If you want to drive but also want to experience the challenge of operating your own business, becoming a Owner-operator is an excellent option. You'll still be out on the road, of course, but you'll also get to experience the responsibility and rewards of ownership. Here's everything you need to know about this career path.
What would I do? Where would I work?
How much would I get paid? How do I get to be an Owner-operator? Where would I go from here? How do I get started?How much would I get paid?
As a small businessperson, Owner-operators are typically compensated on a mileage basis that is significantly higher than what a driver working directly for a company would receive. However, an Owner-operator must pay for all his/her operating expenses including fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Your annual salary will be influenced by your location and the size of the clients you work for, but Owner-operators will probably earn a higher rate than a paid employee. In return for these higher rates, Owner-operators are responsible for paying all expenses related to operating that truck. Fuel, licences, maintenance and insurance are just some of these expenses.
Statistics show that:
• most workers earn between $79,418 and $165,876 per year
• the national average for gross revenues is $122,401 per year
In addition, some clients may offer performance and safety bonuses to qualifying Owner-operators, as well as other benefits.
Salary data is from the CernoResearch 2007 Trucking Operations, Compensation and Benefits Report. For more information, please contact CernoResearch at www.cernoresearch.com.
