Owner-Operator trucking business

Freight brokers, manufacturers, distributors and shippers who need goods moved between cities or regions.

A rate per mile or a flat rate per load, sometimes a contract rate with regular customers. Fuel, insurance, repairs and truck payments come out of what you earn.

• Commercial driving (CDL)
• Trip and route planning
• Bookkeeping and cost tracking
• Negotiating rates with brokers

• CDL requirements, plus medical card and drug and alcohol testing program rules
• FMCSA registration (USDOT number, operating authority), and state and federal fees such as IRP, IFTA and heavy vehicle use tax, check what applies to you
• Commercial auto liability, cargo and physical damage insurance can be costly for new businesses, and insurers often ask for a sizeable down payment
• Startup cost depends heavily on whether you buy a used or newer tractor, how much you put down if financing, and whether you need your own trailer
• Slow-paying customers, fuel price swings and breakdowns can squeeze cash flow, so keep a cash reserve
• Hours-of-service and electronic logging rules limit how long you can drive

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on whether you buy a used or newer tractor, how much you put down if financing, and whether you need your own trailer. Insurers often ask for a sizeable down payment.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the freight you haul and your rates. Slow-paying customers, fuel price swings and breakdowns can squeeze cash flow, so keep a reserve.

Check CDL requirements, the medical card and drug and alcohol testing rules, FMCSA registration (USDOT number and operating authority), and which state and federal fees such as IRP, IFTA and heavy vehicle use tax apply. Also check hours-of-service and electronic logging rules.