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Understanding the annual revenue potential for owner-operators might influence your decision on whether starting a trucking business is the right move for you. Explore average revenues, along with some factors that can impact your profitability. 

How much revenue do owner-operators make? 

See revenue amounts 

How much revenue do owner-operators make?

Owner-operator Michael Adams standing in front of a red semi-truck inside a shop.

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Is being an owner-operator worth it? Explore the lifestyle of an owner-operator versus a company driver through the eyes of someone who’s lived it.

Is being an owner-operator worth it for your lifestyle?

With so many options out there, choosing how to get loads as an owner-operator can be challenging. Explore our five examples to help you decide, complete with pros and cons. 

Have you considered the different ways to find profitable freight? 

See load options 

Have you considered the different ways to find profitable freight?

Five semi-trucks with trailers parked at a loading dock.

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Learn what&nbsp;drives&nbsp;freight&nbsp;rates and how owner‑operators can stay profitable&nbsp;while&nbsp;navigating&nbsp;different market cycles.

How freight market changes impact owner-operators

If being an owner-operator sounds like a good fit for you, it’s important to understand the earning potential that comes with it. Explore the annual revenue possibilities for owner-operators who do business with Schneider, along with some influencing factors.

How much do owner-operators make? 

Discover average revenue

How much do owner-operators make?

A man standing in front of a semi-trailer smiling with his arms crossed in front of him. The tractor is blue and the trailer is orange.

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What is an owner-operator? Discover what it means to be an owner-operator, including how their responsibilities differ from company truck drivers.

What is an owner-operator? Everything you need to know

Review our trucking company compliance checklist for owner-operators to help ensure your business is operating safely. 

Keep your business compliant. 

See compliance checklist

Keep your business compliant.

A semi-truck driving down a county highway with a green sign that says, "Arizona, state line" in the forefront.

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Wondering what the difference is between a DOT and MC number? We break it down so you can see which one your business might need to get.

What’s the difference between a DOT and MC number?

When you do business with Schneider, you get access to discounts that can help save your business thousands of dollars every year. Learn more about the Schneider Purchase Program and how it can set your business up for success. 

Get the tools you need to succeed from day one. 

Discover discounts and perks

Get the tools you need to succeed from day one.

A man sitting at a table sorting through paperwork.

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Boost your understanding of how to start a trucking business with this owner-operator startup checklist.

5-step owner-operator startup checklist to help you succeed

In addition to fuel card discounts, fuel surcharges can relieve some of the costs you face at the pump. Explore how it works for owner-operators and how to calculate it. 

How does fuel surcharge help balance your fuel costs? 

Learn about fuel surcharge 

How does fuel surcharge help balance your fuel costs?

A closeup of a green diesel pump fueling up a vehicle.

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A fuel card is one tool that can help you save money at the pump. Explore some of the best fuel cards for owner-operators to help manage this expense.

10 best fuel cards for owner-operators to consider using

On the fence about becoming an owner-operator? Consider these reasons why owning a trucking business could be a good move. 

Discover why owning a trucking company may be right for you. 

See reasons

Discover why owning a trucking company may be right for you.

A man leaning on the front of a semi-truck wearing a plaid flannel shirt and a baseball hat with an American flag on it.

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Get a better idea of how much it costs to be an owner-operator with this breakdown of key expense factors.&nbsp;

How much does it cost to be an owner-operator truck driver?

Explore the pros and cons of leasing a semi-truck versus buying one to see which option is best for your business. 

Debating whether to lease or buy a semi-truck?

Weigh the factors

A female and male diesel technician standing outside pointing to various components under the hood of a semi-truck.

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Curious about semi-truck maintenance costs? Explore average annual expenses and practical tips to help you manage your maintenance budget effectively.

How much do owner-operators spend on semi-truck maintenance costs?

Review our trucking company compliance checklist to help outline some of the things to consider to keep your business operating safely. 

Ensure your trucking business is compliant with federal regulations. 

Read checklist

Ensure your trucking business is compliant with federal regulations.

A "Welcome to Texas" sign off of an interstate.

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If you're starting a trucking business and will be hauling freight across state lines, it's important to know how to get apportioned plates.

How to get apportioned plates: 5 tips you need to know

There’s a lot that goes into starting a trucking business, from getting equipment to deciding what type of freight you’ll haul. Review our owner-operator startup checklist for some things to think about. 

Explore tips to start a trucking business. 

See startup checklist 

Explore tips to start a trucking business.

A man wearing a baseball cap leaning against a white semi-truck and smiling with his arms crossed in front of him.

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You want your trucking business to be an LLC. So, how do you create one? Consider this guide on how to get an LLC for a trucking business to get started.&nbsp;

How to get an LLC for a trucking business in 5 steps

Getting semi-truck insurance is another must-do for owner-operators. Explore what kind of coverage your trucking business might need and what price range you can expect to pay. 

How much is semi-truck insurance? 

See insurance costs 

How much is semi-truck insurance?

A black Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck parked in a lot.

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See a breakdown of the tractor and semi-trailer registration fees by state to get a general idea of how much it costs to register a semi-truck.

How much does it cost to register a semi-truck in each state?

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses associated with owning a semi-truck. Check out these tips to help you save more money at the pump. 

Explore ways to improve your semi-truck fuel economy. 

See fuel-saving tips 

Explore ways to improve your semi-truck fuel economy.

A man sitting in a living room holding a stack of cash and using a calculator.

