Are you driving as an owner-operator or want to upgrade your career from company driver, and now looking for the best companies and options on the market?
Well, guess what?
I have made fine research on the topic, and want to present some of the best options out there for owner-operators.
What’s Owner-An owner-operator truck driver
An owner-operator truck driver is a self-employed individual who owns and operates their own truck for commercial transportation purposes. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, including obtaining and maintaining their truck, obtaining and complying with necessary licenses and permits, and finding and securing freight to haul.
They may work for themselves or contract with a larger company for freight-hauling assignments.
Does owner operators earn more money?
Owner-operators may have the potential to earn more money than company drivers, but it depends on many factors.
Some of the advantages that owner-operators have include:
- Setting their own rates: Owner-operators are able to negotiate their own rates with clients, which can lead to higher pay than what a company might offer.
- Increased autonomy: Owner-operators have more control over their schedules, routes, and loads, which can lead to more efficient use of their time and resources.
- Potential for more loads: Owner-operators may be able to secure more loads than company drivers, which can lead to higher income.
- Potential for earning money from multiple sources: Owner-operators can also earn money from leasing their truck or trailers to other drivers, or by renting out their equipment when they’re not using it.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that being an owner-operator also involves many additional responsibilities and expenses, such as purchasing and maintaining the truck, paying for fuel and insurance, and complying with regulations. These expenses can eat into the owner-operator’s profits, so they need to be taken into account when calculating income. Additionally, with the constant changes in the economy and market conditions, the earning potential can vary.
It’s also important to note that the earning potential for owner-operators is not guaranteed and it depends on factors such as the owner-operator’s business acumen, experience, and the market conditions. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly research and understand the expenses, income potential, and the market conditions before becoming an owner-operator truck driver.
What to look for in a good company for owner-operator truck drivers?
When looking for a good company for owner-operator truck drivers, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Freight and Load Availability: A good company for owner-operators will provide a steady stream of loads and have a robust network of customers to ensure a consistent flow of freight.
- Pay and Rates: Look for a company that offers competitive pay and rates, taking into account the cost of operating your own truck and any additional expenses.
- Support Services: A good company for owner-operators should provide support services such as dispatch, billing, and maintenance assistance, to help you manage the administrative side of your business.
- Home Time: Consider the amount of home time you want and look for a company that can accommodate your schedule and personal needs.
- Safety and Compliance: A good company for owner-operators should have strict safety policies and ensure that all owner-operators are in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Reputation: Research the company’s reputation in the trucking industry and consider feedback from current and former owner-operators.
- Fuel Programs: Look for a company that offers fuel programs and discounts to help offset fuel costs, which can be a significant expense for owner-operators.
- Insurance and Maintenance: Consider the insurance and maintenance options available through the company and the cost of these services.
It’s important to thoroughly research and compare multiple companies before making a decision, to ensure you find the best fit for your needs and goals as an owner-operator truck driver.
Contents
Mercer Transportation
PAM Transport
Landstar
J.B. Hunt
Schneider
Werner
Swift
Freightech
Quality Carriers
ATS
XPO
Crete Carrier
Prime
Marten Transport
CFI
Stevens Transport
PTL
CRST
Roehl Transport
Artur Express
1. Mercer Transportation
Mercer Transportation is a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that specializes in transportation management services. As a 3PL, they do not employ their own fleet of drivers, but instead, they work with a network of carriers, including owner-operators, to provide transportation services to their clients.
Owner-operators who work with Mercer Transportation are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck. They are responsible for providing the truck and equipment, as well as obtaining their own insurance. Mercer Transportation provides support for these independent truckers by connecting them with shipping lanes and customers, negotiating rates, and handling other logistics-related tasks.
Mercer Transportation provides a range of services for the owner-operators such as fuel discounts, no forced dispatch, and quick pay options, including same-day pay. They also have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which provides access to exclusive lanes and higher-paying loads, as well as operational support such as fuel cards, maintenance, and compliance. Additionally, they offer a safety program in place for their owner-operators, which includes regular safety meetings, training, and incentives for safe driving practices.
💲 Average salary: $151,005 per year
🔥 Discounts on fuel, tires, and services
🎧 No forced dispatch
🌐 Website: mercer-trans.com
2. PAM Transport
PAM Transport is a trucking company based in Tontitown, Arkansas, that provides transportation services to businesses throughout the United States. They also offer owner-operator opportunities for truck drivers who wish to become self-employed and operate their own truck.
PAM Transport’s owner-operator program allows drivers to use the company’s operating authority and access to loads while maintaining the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed. Drivers are responsible for their own truck and expenses, but PAM Transport provides support and resources such as fuel discounts, maintenance support, and access to insurance options.
