My boyfriend has sugested that I get my CDL and drive as a team with him as an owner operators.?

Question

I make over $60K at the job I have now. What kind of money can a team make?

Answer 1

A team with a *good* company can sometimes bring in 120-130,000 a year, combined income. Low end is 80-90,000....high end, as an owner operator hauling specialized/sensitive freight, it just goes upward depending on how hard you work. I run team with my husband (for a company) and 6 figures is not hard to do, but you do have to find the right company.

The big concern I'd have if I were you- is your boyfriend CURRENTLY an owner/op?? If so, consider how long he's been at it, what kind of freight he hauls, how many miles he gets, and how much money does he regularly clear per month after fuel, repairs, etc??? If he's not an established, experienced owner/op with regular, consistent, long-haul freight....(in other words, if ya'll are going to be starting out as owner/ops together, or worse, getting on as lease-operators with a company...RUN!).....this is not a particularly good time in the industry to do that. Fuel is ridiculous and freight rates are too low, except in the highly specialized end of things....not saying it's impossible but I'm saying know your stuff and have your ducks in a row, and plenty of backup money.

The cash flow as an owner/op depends on how hard you work, and how well the truck performs. The truck breaks down and you sit on your butt, not making any money and sometimes having to pay to stay in a hotel, eat, etc....for what can turn into a week or 2, depending on the breakdown. Anytime the truck sits, you are not making money.....so the way to ensure maximum cash flow is to minimize unnecessary time-off, plan your vacations wisely, etc.

Also....lots of people's relationships cannot handle the close proximity and having to function with each other under stress, anxiety, etc. I have heard the story too many times....of a husband and wife, happily married for years....decide to drive a truck, and either the marriage ends, or the trucking job ends :). There are a lot of things that can go wrong out here, a lot of things that can make you mad.....lots of owner operators are having to deal with incredible financial stress....and that can really play havoc in your relationship.

I think you make a nice income, if you're happy with your job...and you've never before had wild dreams of one day being a trucker....you are probably better off staying where you're at. You really have to WANT the LIFESTYLE....not just the money.

Answer 2

Some companies will pay husband/wife teams up to $90,000 a year. My wife and I both have CDL's, been married 28 years with three grown children and decided against it.

Answer 3

Don't do it! you'll drive each other nuts. stay where you are

Answer 4

latraile is right. Don't do it