Owner-operators are in charge of running the day day-to-day operations of a small business they own. For semi-truck drivers, owner-operators are self-employed, independent drivers that don’t work for a particular company. Drivers instead work for various clients with trucks and equipment they can lease or own. While many semi-truck owner-operators drive a single rig, it’s not uncommon to grow to have multiple trucks and employ other drivers. Talk about LIFE-CHANGING!
If you’re considering becoming a semi-truck owner-operator, here are the first steps to take to build a successful career:
Research, Plan, & Set Goals
You’re DOING IT! This is a big move to get your first truck and start working for yourself.
Becoming a business owner is freeing and empowering. You can drive your own dreams. But, first understand your current financial state and goals.
Here’s what you’ll need to assess and address before going down the path of becoming a semi-truck owner-operator:
- Do you have a solid financial foundation to get approved to buy a decent truck?
- What are your short-term and long-term goals – six months vs. five years?
- Who can you network with in the industry to build your business?
- What regulations of semi-trucks, roads, and owning a business will apply as an owner operator?
In addition to consulting with My First Truck about financing a truck, you may want to meet with an accountant and small business attorney to make sure you start on the best foot possible. And if you already have your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and previous truck-driving experience, you’ll be able to hit the ground running – er- driving!
Make It Official
You must have proper documentation that includes the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers to legally operate as an independent truck driver.
The USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will assist you with securing USDOT and MC numbers. Then you’ll need to make sure you have insurance for both the truck(s) and health.
My First Truck Financing: Owning vs. Leasing
You’ll need your own trailer as a semi-truck owner-operator. Whether you decide to buy a brand new or used truck or lease one, there are various pros and cons:
Owning
When searching for the perfect semi-truck for your needs, it’s imperative to know what kind of model will best suit your financial goals.
Pros
- The purchase can be used as a tax write-off
- As a truck owner, you can modify and use the truck any way you want
- Commercial truck insurance is typically less expensive than a leased one
Cons
- The up-front costs are expensive
- You’ll need to find your own loads
- Repairs and insurance are your responsibility
- Insurance premiums are lower than with leasing
Leasing
If you are not able to purchase your own semi-truck outright, leasing is an option. You’ll get the equipment you need as an owner-operator for a specified term.
Pros
- It’s typically less money than a loan
- Usually, you’ll have some tax advantages
- You’ll have fixed, stable payments
- You can select the best type of lease for your needs
Cons
- You may wind up paying more in the end than if you had purchased the truck
- You’ll need to carry additional insurance on the truck to protect the investments
- Leased trucks can’t be customized
- You may not get enough miles to make lease payments
It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons as well as understand all the costs that go into operating your truck before entering a lease agreement.
As an independent owner-operator of a semi-truck, you’ll have to calculate and track overhead costs like fuel, insurance, repairs (this is why you’ll want to get a good truck that won’t break down all the time), maintenance, and more. There are many programs out there designed to help your new business succeed.
Drive Your Own Dreams
Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful semi-truck owner-operator!
Additionally, you should give yourself time to find the best deal on your truck(s). And at My First Truck, we make the application process for financing a truck simple. Fill out the credit application online; approvals should typically come within 24 hours. Plus, we’ll handle all the paperwork, expediting the delivery of your equipment!
Why work so hard to build someone else’s dream? Give us a call, at My First Truck Financing by CapStar you’ll speak to REAL PEOPLE who know the industry like the back of our hands. We’re here to help you on the road to becoming a successful owner-operator!
Jim at (813) 594-1120
Chris at (813) 594-1115 (habla español)
Tags: buy a truck, Capstar Corp, lease a truck, my first truck financing, owner operator, self employed driver, semi financing, semi truck, semi truck driver, semi truck financing, truck, truck driver, truck financing, truck loan
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.