The company also offers a lease-purchase program that allows owner-operators to lease a truck from PAM Transport and gradually build equity in the vehicle, with the goal of owning it outright.
As an owner-operator with PAM Transport, drivers have access to a wide variety of freight options, and the company’s dispatch team will work to ensure that drivers have consistent and profitable loads. The company also offers a fuel card, which helps keep costs low for their owner-operators.
However, as with any business or employment opportunity, it is important to thoroughly research and understand the details of the program and the company policies before making any decisions.
💲 Average salary: $171,646 per year
🏷 Fuel & tire discounts
🔑 Lease program
🌐 Website: pamtransport.com
3. Landstar
Landstar is a non-forced dispatch trucking company that offers owner-operator opportunities for truck drivers who wish to become self-employed and operate their own truck. The company provides its owner-operators with access to a variety of freight options, including long-haul and regional loads, as well as specialized hauls such as over-dimensional and heavy-haul loads.
Landstar’s owner-operator program allows drivers to use the company’s operating authority and access to loads while maintaining the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed. Drivers are responsible for their own truck and expenses, but Landstar provides support and resources such as fuel discounts, maintenance support, and access to insurance options. Additionally, the company offers a variety of pay options, including percentage pay, mileage pay, and flatbed pay.
Landstar also has a unique business model where its owner-operators are considered as “business capacity owners” which means that they are independent contractors and are responsible for the business aspects of the transportation services they provide to Landstar, including obtaining and maintaining their own operating authority, securing loads to haul, and handling all the financial aspects of the business.
As an owner-operator with Landstar, drivers have the flexibility to choose their own loads and lanes, with no forced dispatch. The company’s dispatch team will work to ensure that drivers have consistent and profitable loads.
4. J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt is a trucking company based in Lowell, Arkansas, that offers transportation services to businesses throughout the United States. They also offer owner-operator opportunities for truck drivers who wish to become self-employed and operate their own truck.
J.B. Hunt’s owner-operator program allows drivers to use the company’s operating authority and access to loads while maintaining the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed. Drivers are responsible for their own truck and expenses, but J.B. Hunt provides support and resources such as fuel discounts, maintenance support, and access to insurance options.
As an owner operator with J.B. Hunt, drivers have access to a wide variety of freight options, including long-haul and regional loads, as well as specialized hauls such as over-dimensional and heavy-haul loads. The company’s dispatch team will work to ensure that drivers have consistent and profitable loads.
J.B. Hunt also provides their owner-operators with a dedicated fleet manager, this fleet manager will work with the owner-operator to understand their needs and preferences, and then match them with the available loads. This can help the owner-operator to optimize their business and increase their earning potential.
It’s important to keep in mind that being an owner-operator also involves many additional responsibilities and expenses, such as purchasing and maintaining the truck, paying for fuel and insurance, and complying with regulations. These expenses can eat into the owner-operator’s profits, so they need to be taken into account when calculating income. Additionally, with the constant changes in the economy and market conditions, owner-operators are not getting what they used to some two years ago.
It’s always good to discuss your income and expenses with recruiters and make the best possible decision for the circumstances.
💲 Average salary: $118,730 per year
🔥 Discounts on fuel, parts, and tolls
🔑 Leasing options
📱 Access to load board
🎧 No forced dispatch
🌐 Website: jbhunt.com
5. Schneider
Schneider National is a transportation and logistics company that offers owner-operator truck driving opportunities.
As an owner-operator with Schneider, you would have the opportunity to own and operate your own truck, while also receiving support and resources from Schneider. This includes access to freight, fuel discounts, maintenance services, and more.
Additionally, Schneider offers a variety of programs and incentives to help owner-operators grow their businesses and be successful.
💲Average salary: $213,624 per year
Finance option
🔑 Lease program
🏷 Discounts on fuel, tire, and maintenance
🌐 Website: schneider.com
6. Werner
Werner Enterprises is a transportation and logistics company that offers owner-operator truck driving opportunities. As an owner-operator with Werner, you would have the opportunity to own and operate your own truck, while also receiving support and resources from the company. This includes access to freight, fuel discounts, maintenance services, and more.
Additionally, Werner offers a variety of programs and incentives to help owner-operators grow their businesses and be successful. They offer to pay for certain expenses such as permits, tires, and insurance while they also have a strong safety culture. They also have a program called “Fleet Werner” which allows owner-operators to be part of the company’s fleet while still maintaining the autonomy of being an owner-operator.
