under my authority and dispatch myself (car hauler). I've heard you have to have 3+ years of verifiable car hauling experience to be insured. Any advise please?

  • @madbear3512
    @madbear3512 6 років тому +1

    Why would anyone drive independly. If you drive for a company wouldn't you be better off

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      A good independent with good customers can make some pretty serious money. Dave

  • @goolgappa5884
    @goolgappa5884 6 років тому +2

    Can you make best independent company to work with ..

  • @robertcowan8211
    @robertcowan8211 5 років тому

    trucking sucks, minimum wage job, very long hours, never see home, wife will divorce you on n on it goes. stay far away.............I speak from 25 yrs experience

  • @waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475
    @waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475 6 років тому +1

    👋 😃 👍...

  • @Ken-fh8iv
    @Ken-fh8iv 6 років тому +1

    That makes your friend a scab, Dave. Dishonorable sc*mbags are called scabs for a reason. He's partly responsible for the current state of affairs in trucking, including your not being able to afford a new truck. Congratulations...

    • @SmartTrucking
      @SmartTrucking  6 років тому +1

      Ken, I never met a union guy yet who would help me with my bills if I shut down for them. Dave

    • @Ken-fh8iv
      @Ken-fh8iv 6 років тому +1

      They shut down for all of us, not just themselves. Divide & conquer is as old as the hills...