Comments By Seabee-J

That's what I use on my bus , but when no one's on down it comes . Its really becoming a charade at this point. Those blue masks dont really protect against it anyway says right on the box .

Great another Crisis to look forward to 😏 but it looks like I'll have a lot more riders on my routes though . 👍

Most Class B jobs will certainly be available. I'm not sure why you'd think it's off the table. Transit jobs are out there most definitely would be open for you as well as many Class B local jobs or with a sanitation or towing company. Your license is still a ticket to many opportunities. Just keep it clean. 👍

Had a coworker some years back go from local to OTR , reason being , to get away from the wife. 😉 .

Excellent info PJ , this is the type of info I look at when bringing up the future of O/Os in the industry here in the States . Like OS said there will always be entrepreneurial spirit in some truckers out there and I agree I just think it will be nowhere near as prevalent as it was a few decades ago . Its seems like it would be a hard sell to most younger generations getting out there and even experienced vets can see it's not a overall profitable endeavor. Again with razor thin profit margins and being a commodities industry its who gets A to B the cheapest .Unlike a particular trade or owning a restuarant where some may pay more for a specific company or Individual who can stand out as the best like a highly skilled carpenter or mason / Chef .How would one "stand out" and justify a higher price as an O/O ? Being safe and in time is expected, so is it better service/communication or as OS said go into a niche market but again they don't stay niche for long . I'm just trying to keep the convo going . It's a very interesting type of independent business .

I'd stay away from those dollar store type of accounts or food service if your new , waaay too much risk involved with too little experience. It's a lot of physical work as well and the days are just as long . I'd don't think I'd ever really recomend those anyway . Had a buddy who did it for some time and his back is shot . It CAN pay well though but it's definitely a tough grind everyday . I did some local training for a minute and it was no joke . I stayed safe and had no incidents but again I was fortunate but had to leave before too long . Regional would be a good way to go . It does give you a bit of a more "stable " schedule if that's important to you.

I would love to hear his take on this . It seems in this industry at least that the entrepreneurial spirit will cease to be with the exhorbinat costs and government regulations to be your own boss . I believe most O/O are well over 40 and the next generation is not going to be able or willing and even strongly dissuaded from this route . After all , the megas started out as small operations themselves and grew but will this exist in the future . I think it's a reflection of our time really . It seemed a lot more reasonable to be an O/O decades ago just looking at fuel and insurance costs alone . I understand there are a lot of small companies and O/Os out there but from all I hear is most are treading water .Anyway , Thoughts ?

Absolutely did the right thing , The bronx is a NIGHTMARE for an OTR driver in a 53 with sleeper especially when new . If at all not very confident in your ability I would not attempt this . You don't need to mess up your driving record for load . I live in this area and transit buses. I see day crabbers struggle. Add in aggressive traffic and yeah .You made a sensible call .

Good post . It begs the question of whether the O/O will cease to be in America. With rising costs and sooo many recommending AGAINST this idea of ownership in your own vehicle and business even if you are a knowledgeable veteran of it . My father was an O/O for a while many years ago when I suppose it was a little more profitable but with the way things are currently and the direction we seem to be going in it makes me wonder if an independent trucker will go the way of Blockbuster video. Personally i'm a bit sad for that .

I would reccomend getting a TWIC as well especially if you get a hazmat it may even save you some money if you already have the HAZ endorsement. I'm actually renewing mine tomorrow.