The Owner/operator Vs. Company Driver Issue

I read a lot about the pros and cons of both sides of driving. What I don't see is a very well considered perspective from new drivers who get all excited about buying a truck and being their own boss. So, for whatever its worth, here is my viewpoint:

Being a company driver is EXACTLY like being your own boss, but with lots of support, benefits and resources available. I just finished two weeks of training with a company trainer who has 24 years experience, 3 million miler, great teacher. You don't get that if you start on your own. During those two weeks, we were our own bosses. As part of my training, we worked together to come up with the trip plan, where to stop, how to get to the fuel stops where the COMPANY paid for the fuel, where to take our ten, we planned everything and never once called the company for directions. Basically the company left us alone because we picked up our freight on time, delivered on time, successfully managed our HOS and didn't get into any difficulties. Granted, it will not go this smooth when I'm on my own without my trainer, but still I can't imagine starting out on my own with a used truck and no support to call when I can't figure something out on my own. And the company is giving me a truck to drive, freight to move, and letting me figure out how to make it all work. Absolutely doesn't get better than that.

Bruce, those are great observations. I've been comparing truck driving to being self employed for many years now. I've found that people who've had to run a small business often have a "leg up" in this career. To be a good solid company driver requires many of the same decision making qualities that business owners execute every day. Here's an article on this very subject.

Great Drivers Operate Like Business Owners

What was your trainers name? Sounds almost like the trainer I had.

Jamie, his name was Mark

Jamie, his name was Mark

Ah, not the same guy. The trainer I had was named Bob. Weird you went out for two weeks with a trainer, I was only out with mine for 5 days.

My two weeks were abbreviated because of Xmas and New Years