how does one become an O/O?

psm127_dad

Seasoned Expediter
Hello everyone!

We (my son and I) have been reading and watching these forums for some time now. We are currently acquiring our cdl-b and hope to start on our new career soon. After reading and talking to several folks we decided that it would probably be best to start out driving for someone else for a few months or even long term if it works out.

The problem we are finding is that even though neither one of us has any violations at all for over many years and have not been in any accidents in 17 years, have excelent work histories and no criminal history, my son is 4+ months short of being 23 years old. This disqualifies him for almost all the companies we have talked to. Apparently 23 is the minimum age for most insurance policies...

So, we are thinkinh that maybe we get a truck and become owner/operators. This solves the age problem, but brings in many others. Like just how do you become an o/o? Just by a truck, form a company, get our own insurance & off we go?

Do we register with DOT for our state? (Missouri)
What else might we need?

Starting as drivers would allow us to get to learn the bussiness before making a huge financial commitment, even though we have been reasoning this out for many months and are pretty much committed to making it work. We have both owned our own bussiness before and believe we both are suited for this type of career.

Just what are the steps to becoming an o/o?
Are there other options for us as a driving team even though Travis (son) is just short of 23?

Thank you for any insight!!!

God bless,
Doug Mifflin
 

Jayman

Expert Expediter
Im not sure being an o/o will solve your age isuue. Have you checked to see if you can get insurance for him on your own?
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
Deliver papers and pizzas for 4 months and then go with the drive someone else's truck a while to learn the business plan. FAR less risky than being on the hook for a truck with no company behind you and no experience to rely on. It isn't any time at all in the grand scheme of things and the potential for success is significantly raised.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
What Leo said.

The risks of truck ownership vastly outweigh the benefits you would gain by jumping in four months sooner. Use those four months to earn income in other ways and to do ongoing research to further prepare yourself to enter and succeed in the business.
 

arkjarhead

Veteran Expediter
last time i checked panther,tri-state,and transtewart only 21 years old to drive a straight truck. plus getting insurance on your own will eat your lunch until he is 25. just a thought.
 

nightcreacher

Veteran Expediter
fed ex cc also,21 is all thats required,find an owner,with a straight truck,work for hiim then see if you really want to owna a truck
 

psm127_dad

Seasoned Expediter
Thank you for all the input and insight! Still pondering...

We got our DOT physicals today, will probably start the passport process next week as well as (hopefully) find a straight truck to take the skills test.

God bless
Doug
 

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
One of the easiest trucks to take a skill test in is a straight truck with a flatbed vs a box. This will give you maximun visibilty for turns and reverse moves. This setup is also a good learning type truck to practice on and when you feel comfortable change over to a box truck.
 
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