313: Before You Buy a Truck... - Advice From a Veteran Owner/Operator

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Oakley owner-operator Lamont Dawson, who shares how his father inspired his trucking career. Lamont talks about his path from company driver to truck owner, and the lessons he’s learned through costly breakdowns and years on the road. He also discusses choosing the right company, budgeting for repairs, maintaining a truck, and staying safe when hauling end dumps. Jeremy and Lamont also reflect on the challenges of road life, faith, and the goal of traveling and spending time with family. Lamont’s key advice: plan ahead, save for unexpected expenses, work with a company that supports your goals, and never compromise on safety. Lamont also shares a personal story of being struck by lightning! You won’t want to miss it. To learn more about being an owner operator with Oakley Trucking - Driver Landing Page: https://joinoakleytrucking.com/?utm_s... Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode and Company Party This Weekend (0:52) Lamont’s Background, Family, and Hobbies (4:48) How His Father Inspired His Trucking Career (6:17) From Nissan Plant to Swift Driver (7:53) Why He Became an Owner-Operator (8:38) Truck Breakdowns, Repairs, and Maintenance (10:11) Learning to Haul End Dumps Safely (15:57) Why He Switched to Pneumatics (18:13) Choosing the Right Company and Saving for Repairs (20:39) Moving the Fuel Tank to Return to Pneumatics (23:35) Pneumatic Work and Life on the Road (26:21) Managing a Second Truck and Supporting a Driver (31:12) Lamont’s Story of Being Struck by Lightning (34:50) Future Plans: Family, His Father, and Travel (37:00) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. To learn more, visit our socials and websites: Facebook:   / oakleytrucki.  . Instagram:   / oakleytruck.  . TikTok:   / oakley_trucking   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHd... Main Website: https://trucking.bruceoakley.com/