Question:
For the first 5 years, at least.
Every year, there are fewer and fewer O/O's, no matter whether the business cycle is up, down or flat.
There are different and often suttle pressures that new O/O's experience, for the first time, that can leave them wondering what just happened.
That can be costly.
Then, there are unfamiliar taxes, permit requirements ect, that can also catch even long time O/O's, by surprise.
Contrary to popular belief, you may not be as independent, as you might imagine.
If you assert a high degree of independence, it could cost big money, including your job.
There are reasons that cause the shinkage in the number of O/O's, every year.Government Ain't YO' Friend. Nor your Servant.
A Tax Reduces Incentive & Capacity. A Regulation is also a TAX.


Answer:
As the number of O/Os leave the industry, I would surmise theres just as many who go into it for the promise of more $$$. Sadly, they fail to factor in the operation cost , such as fuel, insurance, documentations, deadhead miles, maintenance, and the longer hours away from friends and loved ones. I wouldn't be surprise if the only O/Os turning a decent profit are the ones running on red-dye diesel (untaxed fuel). Then theres these immigrants on working visa who come to America to become O/Os, who replenish the ones who call it quits. Factor in the number of illegal aliens who use fake social security cards and fake birth certificates to get a CDL, then later progress to become O/Os, and you have enough newbie O/Os to replace and replenish the ones who call it quits.

Answer:
Good post, 55sams.
The ironic thing is; By the time you got a few years experience as a company driver with a good record,
you start qualifying for jobs that pay as much, if not more than most O/Os net anyway.
It's just a bad deal all the way around -- unless you're getting into some very specialized work (like
heavy equipment or oversize hauling), which also requires a few years experience before making
the plunge....
Do not come into the business with dreams of owning your own truck. Come in to spend a
few years learning the business in someone else's truck, at which point owning your own truck
probably won't seem like such a good idea after all -- if you're still driving at all.
.http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sect...onusWeek.php#tabs

Answer:
WEll its really a 50 / 50 deal on failing.
I have a young O/O ( newbie ) who is making $ and doing alright with less than 21/2 years driving behind him.
The REASONS hes making it
1) Bought a truck that does the job, not the 1 that many feel they need to IMPRESS everyone.
2) Had a proper business plan.
3) Realizes the $ belongs to the TRUCK , he pays himself for driving it.
4) Set things up as a proper business
5) He works , took a run that his not high mileage at low $ but is good $ with dueable mileage with all the EXTRAS paid.
6) Biggest thing is he LISTENS when told things as well as ASK'S when he needs advice.

Answer:

I wish that was true. Every year there are more people buying trucks, at least it seems that way to me.
I dont have any data on it, but maybe you can share your source Sam.

I disagree.
You can have a guy that waits 10-15 years, and will still fail .
On the other hand, you can have someone with a year experience, and do fine. (whatever fine means in this business )
Its not even as much as business sense, but common sense.

I would be intrested to see a source, where this came from.

Answer:
passingtrucker, a lot of people come around, looking for cost factors on operating the truck, trying to guage their odds for success. Most can leave with a very good, but basic idea. Last year, David Reed had an awakening, thanks to the Revvassago. David learned the difference between fixed and variable cost, for the first time. It was quite an eye opener.
What people miss, is thos little things that are hard to quantify, like the various risk factors.
Break a leg, lose an engine, have an accident, slumping freight volumes, problems on the home front...
I'm sure there are more, tangible and intangible..
Thank you, thank you very much...
With the turnover, it is likely that the rookie won't last.
But, in 5 years, they can see the various types of equipment on the road, and get a better idea, of who not to work for.
RoadHugger, a mentor can be a decisive factor, in success or failure.
Not to mention his willingness to ask and listen.
Most new drivers do not have a mentor.
joe-brady, my source for stating that there are fewer O/O's, every year, is hear say.
It is a common refrain, and easy to believe, given the demographics.
Drivers' average age is much older than the general workforce, and given the distribution of the baby boom generation, it is not such a stretch.Government Ain't YO' Friend. Nor your Servant.
A Tax Reduces Incentive & Capacity. A Regulation is also a TAX.


Answer:
Some people try and fail, others try and make it. If there was more of a reason not to other than someone say Do not do it, fine I would not, but untill there a really good reason I'll try.
Life is full of risk. If you do not take risk, you might as stay in bed every day and night., Ooops your still taking a risk of your house catching fire, or a tornado, an EarthQuake, or a flood. Everytime you leave out on a trip your taking a risk. When your working for Joe Blow Trucking as a Company Driver your taking a risk. Will Joe Blow pay you? will you get the miles you need? So why not take a risk and try to run your own company? your own Biz? You may survive working for Joe Blow.
If a person sit back and research all the facts, cost and comes out with a business plan an stick to it, will to take a risk in doing it, he or she can do it. There are to many out there that are doing it and being successful, but you have to know what your doing and be willing to work and work hard at it.
If A person goes out and trys and Fails, least they tried. But to me a Failure is one who wants to do something, but does not cause they are scared to take the risk, that the biggest Failure I know of.
Life is a Risk. Look ahead but live each day at a time. Plan ahead, but live each day by the plan. If you never try, you lose before you start.
To be successful;
Have some experences in the field, if not learn it.
Plan for the worst,
Have a Biz Plan in place, and live by it,
Know your cost, and budget accordingly. do not over spend it
Be prepared for bad times, even if things are going steady upwards.
Keep a Positive Attitude, for it's half the battle
Train your self to be successful,
If you do not try you'll never know......... If you fail, so be it, least you tried. But if you do all of your Home work your chances of failure is cut down alot.
(Edited due to a missreading of the OP first Post)Honoring and Remembering Our POW - MIAs
Home of the Forget Me Not Challenge Coins
http://www.powmiaforgetmenot.com/

Answer:

May want to do a little more research on the subject, before handing out advice on hear say.