What Is an Owner Operator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

The term Owner-Operator refers to a trucking professional who owns their truck and drives it as an independent contractor. Many companies hire independent operators to haul goods for them. Using contractors allows construction companies to keep pace with the rise and fall of demand for their products without the overhead cost of maintaining a fleet of vehicles that may be insufficient in one season and excessive in another. Owner-Operators need to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the class that allows them to drive their vehicle and have sufficient training in operating and maintaining the machine. They can choose their own schedule and pick which jobs to take.

To become an Owner-Operator, you need the same qualifications as a truck driver on the staff of a trucking company, but you must also purchase your own vehicle. Many Owner-Operators start out as drivers for other companies before branching out on their own. You need to have a clean driving record and the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for your type of truck. Some contracting employers may require you to pass a drug test and background check. Because you are an independent contractor, you are responsible for the care and maintenance of your vehicle to make sure that it is in proper condition.

The career path of an Owner-Operator varies, depending on the types of opportunities available. They typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and have obtained a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Many start out in an entry-level driving job at a trucking or construction company to learn the necessary skills to operate a large truck. Once they branch out on their own, Owner-Operators have the flexibility to choose short- or long-term contracts and short- or long-range hauls. They can also specialize in particular areas of expertise, such as oversized loads, hazardous materials, or refrigerated shipping. Owner-Operators are ultimately responsible for everything regarding their business, including the maintenance of their equipment, so some understanding of car mechanics is essential. Running your own business also relies on references, so being reliable and efficient is key to keeping customers happy and spreading word-of-mouth.

Being self-employed comes with some risks, but choosing to be an Owner-Operator provides a level of involvement, freedom, and control in their business that they would not have working on the staff of a construction or trucking company. As an Owner-Operator, you can make your own schedule and pick which jobs you want to take. There is a good amount of variety in the people you work with and the locations you travel to with your load. The training program for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) usually lasts two months or less, so this is a growing business that can be fairly easy to enter and that provides decent pay.

Job Summary

Our company needs a tractor-trailer Owner Operator to join our team. You must have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and be able to make long trips on a strict schedule. Experience in commercial driving, such as hauling large materials on a flatbed or making smaller local deliveries, is also required. Our ideal candidate is self-motivated, has strong time management skills, and keeps accurate documentation of miles logged and signatures from clients. Flexibility with your schedule is essential, as you must deliver your shipments within a specific timeframe.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Pick up shipments from our warehouse
• Haul loads to their destination by the assigned deadline
• Collect signatures from clients upon delivery
• Log all of your miles, hours, and deliveries
• Keep your truck clean and well-maintained
• Follow all safety and labor regulations while on the road

Requirements and Qualifications

• A commercial driver’s license
• A semi-truck with proof of ownership or lease agreements
• At least one year of commercial driving experience
• Valid auto and liability insurance
• Strong time management skills