What is important to owner operators?
 

Hi,

I'm new to this board. I work for an LTL firm that is seeking owner operators, and the company is seeking information about what is important to the o/o.

If you were considering working for a company, what do you realistically want them to offer you in compensation and benefits? What are dealbreakers for you?

Thanks in advance for the information.

Jacy

Welcome to the board.

Non-forced dispatch, freedom to choose loads, choice of loads when possible, is a reason that many owner/operators buy their own trucks. The ability to make a decent living with better-than-average home time. Not sure how that would work with your operation.

These days, a company that I could lease to that offered an option to purchase group health insurance through them would be a BIG plus, assuming premiums were somewhat reasonable. I realize that might be difficult for some companies, but it would be a big attraction to me.

Be willing to provide applicants with a copy of the lease agreement before they are expected to sign it (time to review it.) Not doing so is a deal-breaker for me.

Those are a few that would be important to me.

Freedom, honesty, money! Not necessarily in this particular order, but "all included"! :wink: 8)

LTL, I assume you're running designated lanes then between terminals or contracted customers? If so, my priorities would be pay and non-forced dispatch. Pay me good money and let me run how hard I want.

I agree with Solo, but more money can balance out a lack of the other two (sometimes) :wink:

Re: What is important to owner operators?
 

1. Fair sharing of all loads: no favorites!
2. 100% of the fuel surcharge must go to truck owner-operators
3. Fair accounting/bookkeeping: if a trucker has earned it, you pay it
4. Loads must allow reasonable time for delivery: no 1,500 mi loads that need to be done in 1.5 days

Not leasing on to a company for one...