Hi
I have read many postings on being an O/D. There seems to be mixed feeling about whether or not it is worth the Hassle and whether or not it pays.
So I am slightly confused as to whether to research it futrther.
Is any O/d out there willing to divulge how much profit they made in a 12 month period.
Also if I did decide to go down the road of O/D what make and model of tractor unit would you recommend.
Hi Mike,
First question first, of course you should research it further,the more information you have the better to decide if it is for you or not.
Second question- probably not,and that is because profit is not all there is to it.
Some of us run quite new trucks, and some are a lot older. The older may cost more to run and need replacing sooner rather than later. Anyone can have a good year with no breakdowns etc and that would make that years profit look good but a couple of weeks into the next year blow an engine and have a five or six grand bill!!!
Third question- For anybody starting out a good workhorse that fits your budget.
Hopefully there will be a time when the topliners and globetrotters etc will be within that budget 
There could be some of the others that have a different view though, thats the beauty of it we all have different ideas.
cheers
STEVE.
Steve
Thanks for the reply.
I am just starting to research the possibility of becoming an O/D, as you say I need to research being an O/D thorouhly. Hence why I will probably be bombarding this forum with all sorts of questions.
Well might as well keep them coming, In order to be an O/D do I need to have a CPC?
Steve I know you said it is not all about profit as you never know what is around the corner and anything can go wrong with the vehicle.
I am very grateful to anyone who can provide me with any help and information to help me make a informed decision.
In exactly the same position as yourself Mike,Have been getting insurance Quotes and new/used truck and finance deals.Going to see a quarry manager on Tuesday ref rates etc (They have been advertising for O/D’s) and start my CPC 6 day course on Friday week!!! Still have to check out traction only for Norfolkline,Roadferry,Interland etc.Also going to approach a Haulage contractor whom I know well about taking me on for Traction only as he specialises in Farm feed haulage and is constantly looking for drivers.
Hi Big Truck
I would be grateful if you could keep me updated of your progress.
What sort of tractor unit are you thinnking of buying?
Mike:
SteveThanks for the reply.
I am just starting to research the possibility of becoming an O/D, as you say I need to research being an O/D thorouhly. Hence why I will probably be bombarding this forum with all sorts of questions.
Well might as well keep them coming, In order to be an O/D do I need to have a CPC?
Steve I know you said it is not all about profit as you never know what is around the corner and anything can go wrong with the vehicle.
I am very grateful to anyone who can provide me with any help and information to help me make a informed decision.
Hi Mike, you do not have to personally have a cpc, but you will need to employ a cpc holder if you don’t have one.
This cpc holder must be able to prove to the Traffic Commisioner that he/she has full and constant control over what happens to your vehicle~~.~~
Be very wary of these firms that advertise"distance cpc holders" the TC’s are not happy about a lot of them.
What they really want to see is someone qualified is going to keep you on the straight and narrow.
Hope that helps
cheers
STEVE.
Mike,
For new units all 6x2 I,m looking at ERF ECT 420c,Foden Alfa 420c,Daf CF 430,Volvo FH/FM 420,Iveco Stralis Active Time 430.These are all being specced with the makers Auto boxes as I think along with alot of others that this is the future.For used, I don’t see me going past a Renault Premium Privilage 400/420DCI as they just seem to be such a good deal used,IE Ex Irlam 2000 6x2 Premiums where going for £12000 at auctions recently!!! Alot more research on rates,insurance and R+M deals will have to be done first,not to mention getting a CPC and “O” licence 
Steve,
Thanks for that piece of information.
Do you know if it is worthwhile doing a distance learning cpc course or doing as Big Truck and doing a residential course.
hi Big Truck,
First of all good luck for the cpc course.
Secondly for what it is worth I learned to drive in a volvo FH12, found it very easy to drive and a very comfortable ride. it will certainly be on my short list.
Hi Mike,
It is really up to the individual, if you do a homestudy course you must make yourself put the time in, some people can do it,some can’t
Personally I did national and international by home study but that was a long time ago.
I seem to remember someone saying on here way back in the dim and sistant past something about Learn Direct where you can do the course on your PC, could be wrong though.
cheers
STEVE.
Steve,
Think I rember that one.
Maybe one day I will either be lucky and get a job or be an owner driver. Wife thinks I am mad and should try and get a job driving for someone before going down the owner driver route. Just in case I don’t like it typical woman being sensible