Three Factors To Consider When Searching For An Owner Operator Role
The company you choose to partner with as an owner operator will have a direct effect on your success, or lack thereof. For this reason, it's important to be selective when choosing a company to work for. Make sure you know what factors you should consider while on your search.
Long-Term Industry Growth
Take the time to investigate the long-term growth potential of the company you are looking to partner with as an owner operator. It's never wise to partner with a company that doesn't have a long-term future. You want to work with a company that can offer you income that is sustainable.
Take a company operating in a failing industry, for example. There might be plenty of routes now, but should their production needs decrease in the near future, they will likely cut back on drivers, which could leave you on the chopping block and back in the job market. Look for long-term options.
Access To Driver Resources
Although you will be operating independently, it's still helpful to look for those companies that extend driver resources to their owner operator drivers. Driver resources can help save you money and help you run your routes more efficiently.
For example, some companies don't restrict hotel discount rates to company drivers; they also offer them to owner operators. Even if it's just a small discount, this is money you can save when you need to book a room while on the road. Look for a company that extends their driver resources to operators as well.
Route Flexibility
A number of owner operators partner with more than one company for routes. If you're interested in this option, you want to choose companies that offer flexibility. Some companies want to monopolize all your time, forcing you to take certain routes, whereas some companies offer routes and you get to accept or decline them at your discretion.
When working with multiple companies, the latter scenario is the better option. This type of partnership gives you the flexibility you need to decide which routes you will take in order to maximize your earning potential, which is ultimately what it's all about.
Choosing the right company to partner with for owner operator jobs is the first step on the path to success. Make sure you are taking your time to research your options to ensure you are making the best choices for your current needs, as well as your future needs.
