You’ve seen the ads: “Make $10,000/month as an owner-operator!” The freedom of the open road, being your own boss, solid paychecks – it sounds perfect. But between CDL requirements, insurance nightmares, and freight broker scams, getting started feels overwhelming.

That’s where this book comes in – or at least, that’s what it claims. Published in 2021, it’s supposed to walk you through every step of starting a trucking business. But with fuel prices, regulations, and tech changing so fast, I had to wonder – is this guide still relevant? I flipped through every chapter to find out.

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What’s Actually Inside?

The Good (Yes, There’s Some)

✅ Licensing & Compliance Made Clear

• Breaks down exactly what you need for DOT, MC numbers, and IFTA (no lawyer-speak)
• Includes a solid checklist for new authority applications

✅ Realistic Cost Breakdowns

• Shows actual 2021 numbers for insurance, permits, and truck payments
• Explains how to calculate your real profit per mile (not the broker’s promised rate)

✅ Avoiding Scams Section

• Red flags for shady freight brokers (still relevant today)
• How to spot “lease-to-own” truck scams

The Bad (And It’s Pretty Noticeable)

🚫 Dated Financials

• Fuel prices used in examples are $2.50/gallon (we wish!)
• Doesn’t account for 2023-2024 diesel spikes

🚫 Missing Key Tech Updates

• No mention of modern ELD mandates or compliance tech
• Ignores how apps like Trucker Path have changed routing

🚫 Pre-Pandemic Industry Assumptions

• Broker relationships work differently post-2020
• Driver shortage realities aren’t addressed

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Who’s This Actually For?

✅ Helpful If:

• You want a big picture overview of the industry
• You’re okay supplementing with current Google searches
• You learn well from step-by-step frameworks

❌ Not For You If:

• You need 2024-specific cost projections
• You want digital/tech-focused operation tips
• You expect details on electric/hybrid trucking

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The Verdict: Still Worth It?

For $15? It’s a decent foundation – but think of it like an old truck manual. The engine basics still apply, but you’ll need to YouTube the new tech stuff.

Rating: 6/10

• 2021 Content: 8/10
• 2024 Relevance: 4/10

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Pro Tip: Buy this + subscribe to Trucking Business YouTube channels for current updates. The book gives structure; videos fill the gaps.