Why Link Up with a Specific Carrier When You're a New Owner-Operator?
When you strike out on your own as an owner-operator, you are taking your career into your own hands and giving yourself much greater say in how and when you do your work. But being an owner-operator—the trucking equivalent of being a freelancer—can also make your situation more unstable. One option you will find for work is linking up with a company that offers repeated work to owner-operators. But after going solo, so to speak, why would you want to link up again with a specific company?
Freight Boards Do Not Guarantee a Full Load
Many drivers look to freight boards to find extra loads, but these guarantee neither work nor a full load. They are very helpful as side gigs; maybe you have half a load and are available when the board has a smaller load that needs to go in the same direction you are going. But you can't rely on these as your main source. With a company that offers work to owner-operators on a regular basis, you can ensure you work with companies that offer full loads and that do not have you driving long distances with little in the truck.
Companies May Have More Consistent Work
Linking up with a company that offers owner operator jobs can bring you much more consistent work. It is one of the basic tactics of running your own trucking business to get these companies as clients, for lack of a better term. The only difference is that you are driving for them instead of providing something like engineering consulting skills.
You Are Not Necessarily Limited to Just That Company (but Check Your Contract)
Also, you're not necessarily limited to working with just that company. You do need to check over any contracts or work agreements to be sure, but you may be able to work with as many of these companies as you want, provided you are not overcommitting.
It is possible that these owner-operator companies will offer lower pay. You don't want to go too low, but keep in mind that if the company has you on a roster and continually offers you work, they're removing the marketing and calling that you would have to do to find more and more clients. As you become more familiar with how you like to run your own trucking business, you'll figure out what qualities you really want in these jobs.
If this appeals to you, start looking for owner-operator driving opportunities today.
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