Owner Operator Trucking

The owner operator trucking faces a unique and challenging business environment as (s)he conducts business on the open road from a truck that not only serves as an office, but also as a second home. Motivation and hard work alone will not guarantee success.

To maintain the owner operator trucking business you have to possess business skills, technical knowledge and industry experience to succeed as an owner-operator.

Communication skills. In the course of a day, the owner-operator may speak with dispatchers, shippers, DOT inspectors and the highway patrol. To succeed, she-he must think, speak and act like a business owner, choosing an appropriate communication style to fit the occasion.

The owner-operator knows the operating costs and uses the cost-per-mile calculation to decide what loads to accept and which routes to travel.

As an owner-operator, you make sacrifices because your business requires you to work nights, on weekends and even holidays, often away from your family. Good preparation and careful consideration of what makes an owner operator successful will help you avoid costly mistakes that can set you back or even destroy your dream.

Mechanical aptitude. Down times and expensive truck repairs eat into the profit margin. The owner operator must have an understanding of the truck’s systems and components and how they work together so (s)he can perform small repairs and deal with emergency situations on the road.

Such a major decision affects you, your spouse and your family. Include them in your decision-making process, since your family’s support will contribute to your success. Begin with a thorough self assessment of your skills and experience.

Use the following list as your guide:                                        Order your career package here

  • Years of driving experience
  • Trucking-related skills
  • Mechanical skills
  • Basic business experience
  • Money management skills
  • Basic bookkeeping
  • Computer skills
  • Familiar with Internet
  • Communication style
  • Stress management
  • Crisis management
  • Motivation and endurance
  • Willingness to learn
  • Flexibility
  • Willingness to sacrifice
  • Other experience