Hmmm...that's a tough situation...I couldn't begin to rate the program ATL offers..just don't have the knowledge to do so. I can say I would NOT buy a truck right away -- though you have knowledge in the area, so much has changed that I'd definitely wait on that. Additionally, if you owned the truck, I seriously doubt you'd be able to do what you want to do. A used truck is cheaper, yes, and the used truck market is hot right now, but look at fuel prices. Also, used trucks have a great deal more repairs -- meaning down time and lost money. Since trucks have become almost like space shuttles, there's little the owner can do in terms of their own repairs without additional training. I regret to say that I believe very few companies are going to offer you the kind of home time you desire. Maybe you're very lucky to have found one that (supposedly) does..? In closing, though, I guess I'd say you could shop some more - for another carrier that might offer this but I can say with pretty good certainty that you'll find a lot of brick walls. You might try finding an owner operator that needs someone in the truck but needs to be home a couple of weeks at a time. Check out "So You Wanna Be An Owner Operator" and see what you think....you may find it's far more work than you want to take on.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

You are just not going to believe what "all that" comprises.... First, though, it is hard to answer without knowing a lot more details. First, how long did hubby drive before? If he didn't drive at least a year and preferably two, I'd say don't even do the Owner Operator thing. This subject has become such a popular one that I am in the process of writing an article on it. Many people are really disillusioned about what it takes to be an O/O. Here's one essay you HAVE to read concerning the subject: http://www.public.usit.net/rrichesi/soyou.htm I doubt there are any sites out there that can "walk you through" the O/O thing, but the above essay is a good start. True, some programs offered by companies, commonly "lease-purchase" programs, turn out to be rip-offs. The key is doing an incredible amount of investigative work before you sign a thing. Better yet, if a person really wants to buy a truck, do so through the bank. Forget the company programs. Really, though, at this point in time, becoming an O/O is a risky business venture, especially for someone who isn't really knowledgable about the industry. Fuel prices have devestated many, many owner operators. The impending Hours of Service are bound to have an impact as well. I guess unless hubby has some good solid background experience in trucking, I'd steer way clear of the O/O game right now. Wait til things cool. Owner Ops are dropping like flies and it will get worse before it gets better.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

This is tough to answer because it varies widely. Just some of the factors often involved in how much is paid per mile: *What kind of freight. *Length of haul. *Does the O/O own the trailer or is it a company trailer. *Where is the load going? *Where did the load originate? *What kind of arrangement does the O/O have...i.e., does he/she work on a percentage basis, a flat per-mile amount, less pay for deadhead, more pay for short haul, etc..?? Very, very generally speaking, you could probably say loaded pay per mile is somewhere between .85 - 1.00/mile. This is very general, again, though. Surf around some of the companies on the web and see what they are offering.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

Sure it is possible ... but this figure of $100,000 is not specific enough as to what it refers to.... Is this the entire total income to the truck AND the driver? Is it only income to the truck?? When someone brags about how much they made "last year", make them break it down into the revenue TO THE TRUCK vs the revenue TO THE DRIVER.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

Please understand that I am not trying to be a jerk, but if you do not know the answers to these questions, why in the world did you get a truck and trailer? Sorry, this is out of the realm of newbiedriver.com. I suggest visiting and spending some time at www.ooida.com and www.smallcarrieruniversity.com. Best of luck to you, though...

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

As far as carriers, I believe US Xpress uses a lot of automatics, as well as CFI. I have heard TransAm is also going to use them at some point. As far as what people think, that's a mixed bag. New drivers think they're great because they don't have to necessarily ever learn to shift a manual transmission. This really should not be seen as a good thing, though!!! If a carrier teaches a person on an automatic and the person DOT tests on it as well, they have become, more or less, a slave to that carrier - or to the automatic transmission. The person will not be able to pass a road test at another carrier that does NOT have the automatic. If they ever have to get out of their truck, due to breakdown, etc, they will only be able to get into another automatic. I find automatics used in this way to be a cheap and dangerous way to draw drivers in who will later likely be trapped. Automatics cost more so I don't think you will see any big changeover anytime soon. I believe they are heavier as well, though I've heard otherwise, too, so carriers that typically haul heavy payloads won't be as likely to convert. The drivers who I have spoken to who have tried these transmissions have said that they liked them.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

I just cannot say much without more information -- much, much more information. As a rule, I rarely recommend anyone become an Owner Operator before they've got a couple of years under their belt. Some have become incredibly angry with me for this stance, but I sincerely believe it is the best course of action for success. I've been asked questions like this so much that I put this section in: http://www.newbiedriver.com/OwnOp/index.htm. I don't know if it will answer your question(s), but it may be able to provide some info. Next, let me just say that a whole lot of O/O's are looking for a dedicated route... Do you have something specific in mind? If not, realize that there may be quite a few ahead of you in the proverbial line. Finally, there's a big hype going around concerning the new engines coming out in Oct 02. No one really knows just how these engines are going to perform, what kind of fuel mileage they will really get, etc. If you are considering buying new, I assume you know all about this??? (If not, find out!) Again, I can't provide much info and I am sorry for that but please just let me suggest strongly that you really research your plan. A few links that may help: Owner Op Independent Driver's Assoc: www.ooida.com Small Carrier Univ: www.smallcarrieruniversity.com Wish you all the luck in the world.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

I wouldn't advise it. You will probably be in way over your head.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

New drivers typically have much less choice and say about where they run. It is just a matter of serving your time and proving you are a safe driver. Of course, some newer drivers luck themselves into choice runs, but that is the exception rather than the rule. To find the line haul you are looking for requires some connections in the industry. It also depends on where you live and what kind of freight is moving out of there, how many shippers are in that area, etc. Keep in mind that you will be competing against established trucking companies and Owner Operators, too. What you want to do is not impossible, but you need some "insider knowledge" about the freight and load availability and then you need to get on the inside track.

Category: Owner Operator(ship)

Please see: http://www.newbiedriver.com/PreTrip/

Category: Owner Operator(ship)