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

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

If you’re a company driver, the thought of becoming an owner-operator has probably crossed your mind more than once. Many owner-operators who do business with Schneider started in transportation as company drivers. 

The freedom to work for yourself and the opportunity to build something of your own can be very appealing, but it’s a choice that deserves careful consideration. That’s why we’ve put together our top five reasons why owning a trucking company could be the perfect fit for you. 

5 reasons to consider owning a trucking business

 1. You want an opportunity to earn more revenue.

Because there is no maximum on how much you make as an owner-operator, your revenue can vary based on many factors, such as: 

• Your business model.

• What type of freight your business hauls. 

• How many trucks your business runs. 

• If you do business with a carrier or operate under your own authority. 

To make a great living as an owner-operator, it’s important to have a solid business plan and find ways to save on operating costs. 

2. You want to create your own schedule.

The beauty of owning a trucking company is having the ability to get home when you want. Because you pick how you're going to get your loads, you also decide how often you're going to get home. 

Having this freedom is beneficial not only for you, but also for your family. As an owner-operator, the control is in your hands to get home for important events and commitments. 

3. You want more responsibility.

Another reason to own a trucking company is that you need a change of pace. Maybe you’ve been a company driver for 10 years and are ready for a new challenge.  

Owning a trucking business is a way to stay in the industry you love but in a new role with extra responsibility (but more control). Owner-operators are typically responsible for things like: 

• Overseeing all expenses associated with their business, like fuel, insurance, maintenance, taxes and truck payments. 

• Handling office work, like paperwork and scheduling. 

• Knowing how to calculate cost per mile.

• Tracking their business’ profit margins. 

• Keeping their business compliant.

• Finding profitable freight for their business to haul. 

It’s up you to decide if you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a trucking company. 

4. You are interested in starting a business with someone else.

Many owner-operators decide to start their business with their spouse, friend or family member. Being a team owner-operator has its advantages, like being able to run more miles. This leads to generating more revenue. 

5. You want more control.

As a company driver, you’re assigned what loads to haul, where to go and what schedule you’ll be working. As an owner-operator, you make all those decisions for yourself. Simply put, you’re your own boss. This means you: 

• Make your own business decisions. 

• Pick loads for your business to haul. 

• Choose the equipment that works best for your business. 

• Figure out whether you lease or buy a semi-truck.

• Decide whether you want to do business with a carrier or operate under your own authority. 

• Select what carrier you do business with. 

• Determine if you’ll be the sole driver for your business or if you'll hire additional employees.