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Long-haul or regional operations?

October 1, 2010

| by: Max Kvidera

How Far Do You Go?

Owner operational choices often hinge around proximity to home and income opportunities

Dan Heister, an owner-operator leased to Boyd Bros. Transportation, prefers to get loads in the Southeast close to his Tennessee home. “Most of the time I stay in one area and make decent money, and I don’t have to run my truck into the ground as much,” he says.

Dan Heister hauls cast-iron pipe and steel tubing mostly in the Southeast and Midwest for Boyd Bros.

Mike Burbidge, owner of Triple T Logistics and leased to Landstar Ranger, goes for long hauls. He’s single with no children or grandchildren living near his Salt Lake City home. “There’s more money in the long haul, running coast to coast,” he says.

Heister and Burbidge take opposite paths to the same goal of making a good living on the road. For many owner-operators, the choice of long-haul or regional comes down to personal priorities and revenue.

Todd Amen, president of owner-operator financial services firm ATBS, says lifestyle choices often determine the hauling choice. Being on the road takes operators away from their families for extended time periods. “Family responsibilities can suffer, and relationships can suffer in that scenario,” he says.

If you’re single, the choice might look different. “If I’m a single guy and want to knock it out of the park, make more money and run out on the road for weeks at a time away from home, long-haul probably makes sense,” Amen says.

Last

ATBS,Become an Owner-Operator,Boyd Bros. Transportation,Dan Heister,Landstar,Landstar Ranger,Mike Burbide,Todd Amen,Triple T Logistics

8 Comments

Christopher says:

November 14, 2010 at 5:13 am

im interested in joining the owner’s crew and need some advise not sure who to talk to

Reply
Nate Lindahl says:

December 30, 2010 at 8:39 am

Highly considering being a o/o here this year and will probably stay regional, maybe a long haul every other week

Reply
- Nate Lindahl says:
  
  December 30, 2010 at 8:39 am
  
  Not this year but ’11
Dan Cornwell says:

December 31, 2010 at 12:28 pm

I would wait. Fuel prices are going to skyrocket this year and fuel surcharges never cover the increase. Be wary.

Reply
Bill Vandewater says:

January 7, 2011 at 11:40 pm

Wife and I thinking of o/o I have 24yrs on road kids on their own etc. come here for INFO

Reply
wow nodeal says:

January 29, 2011 at 2:16 pm

try it and see .fuel price is subject to change drastricly. freight rate dont change a hole lot so it leaves you hanging.

Reply
Mikki Cranfill says:

March 26, 2011 at 2:38 pm

If I had it to do over again, don’t think I would be an O/O. Too many hands in the pot. At the end of the day, your lucky to cover your bills with a LITTLE extra left. Always remember, that truck becomes a whole part of you, and it ALWAYS comes first. It’s needs must be met 1st. When it’s down, so are you. It is your only partner.

Reply
Rick Woodcox says:

November 7, 2011 at 6:44 pm

I personaly believe owner operator is the way to go. I tried the lease purchase route 4 times. The last was the best. However take good care of your money. As far as book keeping remember keep truck on one book and your own in another. Keep it seperate before you ever get started. Sure will save yourself a lot of head aches.

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