WATCH THIS BEFORE BECOMING AN OWNER OPERATOR (In-depth guide, leasing strategy, beginner pitfalls)

There are many things a driver must know before deciding to become an owner-operator, as the business of trucking is very different from being a company driver. Success as an owner-operator is rewarding, yet difficult. 60-65% of drivers apparently fail within the first three years of becoming an owner-operator.

Our driver Brian is an experienced owner-operator who has built a successful career for himself. In this in-depth guide, he covers everything new owner-operators need to know to succeed in the business, as well as the common caveats and pitfalls of new owner-operators.

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Soundtrack:
Sun Dog - Tiger Gang
Pop Filter - Alternate Endings
By the Fireside - Tide Electric

[CTX]

I met a successful O/O many years ago who gave me this valuable advice. To succeed do these 3 things: Keep your truck clean, keep yourself clean and show up everyday. To this day it amazes me how many will not do these 3 simple things. I'll be retiring soon and my truck has provided my family and I a wonderful life. Best wishes for all my fellow drivers and those that aspire to become O/O's

[Universetransport]

Very nice.I am owner operator since 2010.I put 1.5 million mile on my first freightliner 2006 columbia.Now finally I bought 2022 peterbilt 565 hp 18 speed all platinum interior and brand new utility thermoking reefer president. Hard work guys.It will payoff just stay alive and work hard.Your dream will come true.I am former USA Iraq veteran too.served my tour very happily. Love army and long haul trucking.This is my company. I Work under my authority. I do all my paperwork every single thing myself. I teach myself. I am my boss.i love my freedom. I earned it.

[darcyhiggs]

Awesome video thank you. I just bought an ‘09 International day cab, with a 12 month 160, 000km warranty. No payments first, years insurance paid up and $25, 000 in my business account. Coming back to trucking after 15 years away. I am also 50 and I have recently recovered from prostate cancer, my kids are grown and I’m divorced, so this is for me.

[midhun-]

Being the owner of several trucks in Snowrunner and ETS-2, I must admit that this guy got some serious points for truck owners..🧐🧐

[TheHappySmileyFace]

I got my CDL at 21, purchased my first truck at 22 it was a 2015 t680 had it for almost a year

[kc_stunna]

As an aspiring o/o, I needed this video. I just recently passed school for my CDL Class A. I’m going to be driving for a company within 2 weeks. My plan already was to be a company driver for 3-5 years. Learn the ropes, run different regions, gain the proper experience & save money. I’m looking to have at least $30k saved before making the transition. I say $30k because having that cushion is a blessing in the long run. The more cushion, the safer the fall in my eyes. Thank you for the video, I hope it reaches more & more viewers!!

[chucktoltzman]

I been in the trucking industry for almost forty years. Eighteen of them as an owner operator. I am now just a company man again. I must say sir that you are spot on with your numbers. After owning three different trucks and specking them for what I was going to do with the truck, the mistake I made was that I should have specked the truck bigger for operations that arose unexpectedly. Good job on your explanations.

[stevenmchenry]

Dude you are like the King of what young boys need to do out here as a trucker.

[Ridiculoustruerandofmythoughts]

I was a company driver my whole career. Made good money and never paid for tires trailer issues or breakdowns ! I hot lucky too have an awesome dispatcher. We worked great together, she looked out for me and vice versa!

[Tymothic]

I’m not a trucker but it’s apparent that he is sharing valuable knowledge and wisdom in trucking. Aspiring owner ops it’ll be wise to listen

[garypierce]

After 15 years as a company driver my impression of the trucking business is that the O/O's who are successful could have been successful starting a taco stand, yard service, convenience store or any small business, and the rest would go broke no matter what they did.

[jlawrence]

As a retired CPA and controller of a company with nine OTR trucks, your advice is solid. I would add that if you are a OO, you need to avoid unprofitable loads and unprofitable routes. What money are you going to make if you can't get backhauls out of a location. When we subcontracted loads, we could always tell the smart operators from those who had no clue. BTW, I would want US$30-50k in the bank, as it seems that Canadian expenses seem to be a lot higher.

[frankgoodnight]

i'm going to trucking school next month..I know I'll be okay...but, listening to this..is intimidating.

[rydinwithnaro]

I’ve been owner opp for 8 years and I stand behind you 1
100%.

[scottwren]

Buying my truck was the best thing I ever did, been at for over 6 years. Just don't think I can go back to company trucks

[DCR]

I’m so proud of my self as an o/o for 16 years. I can’t be wrong. God bless you.

[ChipVorhies]

I am freshly retired after driving company trucks mostly company trucks for the last 20 years. However when I did drive for owners I always ran the truck paying attention to all the numbers as if it was mine. All the ups all the downs and where we ended at the end with them. I have to say. Lost my uncle has 55 years of driving himself as well as a small company where I've watched him and he does fantastic. Buddy I have to say your numbers are absolutely spot-on and your information is extremely valuable for these people. They do not understand the change in your life when you sign the dotted line! Great job great info. One thing my uncle always said he either run with one truck or 3 you never run with just two because otherwise one truck has to take care of the bills for two trucks when one truck breaks down if you have three trucks you have two trucks to try to cover the expenses. It makes life much easier food for thought just his opinion and I believe it to be true myself.

[jrwhitehurst]

You got that right....chrome don't get you home. I love to hear drivers argue about what truck is the best. I say it every time "the best truck on the road is the most profitable truck on the road". This video is very informative and many should find it useful and insightful.

[JohnSwan]

Fantastic video. I've been a truck driver for 7 years and an owner op for one of them and I can say this guy is bang on.

[nicholaselliott]

This is the best advice I've heard he's not being negative but just giving realistic advice this is golden thanks 🙏