OTR Dry Van Driver — Nationwide
Nationwide (Lower 48)$0.55 - $0.70/mileHome every 2-3 weeks
1+ years CDL-A · CDL-A
Owner Operator Jobs
Run your own trucking business with your own authority or lease onto a carrier. Higher earning potential with full control over your schedule and routes.
Average Pay
$150,000 - $300,000+ gross
Home Time
Varies
Experience Required
2+ years CDL-A
What to Expect as a Owner-Op Driver
Owner-operators run their own trucking businesses, either under their own motor carrier authority or leased onto a carrier. Gross revenue for a single-truck operation typically ranges from $150,000 to $300,000 or more per year, though expenses eat a significant portion of that -- fuel, insurance, maintenance, and permits can run $80,000 to $150,000 annually.
Running under your own authority gives maximum freedom: you choose your freight, set your rates, and build direct relationships with shippers and brokers. Companies like Landstar operate as agent-based networks where owner-operators (called BCOs) access freight without forced dispatch. Load boards like DAT and Truckstop.com are essential tools for finding and booking loads.
Lease-purchase programs offered by carriers like Prime Inc. and Knight-Swift let drivers transition into ownership without a massive upfront investment. However, these arrangements vary widely in terms and should be reviewed carefully. Some programs are genuinely driver-friendly; others carry significant financial risk.
Success as an owner-operator requires business savvy beyond driving skills. You need to understand fuel tax (IFTA), permits, insurance, bookkeeping, and maintenance scheduling. Most successful owner-operators have at least two to three years of company driving experience before making the jump to ownership.
Key Highlights
- $150K-$300K+ gross annual revenue
- Full control over routes and schedule
- Requires business and financial skills
- 2-3 years company experience recommended
Open Owner-Op Positions
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Flatbed Driver — Regional Routes
Regional (multi-state area)$0.60 - $0.78/mileHome weekly
1+ years flatbed preferred · CDL-A
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Frequently Asked Questions About Owner-Op Driving
How much does it cost to become an owner-operator?
Starting costs vary. A used truck runs $30,000 to $80,000, while a new truck costs $150,000 to $200,000+. Annual operating costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance, permits) typically range from $80,000 to $150,000. Lease-purchase programs reduce upfront costs but come with contractual obligations.
Do owner-operators really make more money?
Gross revenue is higher ($150K-$300K+), but net income after expenses varies widely. Well-run single-truck operations typically net $60,000 to $120,000 annually. The highest earners run specialized freight, minimize deadhead, and maintain tight control over expenses. Some owner-operators net less than company drivers after expenses.
Should I run under my own authority or lease onto a carrier?
Running under your own authority maximizes earning potential but requires managing your own insurance ($12K-$20K/year), permits, billing, and finding freight. Leasing onto a carrier simplifies operations -- the carrier handles insurance and freight -- but takes a percentage of revenue (typically 15-30%). Many drivers start leased and transition to their own authority.