Driving For A Owner Op

Hey fellow drivers found me a job driving for a owner op i start soon has anybody else went this route any advice is appreciated.

Working for an owner operator can be a tricky path. It might be a dream, it might be a nightmare, depending on how things are structured and how well the owner operator is doing.

Are you being paid as an employee or as an independent contractor? If you're being paid as a contractor you're going to have to pay your own taxes for the year so keep that in mind and put some savings aside.

Are you running electronic logs or paper logs? Chances are you're running paper logs and they're going to expect you to turn pretty big miles. So be prepared for that.

I have heard stories over the years of people working for owner operators that were struggling to pay their bills and the drivers in turn had trouble getting paid sometimes.

I've worked for very small companies, including one with 5 trucks and one with 11 trucks. I never worked for just an owner operator, but overall my experiences with large companies were a lot better than those with smaller companies.

If your owner-operator mentions "1099", you will be paid all your pay with no deductions. (If he says you'll get 40¢ cents per mile, you'll take that rate home.)

Don't get all excited, though. As Brett suggests, you should keep at least 25-30% of your pay in a separate account for taxes, which eventually you'll have to pay quarterly. You will also not have workers comp - if you get hurt on the job, you'll pay the medical bills 100%. You also will be responsible for your own medical insurance.

The thing about "delayed" paychecks is a possibility for any small company. Happened to me once (not a truck company). Not fun.

Reminder: these are warnings of bad possibilities. Your new boss may be doing so well he does need help. Good for you!

Well started today and yes im running elog carrierweb and i did a drug test, road test, etc. I'm guessing independent contractor side company he's leased to gave me their fuel card and I'm paid a % of the loads i run but thanks for the replys i hope it works out at the very least i gotta stick it out 6 months before another company will check me out.