💲 Average salary: $178,130 per year
Medical, vision, and dental
Tire discount
Toll card
$1,000 sign-on bonus
🌐 Website: werner.com
7. Swift
Swift Transportation is a transportation and logistics company that offers owner-operator truck driving opportunities. As an owner-operator with Swift, you would have the opportunity to own and operate your own truck, while also receiving support and resources from the company. This includes access to freight, fuel discounts, maintenance services, and more.
Additionally, Swift offers a variety of programs and incentives to help owner-operators grow their businesses and be successful. They offer a program called “Swift Choice” that allows owner-operators to choose their own level of support, whether it be full or minimal, and they also have fuel discounts programs, base plate program, and more. They also provide access to a range of equipment options and financing plans to help owner-operators get started.
8. Freightech
Freightech is a family-owned trucking carrier out of Romeoville, Illinois that hires company drivers and owner-operators, have great atmosphere, and pays its drivers right.
Owner-operators at Freightech drive the routes they want to drive and take home time at their will. However, the more time they spend on the road, the more money they will bring home as Freightech runs only over the road. An owner-operator that drives three weeks with one week off will make $288,000 up to $300,000 yearly gross. They have the option to get up to 88% of the gross revenue.
Here owner operators drive about 2700-3500 miles per week and gross up to $10K weekly. The dispatch service is non forced, while loads are 100% no-touch. Freightech also offers DOT-compliant equipment for your fleet.
Truck maintenance service is also provided to the drivers, bonuses as well as plate program and electronic logging device.
💲 Average salary: $160,000 per year
🔧 Assistance and discount on maintenance.
🎧 No forced dispatch.
🌐 Website: freightech.us
9. Quality Carriers
Quality Carriers is a transportation and logistics company that offers owner-operator truck driving opportunities. As an owner-operator with Quality Carriers, you would have the opportunity to own and operate your own truck, while also receiving support and resources from the company. This includes access to freight, fuel discounts, maintenance services, and more.
Additionally, Quality Carriers offers a variety of programs and incentives to help owner-operators grow their businesses and be successful. They have a program called “Lease Purchase” that allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Quality Carriers with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease term. They also have a “Fleet Owners” program that allows owner-operators to run under the Quality Carriers authority while still maintaining the autonomy of being an owner-operator. They also offer maintenance programs, fuel discounts, and more.
💲 Average salary: $195,000 per year
🏷 Discounts on fuel, tires, and insurance
🌐 Website: qualitycarriersinc.com
10. ATS
ATS (American Trucking Services) is a company that provides owner-operators with a range of services including freight matching, fuel discounts, and insurance options.
Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like ATS to find and secure freight to haul.
ATS provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks.
11. XPO
XPO Logistics is a large transportation and logistics company that provides a wide range of services, including less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), and intermodal transportation. They also offer warehousing and logistics services. As a third-party logistics provider, XPO Logistics contracts with owner-operators to provide trucking services on their behalf. XPO owner-operator is a term used to describe independent truck drivers who contract with XPO Logistics to haul freight under the XPO brand.
As an XPO owner-operator, you would be considered an independent contractor rather than an employee of XPO Logistics. You would be responsible for providing your own truck and equipment, as well as obtaining and maintaining all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance. XPO Logistics would provide you with freight to haul and would pay you for your services.
It’s important to keep in mind that, as an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own business expenses, taxes and insurance, which can be significant. Additionally, you will be responsible for finding your own loads and maintaining your equipment. This can be a great opportunity for experienced owner-operators looking for a steady stream of freight, but it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before becoming an XPO owner-operator.
12. Crete Carrier
Crete Carrier is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck and often work with companies like Crete Carrier to find and secure freight to haul.
Crete Carrier provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Crete Carrier and eventually own it after a period of time.
13. Prime
Prime Inc is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like Prime Inc to find and secure freight to haul.
Prime Inc provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. Prime also has a lease to purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Prime with the option to purchase it after a period of time. Additionally, they have a fuel optimization program, which helps owner-operators save money on fuel costs by providing real-time information on fuel prices, routes, and other resources.
14. Marten Transport
Being an owner-operator at Marten Transport can be a challenging but rewarding experience. As an owner-operator, you would be responsible for operating your own truck and hauling freight for Marten Transport. You would have the independence of running your own business, but also the support of a large, established company.
As one of the best companies for owner-operators, Marten Transport will provide you with steady freight to haul, which can help you ensure success as an owner-operator. There is a huge potential for high earnings since you can choose the loads you haul, and manage your own finances. Also, with the ability to set your own schedule and choose your own loads, you have the flexibility to balance your work and personal life as you see fit.
