Starting an Owner Operator Trucking Business: 7 Things You Need to Do Before You Launch

The key to a successful owner operator trucking business is preparation. While this may seem obvious, it’s amazing how often people overlook some of the most important steps in the process. So here are seven tips to keep in mind that will help to ensure your success:

1. Make sure that an owner operator trucking business is what you want out of life. Lots of people think they want to get into the transportation field; “after all,” they think, “what could be easier than driving for a living?” But, as anyone who has been behind the wheel of a big rig knows, being a trucker is hard work. It involves long hours, irregular schedules, dealing with traffic and loneliness, and occasionally, hard work loading and unloading trailers. If you’re sure that an owner operator trucking business is for you, then the next step is to acquire the necessary training and experience.
2. Unless you’ve already been in the field for a while, you’ll need to attend a good truck driving academy to learn the basic skills of the trade. There are many fine schools around the country. Some are run by transport companies, and others are private or public institutions that do nothing but train future truckers. Whichever one you select, make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you sign anything. Choose a school that’s been around for a while and has a reputation for treating students right. If you attend a company-sponsored school, then you’ll probably be required to drive for that business for at least a year after graduation. Of course, that’s a great way to get the company driver experience you’ll need before launching your own enterprise.
3. Check out financing and lease-to-own options for getting your own rig. As with so many things in life, this is one area in which having good credit can be a major advantage. If you’ve had problems paying your bills in the past, don’t despair. Many companies will work out alternative financing for people in your situation. Just be sure you read the fine print in the contract before making a commitment. Again, check out the company or financial institution thoroughly before taking the plunge.
4. Remember that managing an owner operator trucking business comes with lots and lots of paperwork. Fortunately, TruckingOffice has powerful tools like fuel tax reporting software that will help you keep on top of recordkeeping, paying your taxes, and performing routine vehicle maintenance.
5. Remember that a trucking career can wreak havoc with your physical and mental health if you’re not careful. To really enjoy your job, you’ll need to include regular exercise and sensible eating in your lifestyle. Many modern truck stops have fitness equipment on hand for drivers to use. You’ll even find doctors, nurses, chiropractors, and other health professionals. As far as nutrition is concerned, you can find healthful choices on most truckstop menus these days. There are books on tape, online courses, and trucking chapels to help keep your mind sharp and your spirits up.
6. Practice good money management. It’s easy to get a large settlement and suddenly think you’re Donald Trump. This is another area in which TruckingOffice, with its fuel tax reporting software and other features, can make the difference between success and failure. Our product will give you a clear picture of where you’re at profit-wise, keeping you out of trouble with creditors and ensuring your long-term success.
7. Don’t play games with the government, especially when it comes to taxes. You may go for months or years without paying your share, only to get an ominous phone call or letter when you least expect it. This is yet another reason to use TruckingOffice. With its fuel tax reporting software and other powerful capabilities, you’ll never have to worry about under-or over-paying the taxman.

Running an owner operator trucking business requires training, dedication, and initiative. But it offers good pay, job security, and the freedom of being your own boss. So good luck in your transportation career from all of us here at TruckingOffice!