It costs a lot more than you think to become an owner-driver these days
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THE ARTICLE ON the set-up costs for owner-drivers was very good indeed (CM 8 July), but there arc many other considerations to take into account...
The small man must pay top prices for insurance. fuel, tyres etc, as he is unable to achieve the economies of scale open to larger hauliers — which can detract from his competitiveness on rates, Also, in my own experience, I found many customers unwilling to deal directly with owner-drivers, preferring to give work to larger firms who then subcontract it out. The apparent logic behind this was doubts, not over commitment, but over availability; over 'back-up' (whether financial or whatever) or even not wishing to have a plethora of small invoices from numerous suppliers to deal with.
But who is more dedicated to the job than a man with his own money at risk, especially if they are working as a sole trader?
However, lean only wish Paul Everett (pictured, right) every success in his venture and hope he can keep going in the speculative and often cruel, over-taxed and over-regulated world of transport today!
P.S. I discovered it can be very galling to lose a job when the cosignor won't deal with you directly, and by the time the larger haulier or forwarder has put their commission on top of your price, it's too expensive!
Like every other trade, it's not what you know, but who you know.
Also, some hauliers do not like their former employees setting up as owner-drivers and may do all they can to stop you from getting work... DS Boyes (a retired owner-drivenI
Leeds