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The first thing you need to do is to find out if you like driving trucks for a living, so get your CDL and take a job as a company driver for a couple of years. There is a MASSIVE turnover in this business because people get into it then find out they don't like being away from home for a month at a time, or they don't like driving, or they go out once and get the hell scared out of them by something--the truck, the traffic, trying to back in truck stops, whatever. Anyway, it's better to find out you're not a truck driver before you spend a ton of money on a truck. Assuming you like driving trucks, you then have to decide: contractor, or true owner-operator? A contractor owns a truck but drives only for one company. There are some advantages to this, such as not having to wonder where your next load's coming from. You can usually use their authority, and you might be able to buy fuel at company prices. The tradeoff here is some companies won't let you turn loads down. If you chose a company that runs a lot of Northeast freight and you hate the Northeast, this might not be good. A true owner-operator doesn't run exclusively for anyone--good if you want maximum freedom but you have to find your own loads.
Anyway, you will need:
* a truck, and a trailer if you're a true O/O--contractors pull company-owned trailers
* license plates for the tractor and trailer--they are licensed separately
* a DOT number and a Motor Carrier number (formerly known as an "Interstate Commerce Commission" number).
* an International Fuel Tax Agreement sticker
* a DOT inspection sticker for the tractor and for the trailer
* insurance
* lots and lots of extra money for things like oil changes (about $200 a pop) and new tires ($300-$400 depending on brand and position on the truck)
There are consultants that will set all this up for you, and they're worth the under $500 they charge.
When it comes to buying equipment, make a choice: new or used? You can buy four good used trucks for the price of one new one. OTOH, a new truck is set up the way YOU want it to be. If you want a real high rear-end gear for maximum speed and the person who specced out your truck wanted a low one because he was pulling coal, which has a really high weight limit in all the states they mine it in, you're going to go pretty slow on the freeway. Or if you fall in love with a truck that has a manual transmission in it and you like autoshift transmissions, you're gonna be a double-clutchin' fool when all this is over.
What else can I help you with?
Can a mechanic's lien be placed on a leased tractor trailer by company that owner operator is to drive for because they got him plates and he wants to go to another company that has loads?
It is possible that the mechanic's lien cannot be placed on the tractor trailer because it is leased. However, this may vary depending on the laws of the state in which the mechanic is working, or where the company is based.
Do I need to get a title on tractor trailers for sale?
You always need to get a bill of sale from the seller. Whether a trailer needs a title depends on the laws of the state where the owner-operator or owning company is legally domiciled. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles office can help you with the specifics for your state.
How big are tractor trailer tires?
They're usually 22.5s, although some owner/operators and small fleet owners run 24.5s instead.
Can you have steering tires on rear of a tractor trailer?
The tyre sizes won't match up with the rims you're using for your drives and trailer. Typically, a tractor-trailer will use 11R22.5 tyres for the drives and trailer (some owner-operators choose to get 11R24.5 tyres for their drives, instead). A steer tyre for a normal five axle unit is 315/85R22.5. You could use it legally if you wanted to, but you would have to change all of your rims out, as well.
Where can I find owner-operator trucking jobs online?
"Owner Operator Jobs" is a great online site to help anyone interested in an owner-operator trucking job.
Where to find chassis number on case tractor?
The chassis number on a Case tractor is typically located on the left side of the tractor's frame, near the rear axle or on the engine block. It may also be found on a plate attached to the tractor, often near the operator's seat or on the dashboard. For specific models, it's best to consult the owner's manual for exact locations.
What should I know before I buy my first tractor trailer?
As an owner operator myself please take this advice and laugh. You are about to buy a rolling money pit. Do not take any advice from another truck driver because we all lie some do it better than others. Also as the saying goes the two happiest times of an owner operators life is the day he buys his truck and the day he sales his truck.
How can one become a Landstar Trucking owner?
Landstar has positions available for Owner-operator truck drivers. A truck owner can start by applying on their "Lease2Landstar" web site, or by calling 855-578-7226.
What does mean by independent contractor or independent owner operator and how it is different from owner operator in trucking business?
Here's your answer. There's 3 different categories of drivers. 1. Company driver. This is a driver that is hired by a company to drive a company owned truck. This type of driver must do the loads that is given to him/her. The driver only has to pay for food and personal expenses. The company pays for fuel and all expenses and costs of the truck . Including fuel, tires, etc. 2. Independent Contractor/ Owner Operator. This is a driver that owns his/ her truck. The owner of the truck pays for all expenses, personal and truck expenses. The owner must pay for fuel and tires as well. The company the owner "leases" onto helps find loads for the driver/owner. Although the owner can refuse loads, he/she can only pull loads for the company that the owner leases to. The company has rules that the owner must comply with but mostly the owner of the truck is his/her own boss. A lot of owners of trucks are owner operators and most lease onto a company. It makes things easier, but still you are not totally a independent owner. You still, basically, are a company employee. Your paid more than a company driver, but you have more responsibilities and expenses. 3. Independent Owner Operator. This is a person that owns from one to several hundred trucks, even thousands. This person usually does not drive or operate a truck, but some do. An Independent Owner Operator is classified as a Motor Carrier. He/she usually has more than one truck. Even though an Independent Owner Operator can be in business with one truck and one trailer, or just one trailer. The independent owner operator can lease on a driver to pull his/her trailer. The independent owner usually has company drivers that drive for him/her and has at least two trucks and trailers, or at least two trailers. The owner has a lot of responsibilities and must find all loads himself. The owner also is responsible all bills that come to the trucking company he/she owns.
Where can an owner's manual for a 1980 GT11 Craftsman Garden Tractor be found?
to fix a sears tractor
What paperwork do you need to lease to a company as an owner operator?
How can you get your own rights as an owner operator nad find work?What steps would you have to take?
How much do tractor trailer drivers make?
Entry level over the road drivers start around 35k a year. Experienced company drivers around 60k a year. Owner operators around 200k a year.