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Looking to advance your trucking business? Explore these ideas on how to make money with a semi-truck to help you get started.

How to make money with a semi-truck: 9 steps you can take

If your trucking business will be hauling freight across state lines, it's important to know how to get apportioned plates. Learn how to register through the International Registration Plan (IRP). 

Get the right license plates on your truck and trailer. 

Explore IRP registration and fees 

Get the right license plates on your truck and trailer.

A female owner-operator standing in a yard with semi-trucks in the background, wearing a hat, sunglasses and a black vest, typing on a tablet.

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With so many different options, it can be difficult to decide how to get loads as an owner-operator. Check out our five examples, with pros and cons.

How to get loads as an owner-operator in 5 different ways

Save on fuel, insurance, maintenance, tires and more with Schneider’s buying power discounts. 

Do business with Schneider and get access to money-saving tools. 

Explore Purchase Power Program 

Do business with Schneider and get access to money-saving tools.

A man leaning on a semi-truck, smiling, wearing a blue plaid shirt and a yellow safety vest.

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Ready to take your business to the next level but not sure where to start? Check out these tips on how to grow a trucking company.

How to grow a trucking company: 8 steps to start taking now

As you think about what it takes to become an owner-operator, consider these reasons why owning a trucking company could match your goals. 

Decide if becoming an owner-operator is the right move for you. 

Discover the reasons 

Decide if becoming an owner-operator is the right move for you.

A Schneider owner-operator stands in front of a tanker truck with his arms crossed.

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Interested in starting a trucking company but not sure where to start? Check out these steps on how to become an owner-operator.

How to become an owner-operator: 10 steps to take

We’ve got you covered. Check out our 7 tips on how to generate revenue when owning a semi-truck.

Looking for more ways to profit?

See ways to make money

Two semi-trucks parked side by side at a gas station fueling up on diesel. 

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Many owner-operators are finding new ways to save at the pump. Check out our tips on how to improve your semi-truck fuel economy to save even more money.

Top 10 ways to improve semi-truck fuel economy

From obtaining insurance to picking the freight you want to haul, consider these items as you work toward getting your trucking business off the ground. 

Start my own trucking business. 

Review startup checklist 

Start my own trucking business.

A man standing in front of a semi-truck. He's smiling and has his arms crossed in front of him.

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Thinking about becoming an owner-operator? Consider these reasons why owning a trucking company could be a good move.

5 reasons why owning a trucking company may be right for you

A résumé can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for contracting jobs. Follow these tips to craft one that shows off your business and driving experiences. 

Write an excellent owner-operator résumé. 

See writing tips 

Write an excellent owner-operator résumé.

A man with glasses sitting at a desk looking down at a piece of paper and holding a pen in his hand.

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A trucking business plan will give you a better idea of what to anticipate as an owner-operator. Use these points as a guide while you develop your plan.&nbsp;

7 things to consider when writing a trucking business plan

Schneider has van, tanker and drayage contracting jobs available across the United States. Find an option near you and apply today. 

Grow your business with Schneider. 

Explore contracting jobs 

Grow your business with Schneider.

A man standing outside beside a tanker truck, smiling straight forward with his arms crossed.

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If you’re applying to contracting jobs and want to have an owner-operator resume handy, learn how to create one that highlights your experiences.

How to write an owner-operator resume: 5 steps plus examples

Discover the pros and cons of running your own trucking business to see if being an owner-operator is the right move for you. 

Is being an owner-operator worth it? 

See considerations 

Is being an owner-operator worth it? 2

A wallet is pulled open to reveal a stack of cash

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Curious about the revenue potential of owner-operators? Explore how much owner-operators make, based on what type of freight they haul and other factors.

How much do owner-operators make? Average revenue and more

Looking for ways to increase revenue potential for your trucking business? See our seven tips on ways to make money owning a semi-truck. 

Make more money as an owner-operator.

See money-making tips

Make more money as an owner-operator

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Researching how to buy a semi-truck? Check out these considerations to help you make an informed business decision.&nbsp;

How to buy a semi-truck: Costs, needs and considerations

As you weigh the pros and cons of leasing versus buying a semi-truck, consider how much money you might need to spend on maintenance every year. 

Understand your truck’s maintenance costs. 

See average maintenance costs 

Understand your truck’s maintenance costs.

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Explore the pros and cons of leasing a semi-truck versus buying one to see which option is best for your business.&nbsp;

Leasing a semi-truck vs. buying one: 12 pros and cons

Fuel surcharge can help relieve some of the unpredictability of prices at the pump. Discover the purpose of fuel surcharge and how it can be calculated. 

Learn how to calculate fuel surcharge. 

See how it works 

Learn how to calculate fuel surcharge.

A man in a flannel shirt checks his phone while sitting at a desk that holds a laptop, coffee mug and various pens.

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Knowing how to calculate cost per mile is a big part of running a successful trucking business. Read more to learn what to include in your&nbsp;calculation.&nbsp;

How to calculate cost per mile as an owner-operator truck driver

Do business with Schneider and take advantage of our Purchase Power Program® that will help you get the best truck insurance rates and coverage in the industry. 

Lower your insurance costs with Schneider.

View details

A black tire skid mark that crosses the yellow center line indicates that a driver swerved into the opposite lane.

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Have questions about how much semi-truck insurance is and what kind of insurance you need for your business? Get the low down on costs, coverage and more.

Owner-operator tips