Gave this ever recurring question a bit of thought this week as I trundled down and up France earning my crust as an OD.
Seems to me that those who consider this route should take this little point into consideration.
You begin thinking about becoming an OD,seems a good idea and you start discussing it with your loved one,partner or even your family.
Now setting yourself up can cost a great deal of money and you might even be considering putting up your house or some other valued possesion to cover the cost.
Now here is the bit you tell your loved one etc etc…the scary bit…all that money you are going to spend on a piece of machinery and that is all a lorry is at the end of the day…and here is the good bit…‘that expensive piece of kit you are going to buy will have to spend on average 123 hours per week parked up,not being used’.
I expect your loved one etc.etc will consider you off your rocker and the reason this all comes about is quite simple…168 hours in a week…and you can only legally use your expensive piece of machinery for 45 hours per week on average as a one man band.
Scary ain’t it…and mad!!!
very strange post 
i think your becomming cab happy 
Armagedon:
…and you can only legally use your expensive piece of machinery for 45 hours per week on average as a one man band.
You might only be driving it an average 45 hours per week but you can and should be using it a hell of a lot more than that.
Driving it is the bit that pays the bills and 45hours is not a lot.The extras are part of the job but are unlikely to earn money.I am one of those who believes we should be able to run 60 hours per week at least,thats only a 10 hour driving day and if you are willing to work 7 days…why not.
Armagedon:
Driving it is the bit that pays the bills and 45hours is not a lot.
That’s the problem when you only charge by the mile. In 18 years as an OD I never, ever only charged by the mile and the non driving bits did earn money in that case.
The wish to run 10hrs a day driving and also to work 7days through
is some thing that I would not 100% agree to 6x10 a day driving yes
if every day is 12hours shift,As for 7 days driving I say NO; however
if the driver took a 48hr rest break , it may be feasibly, how ever the rules
came into force to protect the health and well being of the driver and
that must be the 1st point which every one agrees is correct,
Too many many people when given a little freedom decide then to
increase that and take a liberty which ends up with some one being
hurt, possible dying; is the cry for profit worth this■■?
Coffeeholic:
Armagedon:
Driving it is the bit that pays the bills and 45hours is not a lot.That’s the problem when you only charge by the mile. In 18 years as an OD I never, ever only charged by the mile and the non driving bits did earn money in that case.
Is this reality kicking in Armagedon ■■?
This should be made a sticky which all wannabee O/D’s should read then perhaps we would not get all these threads asking the same questions. Neils reply should answer most questions with one read !!! 
But if everybody was allowed to work more hours, it would simply push rates downwards and you would end up working more hours for the same money. That is basic economics.
Where’s Special K 
Goaty:
Where’s Special K
He’s missed this thread and the quote on the andrew tinkler one that said O/D’s were a disposable commodity or words to that effect. Either that or he’s just booking another holiday !