5 Year CDL Driver Striking Out As O/O

Sorry I missed this Ryan.

Just wanted to reiterate THANK YOU to all that took time to post. Still doing a lot of sorting through a mountain of options. Better to have them than be without. I'll pop back in when we finally get it sorted.

I realize I did a rather poor job of highlighting the livestock side of my "work" history since I've never really considered my livestock a job. But I've hauled cattle a fair number of miles in pickup rigs on my own and with some of the "real haulers" by the potload. Been steeped in it up to my neck my entire existence. I guess running a day cab for JBS between Greeley and Hereford, TX isn't a bad option, but I'm probably better suited to work with ranchers/cattle buyers and navigate the ugly backroads of ranch country for my time investment. Trying to find the niche where my skills are best utilized and where I can be competent, yet am amply challegned so as not to atrohpy my skill set. Always trying to keep growing and learning!

Thank y'all again.

My man first thing you need to do is develop a business plan. Realistically find what margins are going to work for you to be successful. Do you have the stones to be away from your family for extended periods? Some guys start with money and some start with nothing. You are the master of your destiny. I personally been a company guy 4 years and setting up to buy my first truck this year. Take a real hard look at your situation develop a plan and see it through.

My man first thing you need to do is develop a business plan. Realistically find what margins are going to work for you to be successful. Do you have the stones to be away from your family for extended periods? Some guys start with money and some start with nothing. You are the master of your destiny. I personally been a company guy 4 years and setting up to buy my first truck this year. Take a real hard look at your situation develop a plan and see it through.

Yessir, I agree. Don't have spit for a business plan. Been in reactionary mode, and a good friend who has a few decades of life on me got a hold of me and read me the riot act. Plus the helpful commentary gleaned here. Still just wired to where I reckon I can do anything that needs done. But absolutely digging a whole lot deeper on the red tape and expenses and nuance. Think I've got a couple lines with some very reputable small outfits where I can brings them some extra value and perhaps earn a little more performance compensation. We shall see. Not in a hurry.

Recently started hauling livestock with an established company. Room for O/O down the road if I want to do it. Getting plenty of seat time, and I get to be around my favorite creatures all day.

Figure it’s a perfect place to learn and pay dues and improve my abilities.

Thanks again for the advice and all the helpful articles and discussions.

Congrats!!!

Stay safe with those critters!

Congrats!!!

Stay safe with those critters!

Absolutely! Fotunately I grew up on a ranch, so that's helpful to staying out of sticky spots in the trailer, but like all things, lots to learn and it's good to keep an open mind and sharp eye. Glad I've got several months of warm weather before we gear up for winter driving.

If you could write about your experiences hauling livestock, that would be great! That's one area of trucking that seldom comes up on here.

If you could write about your experiences hauling livestock, that would be great! That's one area of trucking that seldom comes up on here.

Working on an update post right now! Been an adventure these first couple months.