Is anyone a HGV owner drivers

[adsvx220]

I am looking at having a career change in a couple of years and always wanted to work for my self.

I have been thinking about being an owner driver and having a rigid flat bed and big hi-ab Crain so I can haul nearly anything from large plant vehicles and other big machinery.

Can anybody give me some information and insight on owning your own rigid or tractor unit and how to get work and run the lorry.

Thanks in advance

Adam

[BIG BAVARIAN]

Put a post on here mate, http://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2 loads of owner drivers and ex-owner drivers on there that will put you straight.

[adsvx220]

Cheers for that will pop a post over.

Adam

[chilistrucker]

and expect alot of them to tell you not to do it.

[adsvx220]

chilistrucker said:

and expect alot of them to tell you not to do it.

I put a post and basically got that. I don't get knocked down or put off easily so I'm going to do my research and see what happens.

Adam

[Justin Cyder]

I run a haulage business & I would advise against it. There are lots of good reasons why od's end up skinter than a skint thing, but if you do decide to go ahead, then good luck to you - you will need it.

Rates, diesel, breakdowns, O licence, servicing, delays, really bad delays. God awful delays, payment terms, cut throat competition, over supply in the industry, per vehicle bonds, insurance, cash flow (really big one is cash flow), cpc's, repute. These are the issues you have to think through very carefully before you turn a wheel. I've lost count of the od's I've known have a great week only for the waterpump to give up on Friday afternoon & see the week disappear in a puff of pound notes.

Even Stobart had to start somewhere, so good luck if you do it, but don't be one of those who makes his mind up & then defends the decision in the face of all the evidence - learn the issues & weigh it up carefully, it is a really difficult business to succeed in.

[chilistrucker]

Justin Cyder said:

I run a haulage business & I would advise against it. There are lots of good reasons why od's end up skinter than a skint thing, but if you do decide to go ahead, then good luck to you - you will need it.

Rates, diesel, breakdowns, O licence, servicing, delays, really bad delays. God awful delays, payment terms, cut throat competition, over supply in the industry, per vehicle bonds, insurance, cash flow (really big one is cash flow), cpc's, repute. These are the issues you have to think through very carefully before you turn a wheel. I've lost count of the od's I've known have a great week only for the waterpump to give up on Friday afternoon & see the week disappear in a puff of pound notes.

Even Stobart had to start somewhere, so good luck if you do it, but don't be one of those who makes his mind up & then defends the decision in the face of all the evidence - learn the issues & weigh it up carefully, it is a really difficult business to succeed in.

this is clearly good advice.
i think if you are still determined after doing all theright research, then go for it.
i think the way forward, is specialising in a certain field rather than general haulage, which as stated is a pretty tough game to be in right now.

[FunBusMk2]

I've been in the transport industry for 10 years and what's been said covers it all really. The outlay before you even start will be vast: CPC examination fees, O-licensing costs and when applying for the O-license you have to have £X capital in order to ensure the vehicle will be properly maintained. Maintenance costs can be crippling as obviously truck parts are bigger, more specialist. LGV maintenance is anally strict too - VOSA won't allow even the slightest skimp on anything. Missing mud-flap on a car at MOT time? No problem. Incorrect or damaged 'spray supression' on a truck or trailer at annual test? Fail.

Oh, and diesel costs - one of the biggest reasons so many hauliers are going under, and I don't mean owner drivers either.