To transport commodities and things like food, oil, and home essentials throughout the nation, truck drivers drive trucks packed with those items.
Truck drivers can choose from a wide variety of employment, but there are significant distinctions in how these drivers are categorized. It’s beneficial to comprehend these categories if you want to work in the trucking sector.
What is actually an independent truck driver? That somewhat changes depending on who you speak to. Regrettably, some businesses may use the phrase “owner-operator” interchangeably with their leasing contracts and refer to independent truck drivers as such.
We cover independent truck drivers and corporate truck drivers in this post to help you understand how they differ, what advantages they each provide, and how to pick between them.
What is actually an independent truck driver?
Although independent truck drivers and owner-operators or leasing contractors belong to the same broad family, there are some significant distinctions. Instead of the carrier you contracted with, you will purchase or lease your truck from a third party.
You won’t, however, run your business with your own DOT authority, unlike an owner-operator. Fuel taxes, licenses, and load insurance are normally handled by the carrier, so you won’t typically have to bother about them.
You will enter into a contract with one or more owner-operators or trucking businesses as an independent truck driver under their DOT authorization. Typically, you’ll be allowed to select your own loads and schedule your own time. You’ll also be in charge of managing your own company.
What distinguishes an independent truck driver from one who is employed?
Independent truckers are very different from employee drivers, however, they have certain similarities with owner-operators and leasing contractors. Company drivers work for a certain carrier. They operate commercial vehicles, transport the loads given to them, and are compensated either per mile or per hour.
In most cases, the business handles costs like gasoline and upkeep, and many carriers provide a minimum weekly wage. For drivers with certain requirements, such as a family at home that depends on a certain sum of money each week, it can be a terrific option. Yet, compared to independent truck drivers, employees often make less money and have less influence over their timetables.
Independent truck drivers need an element of entrepreneurship. For the possibility of larger rewards, you must be ready to accept some risks. An independent truck driver may be able to earn more money, acquire more attractive routes, and relax more at home than the average company employee with grit, perseverance, and a little business sense.
Which is best for you will rely on your unique demands, lifestyle objectives, and business talents.
What are the wages for independent truck drivers?
As an independent truck driver, your income will mostly depend on the cargo you select and the way you plan your schedule. The average pay for independent truck drivers is higher than that of business workers but lower than that of owner-operators. The pay restrictions that many business drivers and leasing contractors experience won’t apply to you.
Yet, if you’re employed by a business, you might not have as many options as an owner-operator for generating additional income. Yet, you won’t be subject to as many restrictions as owner-operators do.
Advantages of working as an independent truck driver
Freedom: Given that so much of the day is spent carrying out job activities, having the option to select how you work is quite advantageous for many people. As an independent truck driver, you frequently have the option to select your own vehicle, tasks, and routes, giving you a lot of latitudes to set up a productive workplace.
Choosing your own hours: As independent truck drivers frequently control their own schedules, you can choose to work fewer hours to have more time for leisure pursuits or more hours to earn a higher salary. If you want more flexibility in your workday and the chance to decide how much money you can make, this is a huge benefit.
Selecting your own equipment: Although equipment prices should be taken into account, you can like owning or renting your own truck since it gives you the freedom to select a model that is practical and comfortable for you. Also, this makes it simpler if you drive for numerous employers or wish to park your car close to your house after work.