Daddy, why aren't you working today?

Moving freight is what generates money for a trucking company.  However, as an independent owner-operator, driving and moving the freight is just one of the many things I have to do.  I choose to do it all with my company; I dispatch myself, make sales calls and visits, handle all the safety and DOT compliance, administer the drug and alcohol testing, IRP registration and permitting, file IFTA, pay Heavy Vehicle Usage Tax, handle billing and collection, contract with other companies to sub haul, manage my maintenance program and of course, drive the truck and deliver the vehicles. 


There's a big difference in being a leased owner-operator and an independent owner-operator. I'm not saying one is better than the other; it depends on what you want. Believe me, there are times when I'd love to be leased to big carrier who handles all the scheduling and dispatching and has plenty of freight. To only have to worry about the truck would be a relief, but there's a flip side to that. I enjoy the freedom that I possess with my own authority. I can go anywhere that I want and make my own schedule.  I also love being able to say NO! I'm no longer forced to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas (like I did as a gasoline tanker driver). And if the weather is bad, I don't hesitate to park it until I feel that it's safe to run. As a company driver, this was usually decided for me.  The buck truly stops with me at Blue Ridge Transport.   


Finding freight is the biggest challenge that I face.  So, when my kids see me in front of the computer, they assume that I'm not working.  It's true that I'm not directly generating revenue, but it's mandatory work that must be done in order to keep the wheels rolling.  Most of my business comes from used cars that are individually selected and bought so there's no type of contract work in used car hauling.  I have to get out there and find work each week which takes a tremendous amount of time away from the truck.  After a load is acquired, I immediately start looking for the next load.  There are no 3 or 4 week pre-planned routes in my business.  It keeps it exciting, but it keeps the pressure on as well.

I don't recommend going from a company driver to an owner-operator with your own authority like I did.  I learned a lot of lessons the hard way.  I'm sure there are many professional company drivers that could handle it, but I would recommend starting as a leased owner-operator first.  You may be content there anyway or you may want more freedom to succeed as a true independent. Be advised, with the freedom to succeed that you gain, you will also gain the freedom to fail.  Whatever your choice, choose carefully and once you make your decision, be determined to make it work.