However, being an owner-operator can also be challenging as you might guess. You are responsible for the daily operations of your truck, including maintenance and repairs, securing freight, and ensuring timely delivery. You also need to manage your own finances, including fuel, insurance, and other costs.
Overall, being an owner-operator at Marten Transport can provide a rewarding career with the potential for high earnings, independence, and flexibility, but also requires hard work and dedication to succeed.
15. CFI
CFI (Contract Freighters, Inc.) is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck and often work with companies like CFI to find and secure freight to haul.
CFI provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from CFI and eventually own it after a period of time. They also offer a fuel optimization program, which helps owner-operators save money on fuel costs by providing real-time information on fuel prices, routes, and other resources.
Additionally, they have a safety program in place for their owner-operators, which includes regular safety meetings, training, and incentives for safe driving practices.
16. Stevens Transport
Stevens Transport is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like Stevens Transport to find and secure freight to haul.
Stevens Transport provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Stevens Transport and eventually own it after a period of time.
Additionally, they have a fuel optimization program, which helps owner-operators save money on fuel costs by providing real-time information on fuel prices, routes, and other resources.
💲Salary: $131,832 per year.
🔑 Lease purchase option.
🎧 No forced dispatch.
🌐 Website: stevenstransport.com
17. PTL
PTL (Practical Transport Solutions) is a trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck and often work with companies like PTL to find and secure freight to haul.
PTL provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from PTL and eventually own it after a period of time.
Additionally, they have a fuel optimization program, which helps owner-operators save money on fuel costs by providing real-time information on fuel prices, routes, and other resources.
18. CRST
CRST International Inc. is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like CRST to find and secure freight to haul.
CRST provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from CRST and eventually own it after a period of time. Additionally, they have a safety program in place for their owner-operators, which includes regular safety meetings, training, and incentives for safe driving practices.
CRST has a reputation as a reputable trucking company with a long history. It’s one of the largest privately-held transportation companies in the US and has a diverse range of services such as dry van, flatbed, temperature controlled, and expedite services.
19. Roehl Transport
Roehl Transport is a large trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like Roehl Transport to find and secure freight to haul.
Roehl Transport provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Roehl Transport and eventually own it after a period of time. Additionally, they have a fuel optimization program, which helps owner-operators save money on fuel costs by providing real-time information on fuel prices, routes, and other resources.
Roehl Transport is known to be one of the leading trucking companies in the industry. They have a diverse range of services and are committed to providing a safe and efficient transportation service. They also have a strong focus on driver development and provide a wide range of training and support programs for their employees and owner-operators.
Owners can choose to be paid by a percentage of the load or by the miles they drive.
💲Salary: $168,864 per year.
🔥 Discounts on fuel, tires, and services.
🔑 Lease and rent option.
⛽️ Fuel surcharge.
🌐 Website: roehl.jobs
20. Artur Express
Artur Express is a trucking company that employs both company drivers and owner-operators. Owner-operators are independent truck drivers who own and operate their own truck, and often work with companies like Artur Express to find and secure freight to haul.
Artur Express provides support for these independent truckers, helping them to find loads, negotiate rates, and handle other business-related tasks. They have a program specifically for the owner-operators, which includes benefits such as fuel discounts, insurance options, and maintenance support. They also provide a dedicated dispatch team, which is responsible for finding and assigning loads to the owner-operators. They also offer a lease purchase program, which allows owner-operators to lease a truck from Artur Express and eventually own it after a period of time. Additionally, they have a safety program in place for their owner-operators, which includes regular safety meetings, training, and incentives for safe driving practices.
Artur Express is known to be a reliable and experienced trucking company that has been in business for over 20 years. They are based in Missouri, USA and they provide a variety of transportation services such as dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed services across the US.
💲 Pay: $2,02/m – $2,33/m based on the lane and miles or 82% of the line haul.
⛽️ Fuel surcharge
🕗 Local work paid hourly
🔑 Lease option
🌐 Website: arturexpress.com
Which Company You Will Choose
If you make research on your own, you will find hundreds of companies that hire owner-operator truck drivers at the moment. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of the best owner-operator companies, where you can make a great career.
Although I’ve provided valuable information about the top companies, please make sure to ask all important questions about your job when talking to a recruiter, because of the constant changes in the economy and market conditions.
These are simply the biggest mega carriers in the biz and as an owner/op, I have worked for several of them. It is in my experience and personal opinion that I would recommend staying away from these companies. Especially SCAMstar (Landstar)!! They ripped me off on my check several times and when I called in to discuss it, they tried to intimidate me make me feel bad for doing so. I could go on about this and others… But trust me, find a mid-size carrier with good reviews and one that is paid up on all their bills You’ll be much better off!!