Running a successful trucking business as an owner-operator requires understanding all the costs involved. Owner-operators face many expenses, from fuel to maintenance and insurance, that impact their profitability. Owner-Operator Expenses Determining the cost of operating an owner-operator’s truck is important in running their business. When calculating the cost, there are two types: fixed and variable. Fixed Costs Fixed costs are expenses that typically do not change, and the owner-operator will incur these expenses whether the truck moves or not. Some fixed-cost examples include. Fuel Costs ..read more

Owner-Operator vs. Carrier When looking into a career in the trucking industry, you can pursue two routes: becoming an owner-operator or working for a carrier. Both options have advantages and challenges that one must consider before deciding. Below you will learn more about the pros and cons of being an owner-operator or working for a carrier. Understanding Owner-Operators vs. Carriers Owner-Operator An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own trucking business. Owner-operators are responsible for purchasing their own truck, keeping up on their truck maintenance and in ..read more

Double brokering has always been an issue; however, it has continued to rise in today’s market. In Quarter 2 of 2022 to Quarter 1 of 2023, Truckstop, a load board provider, has seen a 400% increase in double broker complaints. Double brokering can happen when a carrier accepts a load but cannot run the load. To cover the load, the carrier will contact another carrier or owner-operator to get the load moved. Often, this will go unnoticed unless there is an accident or a claim against damaged freight. Risks for Owner-Operators There are several risks an owner-operator can face when being involve ..read more

Owner-operators play an important role in the transportation industry, especially when moving produce during harvest seasons. Late spring and early summer are the seasons owner-operators look forward to most. With the increased availability of loads during the produce season, it’s typically a good time for owner-operators to find loads, make money, and keep their trucks moving. This year California has noticed historic rainfall, which can delay producing crops. Some fields were underwater and wetter than usual – this can affect when the produce can be harvested and how plentiful the harvest wi ..read more

It is no secret that owner-operators struggle to find parking in the United States. With strict rules and regulations for HOS, some owner-operators are finding themselves parking in unsafe areas. A new site was developed by Truckparkingclub.com to find owner-operators a safe place to park. Owner-operators can now pre-book parking in safe areas. While this is still new, more parking areas are popping up throughout the United States. The Story Behind TruckParkingClub TruckParkingClub was founded by Keith Cristal and Evan Shelly. Evan Shelly contacted Keith Cristal, who had several parking facili ..read more

With the devastation and damage that occurred to Florida by Hurricane Ian the FMCSA has issued an emergency declaration for all commercial vehicles that are transporting goods and services to the Southeastern states. This Regional Emergency Declaration was issued on September 28, 2022 and was because of Hurricane Ian’s landfall in Florida as well as the anticipated threats to citizens and property damage from heavy rainfall, high surf, flooding, and strong wind. States of Emergency Commercial vehicles and drivers that are aiding during this emergency to the seven states are given temporary rel ..read more

For years, many individuals in the trucking industry have spoken about the driver shortage. Whether it be owner-operators or company drivers, most people agree that the problem continues to grow. However, one thing you don’t really hear much about is the looming diesel technician shortage. The workforce is aging, with an estimated 40 – 50 percent expected to retire by the end of 2030, and the number of prospective workers entering the field is declining. Issues for carriers and owner-operators will continue to grow. The wait time for repairs has steadily increased over the years, and with fewe ..read more

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is holding the yearly Brake Safety Week on August 21 – 27, 2022. All truck drivers should be aware of the week-long inspection and plan accordingly. During this time, inspectors will focus on brake safety inspection, enforcement, and education to help drivers keep themselves and others safe on the road. Preparing for Brake Safety Week The best way to prepare for brake safety week and ensure you do not receive an out-of-service violation is to establish and enforce a routine inspection. It is important to ensure you are properly trained on this insp ..read more

While we saw a decrease in diesel fuel for a few weeks, they have begun increasing and reaching $5.00 a gallon in some places. Fuel prices are now the top concern in the trucking industry. The Energy Administration states that the United States has a 25-diesel fuel reserve which is the lowest since 2008. The diesel shortage does not only affect the trucking industry and owner-operators. But farmers can see the effects of the diesel shortage who are trying to harvest crops. The longer these prices stay high and continue to increase, the more it will affect everyone else as well as the cost of o ..read more

Owner-Operators and truck drivers only have a few more days to fully prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety week enforcement and inspection. This year – the Brake Safety Week will take place August 21 – 27 throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. During this time, the CVSA inspectors will be performing the North American Standard Level I and V Inspections and reporting this data back to the CVSA. How to Prepare for Brake Safety Week During this year’s Brake Safety Week – the area of concern is brake hose/tubing chafing violations. According to the CVSA – bra ..read more