Everything You Need to Know About Owner Operator Truck Driving

When you’re thinking about starting a career as an owner operator truck driver, there are a few things you need to know. These are crucial for the success of your new career path.

Luckily, Value Track has all the information you need to start owner operator truck driving jobs, and more!

What Is an Owner Operator Truck?

An owner operator is a truck driver who owns their own truck. They’re not employed by a trucking company, but rather work for themselves. This gives them a lot more freedom when it comes to where they work and what hours they keep.

Owner operators can choose to be company drivers, which means they work for a specific trucking company, or they can be independent contractors, which means they work for themselves with their own schedule.

Company Drivers vs. Owner Operator Drivers

The main difference between these two types of drivers is that seeking owner operators have to worry about maintenance, fuel, and other truck-related expenses. They also don’t get paid by the mile as company drivers do. Instead, they’re paid a percentage of the load.

Independent contractors are usually owner operators who work for themselves. This means that it is part of their full job description to take charge of everything from finding their own loads to maintaining their own equipment.

Benefits of Being an Owner Operator Truck Driver

There are a lot of benefits that come with being an owner operator truck driver. The most obvious benefit is that you’re your own boss of your own business. This means you can choose your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.

Another great benefit is that you have the potential to make a lot more competitive pay than other truck drivers. This is because you’re not only getting paid for your time driving, but also for the use of your truck.

What Is an Owner Operator Truck Driving Job?

An owner operator truck driving job is a job where you’re paid to drive a truck. This can be either as a company driver or an independent contractor.

Types of Owner Operator Truck Driving Jobs

Now that you already know what is an owner operator truck driving job, it is also important to look at the types of jobs that you could consider. There are two types of owner operator truck driving jobs: over-the-road and regional.

1. Over-The-Road Job

An over-the-road job is a type of owner operator truck driving job where you’re paid to drive long distances. Typically, these owner operator jobs will have you driving across the country.

The benefits of an over-the-road job include:

• You can make a lot of money in a short amount of time.
• You have a lot of freedom when it comes to where you work and what hours you keep.
• You’re your own boss.

2. Regional Job

A regional job is a type of owner operator truck driving job where you’re paid to drive shorter distances. Typically, these owner operator jobs will have you driving within a specific region.

The benefits of a regional job include:

• You can make a good living driving shorter distances.
• You have more stability than over-the-road jobs since you’re only driving within a specific region.
• You’re not as isolated as over-the-road drivers.

What Are the Advantages of Owner Operator Truck Driving Jobs?

Having an owner operator truck driving job is a great way to make a good living. Here are some of the advantages of owner operator jobs:

1. You can make a lot of money.

As owner operator truck drivers, you’re paid for both your time driving and the use of your truck. This means you can make a lot more money than other truck drivers.

2. You have a lot of freedom.

Owner operators have a lot of freedom when it comes to where they work and what hours they keep.

3. You’re your own boss.

Being your own boss has a lot of advantages. You can choose your own hours, work as much or as little as you want, and take time off whenever you want.

4. You’re more independent.

Owner operators are independent contractors, which means they’re not employed by a trucking company. This gives the owner operator truck drivers a lot more freedom when it comes to their work.

What Are the Disadvantages of Owner Operator Truck Driving Jobs?

Despite all the luck embedded with owner operator truck driving jobs, there could still be some disadvantages that you should be aware of. This includes the following:

1. You’re responsible for your own truck.

As independent owner operators, you’re responsible for your own truck. This means that owner operator truck drivers pay for all the maintenance, repairs, and fuel that will be deducted from their average salary.

2. You have to deal with the paperwork.

Since you’re your own boss, you have to deal with all the paperwork that comes with running a trucking jobs business. This can be a lot of work, and it’s something you might not be prepared for.

3. You’re at risk of being underpaid.

Since you’re paid by the mile, there’s a chance you could be underpaid if your truck isn’t running efficiently.

4. You have to deal with demanding clients.

Owner operators also have to deal with demanding clients. This can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to owner operator jobs.

What Is the Owner Operator Truck Driver Salary?

As an owner operator truck driver, you’re paid for both your time driving and the use of your truck. This means you can make a lot more weekly pay than other truck drivers.

The average owner operator truck driver salary is $100,000 to $400,000 per year. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the company and your experience.

Understanding Owner Operator Expenses

As an owner operator, you’re responsible for your own truck. This means you have to pay for all the maintenance, repairs, and fuel.

In order to be profitable as an owner operator, it’s important to understand your expenses. The average owner operator spends for the following per month, including:

• Truck payments
• Insurance
• Fuel
• Maintenance and repairs
• Tires

This means that you need to make a higher weekly pay from your expenses just to break even. To be profitable, you need to make more than your monthly expenditures.

How to Get an Owner Operator Truck Driving Job?

If you’re interested in getting an owner operator truck driving job, there are a few things you can do.

The best way to get an owner operator truck driving job is to network with other drivers. This will allow you to learn about different companies and their hiring practices.

You can also look online for job postings. Value Track can help you find owner operator trucking jobs that are a good fit for you. At Value Truck, we can connect you to our large asset pool of more than 200 trucks and 500 trailers in our fleet (and counting).

Finally, you can attend job fairs and meet with trucking companies in person. This is a great way to learn more about the company and the job itself.

Conclusion

Owner operator trucking jobs can be a great way to make a lot of money and have a lot of freedom. However, it’s important to understand everything about owner operator truck driving jobs.

If you are an owner operator truck driver looking to outsource a lot of the management work involved, you can immediately contact us at Value Truck, and we can tell you all about joining our team as a driver.