Can an Independent O/O Make a Profit Part Time

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on Truckers Report but I've been reading the forums for a while. Figured I should join.

I've done a lot of hauling for my own business as a private hauler but I'm considering buying a bigger truck and hauling a flat bed. I love driving and hauling and have always wanted to do something specific to trucking.

I see a lot of loads on the load boards out of the Colorado area paying decent and I could do a lot of them in 1 day trips or occasional overnights. Some paying 1.40 - 1.75 per mile.. Mostly hauling building supplies.

My current business will be my main thing but I want to be able to run loads 2,3, or even 4 days a week when I'm slow... And my current business is slowing down big time.

I've tried breaking down my expenses (Insurance, IRP plates, Fuel Taxes, Licensing authority, Heavy vehicle tax) Insurance is the big expense for a new company... Like 21K per year but thats with Progressive. I plan to pay cash for my truck and trailer and do most of my own minor maintenance.

Is it possible to be a part time independent trucker and still make decent money? Am I missing expenses? I spoke to someone today who told me not to bother unless I'm going to run full time... He said the margins are too thin. I don't really want to lease on with a company or put another driver in my truck on off days.

 

Nostalgic, It sounds like you know my pain.... Insurance is the big issue but also trying to figure all possible expenses. If I could get insurance down to 10K or less a year then I might go for it. Thinking about this part time and needing to drive 18K miles just to break even makes it a hard call. Especially if you ran into un-expected maintenance issues.

I've found a truck I'm interested in but now I'm afraid to pull the trigger not knowing what I'm getting into. Just don't want the truck to get away... But I also can't afford to have a part time job that doesn't pay me anything.

I'm really experienced at running a business and everything associated. I just thought it would be cool to trick out my own truck and be able to make extra money on my slow days... And right now I should have plenty of slow days.

I guess I need to shop around for insurance to start.

 

Thanks Ramblingman... I should give them a call and look into the leasing on option. I can't say I've really looked into it. It seems to be the better route for a part time driver. At least it solves the insurance problem

I used to work in an office in corporate America... I'll drive trucks for less than minimum wage before I go back to that.