Tips from owner-operators

[fortwayne]

As of the 24th of this month I will assume the duties of an owner-operator after years of driving for others and after one year of being a company driver.
So what I am seeking is some tips from you veteran owners on maybe some things I may need to change, tips on garages to avoid, some of those little things a new owner may overlook.
Sure, I know about keeping records, build and don't touch the maintenance fund, knowing my cost per mile...but what else. Thanks everyone. I will be the driver as well.
Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

 

[purgoose10]

As of the 24th of this month I will assume the duties of an owner-operator after years of driving for others and after one year of being a company driver.
So what I am seeking is some tips from you veteran owners on maybe some things I may need to change, tips on garages to avoid, some of those little things a new owner may overlook.
Sure, I know about keeping records, build and don't touch the maintenance fund, knowing my cost per mile...but what else. Thanks everyone. I will be the driver as well.
Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

I guess after 40 yrs I come from the old school. (as far a your truck maintenance goes) if you can do it yourself do it. That way you know it's done right. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. When laying over look around for things that could go wrong, loose bolts, old wire cables etc. Know everything about your truck. That's just me. Keep on Truckin!

 

[chefdennis]

I guess from the business stand point and I don't mean just this business..I have always made sure that I had the reserves to run my businesses on a daily basis without depending on the income from the business to start. The reason for that is you then don't have to look at your income ona daily, weekly or even monthly basis..

We all know that there are good times and slow times...I think if you can position yourself to deal with you gross income from the business ona quarterly basis, you will work alot more stress free and feel good about everything that needs to be done..

The startup reserves are the key...you don't need to continually be worrying about having enough gas/fuel to get to the next load without taking an advance and then being short at the end of the week...

Thats just my way of doing it, doesn't mean we all can or do...

 

[rfields200]

One of the first things I learned from drivers 25 years ago was, take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. That was true then and always. Make yourself a wanted comodity. Do your job well when others fail. Drivers and owner-operators are fairly easy to find. Good ones aren't!

 

[nightcreacher]

as was said,take care of your truck, it will take care of you.As far as you doing the work,You can't write off your own labor,but can write off all garage work,and besides,then the work is guaranteed.In most cases,what you pay the garage for their labor is well worth it.