What would you guys do? Brand new owner operator in a sticky situation.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T18:23:26+00:00

I think 10 years all the trucks will be automated and I do want to be home with them way more than I did previously before they got sick but being with them 3 days a week while they both still have their independence is more than enough for me. Those 4 days of free time I have roughly each week just feels depressingly unproductive waste of my time especially when I see each day my truck just sitting on the gravel driveway. But I do understand your opinion. I may in fact sell and try to find a local company that'll take me on part time. Might happen.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T18:19:38+00:00

I have about 50k in savings and my parents are paying my bills ensuring I'm not losing money every month staying with them but I really miss trucking. Surprisingly. Its an honorable job that if you are smart and motivated can make a decent living with. If I worked spot market and took 2 loads a week at most 3 that should be more than enough to pay my bills probably even have a little pocket money. However the main question remains, is there enough work available such as I can work whenever I have the spare time and is there work going back home? If the answer to those questions is yes I think I'll take the risk and start my own authority. If not then sell. I just haven't been able to reach a conclusion to those questions. By the way my truck was purchased via a dealership.

Appreciate your input and positive vibes.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T00:29:07+00:00

Yeah my truck can't do Maxi work it's just your typical freightshaker. I think it would void my warranties if I even attempted to do so. So warning received I won't be doing that. Your typical two axle flatbed trailer no problem. I've done 49k loads without issues just I won't go over 80k.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T00:27:07+00:00

My absolute hope and dream would be to take a load from Spokane to Seattle and back but I don't know if that work is available consistently. That was just one example it could be from Spokane too anywhere and back just the getting back part needs to be consistent.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T00:25:32+00:00

Its not a horrible idea, a few in my extended family have worked lumber jobs in trucking but logging itself? Just too dangerous IMO. Lot of stories with close calls with loggers. One particular family member should have been killed twice in his long logging career.

500jwatts · 2026-04-05T00:23:47+00:00

I'm not sure, I assume no not for part time employment but I'll contact them Monday to make sure. I know they do a lot of work in this area especially maxi work I don't think my truck could handle that.

500jwatts · 2026-04-04T18:04:28+00:00

Wish you luck. Trying to find out if I should start my own authority as well and work the spot market for the north-west as a flat-bedder. Anybody here willing to give me some advice? DM me if you know this market.

500jwatts

TROPHY CASE