Local Owner Operator Jobs: How to Make the Right Choice for You
You might be thinking that you can’t get a local owner operator job unless your company is based in your hometown. But that isn’t true! In fact, you can find plenty of local owner operator jobs with any company if you know where to look.
And if becoming an independent trucker is something you want to do, then this article is for you. Any type of career comes with pros and cons and so does the choice between an employee or a business owner when it comes to being a truck driver. There are some important facts that need to be considered before making such an important decision regarding your future career path as a truck driver.
What is a Local Owner Operator Job?
For the sake of clarity, let’s start by defining what a local owner operator jobs are. An owner operator is a driver who owns his or her truck and is self-employed. This means that he or she is responsible for covering all expenses related to the truck and therefore, has to charge their clients less than a company driver would in order to turn a profit.
In contrast, an employee is someone who drives for a company and is not self-employed. Instead, they are hired by a company that pays their salary, provides them with the trucks, and covers all the expenses. An employee doesn’t own the truck they drive and doesn’t have any risk involved. They work for a company, get paid by a company, and get benefits from a company.
Advantages of Being an Employee
– You’ll have a set schedule and consistent hours – If you’re looking to make a living as an employee, then you don’t have to worry about finding work. Instead, you’ll have a set schedule that is predefined and consistent hours each week. This means that you’ll have something to follow and know exactly when you’ll be done for the day. – It’s easier to get hired – Some companies might have some minimum requirements for their owner operator positions.
This means that you won’t have to worry about these minimums and can focus on finding a company that is the best match for you. – You’ll have a steady income – As an employee, you’ll be guaranteed a steady income. This is helpful because you won’t have to worry about finding work and the uncertainty of making enough money. Instead, you can focus on climbing the career ladder and moving up the ranks within your company.
Disadvantages of Being an Employee
– You’re dependent on the company – As an employee, you’re dependent on the company for hours, raises, and bonuses. This means that if you want a significant amount of money and a career advancement, you’ll have to put in a lot of extra hours beyond your regular schedule.
– No control over your route – As an employee, you have little to no control over the route you get to drive each day. Instead, the company will assign you to a certain route that may not fit your desired lifestyle or preferences.
– You have very little room for growth – As an employee, you have little to no room for growth. This means that you won’t have any control over your career advancement, be able to earn a significant amount of money, or have a clear path for your future in the company.
Advantages of Being an Independent Trucker
– You have control over your route – As an independent trucker, you have control over the route you want to drive. This means that you’ll have the opportunity to drive in the areas and on the roads you want to and will get to choose the amount of miles you want to drive each week. – You’ll have the opportunity to earn a significant amount of money.
– As an independent trucker, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a significant amount of money. This means that you won’t be limited to a set salary and have the chance to earn more from your clients. – You have the opportunity to earn a lot of benefits – As an independent trucker, you have You might be thinking that you can’t get a local owner operator job unless your company is based in your hometown. But that isn’t true! In fact, you can find plenty of local owner operator jobs to earn a lot of benefits. This means that you’ll be able to get insurance and healthcare for you and your family and that you won’t have to pay as much for these expenses as an employee.
Disadvantages of Being an Independent Trucker
– You’ll have to pay for your own expenses – As an independent trucker, you’ll have to pay for your own expenses. This means that you’ll have to pay for gas, repairs, and almost everything else related to owning and running a truck. – You won’t have a steady income – As an independent trucker, you won’t have a steady income. This means that you won’t be guaranteed a certain amount of money per month and will have to deal with variable income each week.
– You’ll be responsible for covering your own health insurance – As an independent trucker, you’ll be responsible for covering your own health insurance. This means that you won’t be able to get health insurance from your company and will have to pay for it yourself.
– You’ll have more risk involved – As an independent trucker, you’ll have more risk involved. This means that you’ll be personally responsible for any accidents that happen while you’re driving and will be responsible for covering the expenses.
Key Takeaway
As you can see, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both being an employee and an independent trucker. Whether you choose to be an employee or an independent trucker, is up to you, but it’s important to consider all of your options before making the decision.
References:
1-Increase in rear-end collision risk by acute stress-induced fatigue in on-road truck driving
Published: October 21, 2021
DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258892
2-Effects of Truck Driver Wages and Working Conditions on Highway Safety: Case Study
Published: January 1, 2003
DOI: doi.org/10.3141/1833-13