Read through a year of r/Truckers, r/OwnerOperators and r/HotShotTrucking and the same questions come up every week. Here they are, with the answer the forum usually gets right and the official source behind it.
The consensus from drivers who did it: not before three years as a company driver, not without $20,000 to $40,000 cash for the truck plus a similar amount for repairs, and not before you have freight lined up. First-year insurance alone runs $1,200 to $1,800 a month for a new authority. The first 30 to 45 days are all expense and no income because brokers pay net 30 to 45. Most drivers say they clear about what a good company driver clears, and keep more of it at tax time; the real gain is choosing your loads, not the paycheck. "Find the work first, then buy the truck."
Source: the authority checklist and FMCSA Registration
The drivers say yes almost unanimously, and the federal government now agrees in writing: FMCSA's Truck Leasing Task Force told Congress most lease-purchase drivers end up with no truck and large debts. If you lack the credit or cash for a bank loan, the forum alternative is one or two more years as a company driver while you save, then a used truck from a dealer and your own authority or a fair lease-on with a small carrier.
Source: FMCSA TLTF report
No. Treated, they get you a one-year card instead of two. Untreated, they get you parked. Get an independent sleep study if an examiner pushes a test and you doubt it, but if you have apnea, use the CPAP at least 4 hours a night 70% of nights; the examiner will ask for the compliance report. The drivers who lose their card are the ones who ignored it for years.
Source: the medical card page and FMCSA medical requirements
Set up the online payment plan today, file every year even when you cannot pay, and start moving 25 to 30% of every settlement to a tax account. Per diem and the QBI deduction cut the bill more than most new 1099 drivers realize.
Source: When money is tight and quarterly taxes
The pattern drivers describe: one year OTR at a mega for experience and endorsements (tanker, doubles, hazmat), then move local, LTL, fuel or food service, where the money and the home time both get better. Local and LTL companies hire at one year of clean experience; many will not at zero.
Source: FMCSA CDL information
Ask for breakdown pay in writing, screenshot everything, and start applying the same day. Reputable carriers slip-seat you into another truck. If they will not, file with the FMCSA Complaint Center if there is a safety or pay-practice issue, and move on.
Source: how to file
A dash cam. Fleets that installed them report complaints dropping to near zero. For a crash or violation already on your record, DataQs.
Source: DataQs
It comes up more than money does. Get out of the truck every day, even for ten minutes. Call home at the same time every night. And if it gets dark, 988. There is no shame in it; half the forum has been there.
Source: Your head