This article is being written for both those who already drive their own truck and those who believe that the grass is greener on the other side. After reading that comment, you probably think you know where this is going. It’s really just meant to be an eye opener and some questions to consider at some point during the experience we call being an owner trader or an O/O for short.

Being an O/O is an amazing feeling. You have the opportunity to work as an entrepreneur in a business that is always busy. There are a few times when it can be hard to find a load you’re willing to haul, but overall, there’s enough business to keep just about everyone busy. There will also be many times when customers are not willing to pay enough money to make it profitable for you to even consider picking up.

You know how much you need to earn to make ends meet, so don’t take loads that you know will be detrimental to your bottom line. Brokers aren’t going to buy you a new truck when yours breaks down, so don’t haul cheap cargo. Avoid going to places where you know the freight rates are too low unless your inbound freight covers some of the outbound freight charges.

Here is a question of what to do when you bought a lemon for a truck. How long do you keep driving a truck that is about to take you to the poorhouse?

Are you driving one of those right now?

How much is too much to continue taking care of a truck that does not stop breaking down. What would you do in this case? Is selling the truck going to help, is it better to invest money in it, or is a discussion with your banker the best course of action? Wow, those are a lot of tough questions. What is the best answer? It’s like an alcoholic when he finally decides that he’s sick and tired of being sick and tired.

If you feel comfortable putting more money in the truck then go crazy and spend all your money. Trucks will break down and if you can’t afford to keep one on the road, stay a company driver or go back to being a company driver. You’ll never know if you could have made it as O/O unless you try.

Once you’ve tried it and really like being an entrepreneur, you may find it difficult to adjust back to being a company driver.

Bankruptcy may be the only option you have in the end. You can’t just park the truck on the side of the road and leave it. Legal action will follow anyway, so you might as well walk away with your head in the air. Sometimes it’s just not worth the pain and agony a lemon causes you and it’s best to realize that as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is another day.